Can I make my own butcher block? (2023)

Can I make my own butcher block?

Making your own butcher block countertop is a DIY project that involves some light woodworking skills and a couple of days. However, doing it yourself can save you money and leave you with a food-safe countertop that lasts for years.

You can make up your own butcher-block countertop, or the same technique can be used to create cutting boards, or a top for a roll-around cart. The steps in creating the top are fairly easy, but the project does require some special tools, especially for the larger size tops.

How To Make a Butcher Block - YouTube

Applying Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is pretty simple to use. Pour an excess of oil onto the butcher block and let it soak into every corner of the wood. Then let it sit and wipe off the excess.

Average Cost of Butcher Block Countertops

A butcher block costs $3,500 on average. You should expect to pay between $50 and $100 per square foot, though this can change depending on the type of wood and the wood grain.

Butcher block can be made from nearly any wood. Maple is one of the best and most popular for butcher block counters because it's hard and has a clear grain. Cherry and red oak offer rich color.

True butcher block, made from strips of wood bonded together, serves as a work surface. It is the only countertop material appropriate for slicing and chopping. Most wood countertops are made from maple, though oak, cherry, walnut and teak are also used. Eco-friendly bamboo is gaining popularity.

How to build & install BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOPS // Home ...

For example, pine butcher blocks are less expensive but are not as durable as maple or other hardwoods and will need to be replaced sooner. Other considerations include the wood's ability to conceal knife marks, the available thickness, whether it is harvested in a sustainable manner and the appearance.

Butcher Block Treatment - YouTube

How thick should Butcher block countertops be?

Wood Countertops made in End Grain construction are known as ButcherBlock Countertops. End Grain Butcher Block Countertops have a minimum thickness of 2 1/2 inches.

Lastly, butcher block is an affordable material, generally costing less than granite. If you have a smaller budget, then butcher block is a beautiful option that doesn't put strain on your bank account.