Kitchen Remodel: Butcher Block Counter Tops @ 1/10th The Cost

Hello everyone my kitchen renovation is finally winding down. I still have a lot to do but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Whoopee!

Today I am finally sharing the way I achieved butcher block counter tops at a fraction of the cost.  If you remember I priced the custom counter tops at anywhere from $4500 to $7000! Wow, I was really shocked that they cost as much or more than granite. You can buy butcher block counter tops already pre-cut at a cheaper rate, but if you are like me, you need a custom size.

Anyhoo, here’s what they look like now.

Pictures just don't do them justice at least my pictures don't lol.

And here is what my bar looked like before with green laminate.

They look like they have a glass finish! I could not find a way with my little camera to take a picture that did not show a glare.  It’s that shiny!

Now if you want plain butcher block counter tops you may still follow my directions. You just need to leave off making a lip around the edges and pouring on the poly finish.

I would rate this project as medium in difficulty.  If you have some carpentry skills and have laid hard wood flooring you will have no problems.

Here is what you need to complete this project:

3/4 plywood (enough to cover all of your counter tops)

unfinished red oak flooring (In my area the only place to find this is at Home Depot and it is cheap!) You need enough to cover your counter-tops.

1”x 4” red oak trim (enough to trim out your counter tops)

flooring adhesive

long finishing nails

circular saw

router

hand sander

sand paper 60, 100, 150, & 220 grit

wood stain in color of your choice

Envirotex Lite polymer coating

(or polymer coating of your choice)

butane torch

trowels

sponge brush

plastic drop cloths

cheese cloth

mineral oil

paint mixing bucket

old pitcher with spout

Step 1

After you have removed your old counter tops re-enforce the corners of your cabinets as you see in the picture below to hold the weight of the plywood and wood flooring.

Notice the block of wood nailed to the corner stud. You need to do this anywhere along your cabinets that you feel need the extra support.

Step 2

Measure and cut your plywood to fit exactly the way you want your counter tops to fit.  Including the over hang on sides and at the ends. Apply plywood to top of cabinets.

Make sure your plywood is level and as you add flooring be sure to keep everything level

Step 3

Next cut your red oak flooring to fit on top of the plywood laying it out in an irregular pattern just as if you were laying it on a floor.  Once you have an area all cut and ready to lay out apply the flooring adhesive to the plywood in small sections.

Step 4

Now, after applying the adhesive lay each cut piece of oak to the plywood use an extra block of wood and a hammer to tap the planks together tightly.  Taking the block of wood put it against the plank and hammer it instead of the plank to tighten the planks against each other.  Then using an nail gun and the long 1 1/4" brad nails nail the planks together to get as tight a fit as possible. Nailing into the sides of the plank not the top so that there are no nail heads on the top.

Continue doing the above until you have completely covered your countertops.

Step 5

Now this is where you have a choice.  If you want true butcher block counter tops cut your 1”x 4” red oak trim to fit evenly along edges of top.  If you don’t want the upkeep like me cut your 1” x 4” to leave a small lip around the top so that you have something to encase the polyurethane when you pour it on. You can make this around1/4" deep.

Notice lip at top and right side of picture.

Step 6

Apply red oak trim to edges of counter top leaving lip around top or not according to your choice. Counter sink nails and fill with stainable wood glue. Also fill any spaces in the counter top with the stainable wood glue. 

Tip: wipe off all excess wood filler thoroughly with a wet towel as it really does not stain well.  You just want to get it in the cracks. 

I would also, if you have not already, remove your faucet so as not to get poly and stain on it. We cut out very tight fitting styrofoam circles to put in the holes. Also applying Vaseline around the top of your sink should keep any wood stain or polyurethane from sticking to it.

Step 7

First, using the router go along edges of trim rounding edges and corners.  Next using a hand sander and 60 grit sand paper start sanding. Sand the entire counter top thoroughly. Then sand with 100 grit, 150 grit, and lastly 220 grit. Top should feel smooth to the touch with no splinters or fuzzy areas. 

Dust off the counter and then wipe clean with a damp cloth being sure to remove all dirt and dust.

My butcher block counter piece next to my stove before mineral oil

Step 8

If you want plain butcher block counter tops all you have to do now is treat the top with mineral oil or a butcher block treatment oil you can find at most hardware stores. Apply according to instructions or, if using mineral oil for a first time treatment, apply four coats waiting a couple of hours in between coats.  I chose to leave one small counter beside my stove butcher block for food prep as you can see in the picture above. If you have chosen to apply the polyurethane proceed to step nine.

Step 9

Next you need to apply your stain of choice. Apply according to instructions on package.  I prefer to apply my stain by wiping it on with cheese cloth.  I just feel like I have more control. Early American is the stain color I chose as it wasn’t too dark and looked good with my new flooring.

Allow your stain to dry for one to two days keeping everything off the counters as it will scratch easily. Now you are ready for the top coat.

Step 10

Before pouring on polyurethane tape plastic drop cloths around and underneath all the counter tops. 

You will need at least two people to pour the polyurethane on more would be even better.  We ended up with five people.  Luckily my step son and his wife stopped by about the time we started and they jumped in and helped out. Thanks guys.

Mix your polyurethane according to instructions.  The product we chose was very simple as you mixed equal parts.

Tip: Do not stir your mixture like you are whipping it use smooth back and forth strokes.  Whipping adds bubbles to the mix that are hard to get out.  

We used a paint mixing bucket to mix the poly and an old plastic pitcher to pour the mix onto the counter tops.

Once someone pours the polyurethane onto the top have someone else start spreading the mix with a trowel. The longer the trowel the better. Keep adding and spreading until you reach the top of the lip all around the counter tops and there are no dips anywhere and the top looks even and smooth.  When it runs over the sides (which it will big time) spread it along the edges with the trowel or a sponge brush.

Here you see one person spreading as another uses the butane torch

Step 11

Let the poly set up for about five minutes then light the butane torch and slowly sweep the flame back and forth over any bubbles and watch them pop! Too cool! lol

We were not able to get all the bubbles out but the ones that were left were not too noticeable.

Note:  Using the butane torch in your home is very dangerous and should be done carefully.  I did not come up with this as it was part of the instructions on the polyurethane and I will not be held liable if you use this technique and are injured or damage is caused to your home in the use of the butane torch. 

Your counter tops will be dry to the touch in about five hours but you may not sit anything on them for three days until they are completely hardened.

That’s it! Your done! Finally! lol. I love how they turned out and so does everyone who stops by to visit. By the way the poly top coat we poured on is equal to 30 or 40 coats of regular polyurethane.

Let’s talk about cost before I close out.  The plain butcher block counter tops cost will be about $150 if you purchase your supplies in the Ark-La-Tex area where I live.  If you add the thick polyurethane top it cost about $400. Compared to $4500 it was well worth all the work.

Soon I’ll be sharing how I gave my cabinets an Old World finish  and then I’ll be sharing my completed kitchen. I hope you will continue to follow along until the big reveal.

Thanks for stopping by until next time

P. S. Be sure to link up your latest project at Transformed Tuesday! We can't wait to see what you've been up to.

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