.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Butcher Block Counter

Remember when I told you about my ikea trip to pick up a chunk of butcher block? I've wanted to instal some butcher blockin my kitchen for a while after seeing some juicy insipration photos around the web. So I got to it, and have now completed one side of the kitchen, the small side.

First I had to cut about 5" off the length to make it fit in my space.

Then I sanded the original finish all the way down to the raw wood. I mixed my own stain, because the "Special Walnut" was too light, and the "Dark Walnut" was way too dark. Sooo.... I got a quart of Special Walnut and added one of those tiny little cans of Dark Walnut to it. I shook it up real good, and wa-la the perfect color. If you decide to mix stains make sure you wear gloves!!! I didn't and had stain all over my hands for about 2 days.
I did two coats of stain, letting each coat sit for about 15 minutes, then rubbing the excess off. I let it completely dry for about 4 days. 



 Above, how it looked with one coat. Below, working on the second coat. 


I used Waterlox Original Satin to protect it. I almost broke down and used a regular old oil finish from Home Depot, but decided I should do it right. I heard that Waterlox was the best, and I am so glad I listened. It was hard to find, as no body seems to carry it around here. I had to order a quart from their website. 
In the following photo you can see how the water just beads up. It is super easy to keep clean and dry. I love my new counter! I can't wait to do the rest of the kitchen. 


My kitchen was looking very cold, with the white cabinets, blue paint, tin backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. The warmth of the wood gives it a perfect contrast I think. It really makes the kitchen look more homey, warm and livable. 




And just to refresh your memory, this is what the kitchen looked like about a year ago.


20 comments:

  1. I love your new counters. So impressed by your hard work! I want to re-create the utensil holder w/the No. Is it just a coffee can w/painted burlap?

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a change! I love how the furniture has been finally. Thanks for the tips.

    ReplyDelete
  3. LOVE it! You did a great job!!! I'm working on a kitchen island right now that has a butcher block top. I'll be sure to show you photos after it's done!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. oh yeah - that's what i'm talking about! Freaking Beautiful w/ a capital B!

    ReplyDelete
  5. That is beautiful! I am so happy you are enjoying your new countertop. Amazing at the change!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Those look great! You installed that yourself? If I may ask, how did you cut the hole for your sink?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Doesn't just a touch of wood bring such warmth. I love the contrast.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Looks great! Your kitchen has turned out beautiful! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Totally gorgeous! I don't normally like butcher block, but with the way you stained it, I totally love it! Great job.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love the color and I've been interested in doing the same thing but Ive been reading that stains are not food safe. Does the waterlox effectively seal it off from the stain and make it foodsafe?

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love the can idea, so easy and cute! I also love your back splash. One day i'll have an amazing kitchen like you!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thank you for the waterlox tip! I am just finishing up the installation of butcher block in my kitchen and was wondering what to seal it with! Also, your stain has me thinking... Maybe I should go darker. Anyway, thanks for the update :)

    www.grandavebungalow.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am dying over those countertops! That is exactly what I would like mine to look like. Great job, they are so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Okay, I totally want to stain my butcher block island now! Nice job!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow That is gorgeous!!! Can I ask how thick your butcher block was from Ikea?? Exactly what I want to do in my kitchen!!

    -Kelsie

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, I walk by that backsplash at HD everytime we go and always wonder what it looked like in a "real" setting. I LOVE it! AWESOME!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Your kitchen is so pretty! I love the tin and that you used it for a backsplash!

    ReplyDelete
  18. AHHH that's GORGEOUS!!!!!! I wish it'd worked out for us to stay with you guys on our way thru...I'd LOVE a in person home tour! lol you did a great job lady! I can't wait to get together now that were in the same state!

    ReplyDelete
  19. The butcher prohibit design kitchen counter top can be definitely the thing in the kitchen's. After we re-designed your kitchen's not too long ago, When i explained to my hubby of which the JUST ONE qualification seemed to be i always required butcher prohibit design kitchen counter top.
    Butcher Board

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...