How to make custom butcher block counter?
by
Julie Nutt
+10
What kinds of wood are best for making butcher block counters? We are building our own home. We have lots of scraps lumber and had some hickory milled from a large tree downed for construction. Other than "treated" lumber, is there any kind of wood that is NOT suitable for making countertops, whether for structural or food safety issues?
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Hi Julie, this link might help
https://www.remodelista.com/posts/remodeling-101-butcher-block-kitchen-countertops/#:~:text=Maple%20is%20one%20of%20the,wenge%2C%20zebrawood%2C%20and%20iroko.
Hickory is a hardwood isn't it?
Hi Julie, hope this helps you out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvb8pkDd53Y
here is some info for you
https://countertopsfaq.com/what-is-the-best-wood-for-butcher-block-countertops/86
Here is a link that my help:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qQgcL-MQkU
Soft woods like Pine or Fir are a no no. Hardwoods are best. Hickory will work fine and look amazing when sealed.
This is also a tutorial on how to instal a butcher block countertop: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21016558/how-to-install-a-butcher-block-countertop
Non- treated hardwood is what you want/
Maple is the most popular but whatever you use, make sure it is a hard wood that can take the abuse. Here's an article you might find interesting:
https://www.remodelista.com/posts/remodeling-101-butcher-block-kitchen-countertops/#:~:text=Maple%20is%20one%20of%20the,wenge%2C%20zebrawood%2C%20and%20iroko.
We made our bathroom countertop from Maple and it's gorgeous, clear and hard. Looks great with heavy use. However, we sealed it with polyurethane and that's not recommended for food. I would think that the sealer is a very important consideration when choosing the wood if food prep is involved.
If you want a real butcher block you use end grain of oak. Usually 1x1s.
Try these:
https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=clean%20butcher%20block
Here are some ideas: https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=butcher%20block
Any hardwoods would be fine. Pine or related soft woods won’t wear well. Seal with mineral oil or a combination of mineral oil and beeswax.