Asked on Mar 27, 2015

I have a butcher block, I want to turn it into a kitchen island.

Evp1469597
by Evp1469597
I would like to change the top and replace it with a wider one and add 2 stools. Is it doable?
butcher block table in need of.....
old butcher block
  10 answers
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Mar 27, 2015
    Can't see why you just couldn't add a larger piece right over the top as it looks super sturdy.
  • Gail Salminen Gail Salminen on Mar 27, 2015
    There are a few posts on here about this project. I found one. Check out @ishouldbemoppinthefloor - her project was to widen her kitchen island. I haven't done this but it would seem that you may have to add legs on the extended side for support. Good luck and do update us with pics when you are done.
  • Colleen Mayes Colleen Mayes on Mar 28, 2015
    Agree w Marion. I would just attach another on top, counter-sinking screws from top and inserting wood plugs before adding a food-grade finish.
  • Ros Ros on Mar 28, 2015
    I have no idea how much you want to enlarge the island. One could add a low bookcase along the back or a second cupboard . I would think of a marble/corian top, slightly larger than the base/s and even with one side extra wide for a breakfast bar. It really depends on what size one wants. I would probably paint the cabinet and other pieces.A pretty French blue or whatever one fancies.
  • Moxie Moxie on Mar 28, 2015
    Cool piece and great idea! Be sure the added offset top weight won't pull the base unit over..you may need to add a support panel under the top extension perpendicular to the base unit as the extended top could make it too top heavy. Love to see it when your done!
  • Monica Monica on Mar 28, 2015
    I agree with Gail, you'll have to add legs (4) for support, and keep the original for storage. The extended side or sides will do well to put some tools beneath.
  • Carole Carole on Mar 28, 2015
    If you are adding timber butcher top to what is already there, then I agree, beware of adding too much weight, especially as the casters look to be plastic. I would change the casters to something bigger and more industrial looking to take the weight. I would also bear in mind the overall height of the piece. If you add timber to the existing top it will raise the overall height (and so would larger sturdier casters). It needs to be a comfortable working height for you.
  • Chanros Chanros on Mar 29, 2015
    I agree with mounting a larger piece over the top and add legs. I would replace the rollers to a wider set, or replace them with a set of short wooden table legs.
    • Gail Salminen Gail Salminen on Mar 30, 2015
      @Chanros I have also seen posts on here where they use thick finials for the feet - installed where the casters are now. Really adds some class to the piece.
  • 9530106 9530106 on Mar 31, 2015
    Lots of ideas out there - here is an image that could work for you. You could place the stools at opposite ends. Good luck!
  • Country Design Home Country Design Home on Apr 03, 2015
    Hi! I agree with Moxie- those little carts are typically not all that heavy and sturdy to begin with. So just adding a top to it, especially a larger one with an extended side to add seating, may not be safe. Adding the table legs like the photo above is an option. Also remove the wheels, adding heavier wood feet instead. If you add another piece on top, it might look awkward-like you've added another piece on top of an existing piece. You might want to remove that top piece and replace it with the newer, larger piece.