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After a good deal of research and
consideration we used butcher block counters in our own recent kitchen renovation.
The new design called for large expanses of counter and I initially wanted to
use a combination of stone and butcher block. Using stone for the sink areas
made sense in terms of maintenance (wood can=trouble around water). Wood
was selected due to its physical warmth in winter and because we had an old
butcher block table we were sentimental about replacing. I was looking at honed "Virginia Mist
granite for the stone as its similar in look to soapstone but less expensive
and easier to maintain (according to some). I loved the look of Virginia Mist
but decided the mix of stone and wood might be odd as the entire counter is one
continuous entity and therefore, we selected wood for the entire counter. After digging around for sources we went
with 1 1/2" maple tops from Hardwood Lumber Company in Ohio. Because this
was a DYI situation, and this is not an area of expertise, I spent time
considering the best series of board/top run sizes to make for fewer cuts and
joined areas -see sketch. Initially I wanted 1" thick tops but due to the
humungous sizes (length and width) of tops we were required to use 1 1/2
material in maple.The material was shipped with one
"good side" and ready for light sanding on both sides as prep for the
final finish. While quite a range of edge options is available, we opted
for standard/square edges.
The material was shipped with one "good side" and ready for light sanding on both sides as prep for the final finish. While quite a range of edge options is available, we opted for standard/square edges. When finishing wood counters, options vary based on whether you want "food grade" counters that can be cut on directly, or varnished which require use of cutting boards. In cases where the user wants to cut and prep directly on counters are generally finished with oils such as Tung or mineral oil. Varnish is used when owners plan to use cutting boards for cutting/prep. We opted to use a finish/sealer product called Waterlox that is a tung oil and resin based and provides a protective, waterproof finish. Waterlox was recommended by the wood manufacturer and came highly recommended by others as well. We used Waterlox original sealer (several coats) and several coats of Waterlox finish (satin). According to wood manufacturer it is important to seal/finish and install the counters as soon as possible once they are delivered to prevent warping. The sealing and finishing process took several days and a bit of focused work, but the finished wood is beautiful. One great thing about the Waterlox product is that it allows for partial maintenance over time -if a part of the counter is damaged/marked, that part alone can be sanded and resealed, which should be a bonus over time. After some interesting times trying to get the huge wood counters in our old house with narrow doors and hallways, the counters are in and were in place for a large party we had last week. The rest of the room is not ready for a final photograph but here is a sneak peak.
The material was shipped with one "good side" and ready for light sanding on both sides as prep for the final finish. While quite a range of edge options is available, we opted for standard/square edges. When finishing wood counters, options vary based on whether you want "food grade" counters that can be cut on directly, or varnished which require use of cutting boards. In cases where the user wants to cut and prep directly on counters are generally finished with oils such as Tung or mineral oil. Varnish is used when owners plan to use cutting boards for cutting/prep. We opted to use a finish/sealer product called Waterlox that is a tung oil and resin based and provides a protective, waterproof finish. Waterlox was recommended by the wood manufacturer and came highly recommended by others as well. We used Waterlox original sealer (several coats) and several coats of Waterlox finish (satin). According to wood manufacturer it is important to seal/finish and install the counters as soon as possible once they are delivered to prevent warping. The sealing and finishing process took several days and a bit of focused work, but the finished wood is beautiful. One great thing about the Waterlox product is that it allows for partial maintenance over time -if a part of the counter is damaged/marked, that part alone can be sanded and resealed, which should be a bonus over time. After some interesting times trying to get the huge wood counters in our old house with narrow doors and hallways, the counters are in and were in place for a large party we had last week. The rest of the room is not ready for a final photograph but here is a sneak peak.
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