Make Your Own Butcher Block Counter – Stylish granite and sharp stainless. It looks all luxurious and modern – and maybe just a little cold. So what to do if you want more warmth in the heart of your home? Nice stuff with a rich looking butcher block. Its well-oiled tones are not only welcoming but easy to install, like
Senior technical editor Mark Powers shows in the following pages. Just order it in the size you want and then attach it. In hours you can transform a cold steel and stone room into a charming chef’s nook.
Make Your Own Butcher Block Counter
Butcher block is simply pieces of wood glued together into inch-thick slabs – a particularly durable and stable work surface in the kitchen. However, if you plan to put food on your butcher block, be sure to choose a product with a non-toxic finish.
Staining My Butcher Block Counters
Butcher block installation starts with ordering one that fits your space. Many manufacturers will measure and install the butcher block for you, but you can save on labor by making your own template from a semi-rigid material such as cardboard and sending it to the factory. The manufacturer will then ship the butcher block directly to you for installation.
If there are bumps or curves in the walls against the counters, you will need to scribe the template to fit them. Be sure to include whatever overhang you want on the butcher block—as little as 1.5 inches for a regular countertop or up to a foot for a counter with seats—and keep it even and parallel to the front of the cabinets when you draw. Then, before sending the template out, mark useful information for that manufacturer, including orientation, dimensions, and decorative edge profile.
If installed properly, a butcher block will last for several years. First, it needs a solid surface to rest on. For most cabinets that don’t have tops, this means installing blocking to provide support. On cabinets with solid tops, you can simply add thin strips of cover to raise the top high enough to allow air to circulate underneath.
In either scenario, you should attach the butcher block to the cabinets using flexible kitchen and bath caulk. But you also need to screw it in securely, while allowing for the natural expansion and contraction of wood. The best way to do this is to make an enlarged hole around the screw where it passes through the housing. This way, the top can move slightly in any direction with changes in humidity and temperature without spoiling it due to cracks or splits.
How To Make A Diy Butcher Block Cutting Board
A tip. For larger sinks or stovetops, tape the strips to mark where the rough holes for the necessary cutouts should go.
Tip: Mark the center lines for the width and length of each sink or range cutout and write their factory measurements directly on the template. Also include manufacturers’ product descriptions (available online).
If you’re working with open top cabinets, you’ll need to install a block so there’s something to screw the butcher block to.
If your cabinets have solid tops, it’s best to glue the cover strips to create an air space under the worktop and prevent it from collapsing in situations where moisture fluctuations are a problem.
Diy Butcher Block Counter Tops
A tip. To make an angled pilot hole in the block, first drill a small starter hole straight down, then pull the bit out and place it at an angle in the hole.
A tip. When drilling holes in cabinets, prevent the drill bit from blowing air around the opening by securing a scrap piece of wood against the top of the cabinet.
A tip. If oil accumulates, gently scrape off the excess with a putty knife and reapply a thin layer.
Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks and DIY Smarts projects from our experts – straight to your inbox. Swap dated laminate for a classic butcher block countertop. Unlike stone or solid surface, butcher block can be made in a basement or garage, making it the perfect DIY project to completely transform your kitchen on a budget.
How To Seal Butcher Block Countertops (easy!) Addicted 2 Decorating®
This cottage style has cabinets with built-in shelves that hold cookbooks and cookware. Butcher block countertops and mother of pearl cabinets give this large, open kitchen an inviting look.
Measure the parts of the kitchen counter with a tape measure. Record the measurements and transfer them to the butcher block. Mark the cutting line with a pencil (image 1). Place the boards on the sawhorses or between two work surfaces as you cut each section of the meat block. Attach a straight edge along the cut line, allowing for the width of the circular saw blade and saw guard (Figure 2). The straight edge to attach can be purchased or made with straight-sided wood and clamps. Cut along the line with a circular saw (Figure 3). If you are cutting many similar sized pieces, label them to avoid confusion (Image 4). A tip. For irregularly shaped counter parts, flow counters can be removed and used as a template.
Worktop edges can be left straight or chamfered for a premium custom look and softer corners. To mill the front edge, attach a straight board along the front of the work surface, leaving enough width to accommodate the router plate (Image 1). Use a combination square to make sure the tile is evenly attached. Never clamp directly against as this can dent the wood. Always use a small piece of scrap wood to protect the surface. Use a router fitted with a large Roman ogee bit to remove some of the wood. Place the straight edge around and fasten another 1/4″ back. Make a second pass with a router equipped with the same end. After the second pass, remove the straight edge and the clamps. The last pass will have the bearing of this end run along the bottom edge of the work surface, so no straight edge is needed (picture 2).
When placing two pieces of worktop together in an L shape, simply cut the two pieces to fit. Join them together as they are for installation and then clamp both pieces to the work surface to hold them tightly in place (Image 1). If there is a gap, it may be necessary to trim one or both pieces with a circular saw and a straight edge to achieve a straight line and a nice, tight fit. Once stapled together, sew the (optional) decorative edge as instructed above. This involves working on one side at a time and moving the staples and straight edge. Since most islands and/or peninsulas are larger than the normal counter depth, the two widths must be joined together. Cut off the excess width and length of the pieces to be joined, leaving a few inches of excess width for trimming so that the sides to be joined are perfectly straight. Beat together as they join to see if there are any gaps; for gaps, use a straight edge and a circular saw to make both sides perfectly straight. After trimming, reassemble the pieces. Once they are flush, take the counter with the smallest width and attach it to the pocket hole jig. Drill down into the underside of the counter, which will connect to the other piece (image 2). Put two screw holes about every 8-10 inches. Turn both worktop pieces over, wrong side up, and secure tightly together with two pipe clamps. Insert 2-1/2″ screws into the pocket holes (Figure 3). If desired, trim the exposed edges of the island/peninsula.
Easy Butcher Block Countertops Installation
A template may come with the purchase of a new sink. If not, you need to measure the existing sink and move it to the desired location on the butcher block. Tracing template with pen. Make sure it is square with the counter and in the correct place for the piping. Drill several holes in the marked area large enough to fit the puzzle. For an undermount sink, insert a hole in the puzzle and cut about 1/4″-1/2″ inside line. If you are using a built-in sink with a lip that covers the cut, cut right on the line and continue to step 8.
Transfer the template to a piece of 1/4-inch MDF. Cut out with a jigsaw and sand the inner edges smooth (image 1). Attach the template to the lining cutout along the drawn line. Use a router equipped with a shank-side bearing plane. bit and let the bit travel along the template. The template can be used for the entire sink opening or just for the corners (image 2), while a straight edge board is used for straight lines (image 3). Work in small sections and reposition the clamps when When the top edge of the sink opening is fully routed, turn the worktop over, wrong side up.
With the workbench upside down, switch the ends of the router to the end of the trim with the end bearing flat. Run the router around the sink opening to cut out the rest of the material (Image 1). Turn the counter over again so that the right side is up. If desired, use a small round bit to tap down the edge of the sink opening (Image 2).
Measure and mark the desired location of the faucet (image 1). Use appropriately sized drill bits (Figure 2) and/or Forstner bits (Figure 3) to drill holes in the marked location. Push the faucet into the holes to ensure proper fit.
How To Build A Modern Diy Desk With Butcher Block
Press the wood filler into any holes with your finger (Image 1). Wipe off the excess with a clean, slightly damp cloth (Figure 2). To allow
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