Today let’s talk how to install Ikea butcher block countertops. We are back at it here with the kitchen renovation and finally my ugly black formica countertops are sitting in a dump somewhere and no longer haunting me! So before we get started let’s make sure you read up on how I finished these countertops with spar varnish to protect it from water, warping and stains.
As you guys may remember this entire kitchen renovation started by replacing a half sized dishwasher. Which led to moving the cabinets over and being short with the existing countertop. So today is the big day it is install day! Now normally you see me installing or DIYing a lot of these projects but today is all about my brother and my dad, I was really just along to assist and learn. See my brother installed these counters a few years ago in his kitchen and really was the expert. In fact he is putting them in at my sister’s house in a couple weeks. Needless to say we really like our butcher block counters in our family.
Before bringing in your new counters take your old counters out. Now if your counters are in good shape and you just want to update, see if you have a local Habitat for Humanity Restore in the area. You might as well donate them. Unfortunately mine were not in good enough shape there was a lot of warping and water damage.
Ikea Butcher Block Counters 2 Years Later
For us working in the kitchen seemed to be the best option with weather. We brought up two saw horses from the basement and brought the first piece up. Now if you decide to do all your cuts in the kitchen have your shop vac ready.
Now instead of just using a tape measurer we put the counters in place to mark our cuts. Now I purchased an Ikea Farmhouse Apron front sink.I actually chose this sink because it sets on top of the counters and there is no need to cut a hole for the sink. Making the DIY installation less daunting.
Now once we measured where on the cabinets we wanted to counter to end we set the counter tops back on the sawhorses and measured our cuts. Using frogtape mark where to cut.
Ikea Butcher Block Countertops
Using two spare pieces of wood and four clamps we created a straight edge for our circular saw. This will help guide the saw and keep the cut straight. There are attachments you can purchase for your saw to assist with this but this worked just as well for us.
In order to fit under that sink we had to account for some cut outs. Again using frogtape we marked the indent that needed to be cut out and followed along those lines cutting with the jigsaw.
Here is the best tip I am going to give you. Make sure you keep the cardboard the countertops came in. They work perfectly for making a template, if you have a corner that you need to cut at a 45 degree angle.
How To Install Butcher Block Countertops
Put your frogtape down and use the cardboard to trace your angle. Once you have your angle set up a piece of wood and clamps for your straight edge.
The corner is the most intimidating part of the whole installation. We decided to use a kreg jig to create pocket holes on the underside of the countertops.
Drilling two pocket holes on each side of the cut about 8-12 inches apart. Make sure to set the pocket hole drill bit for the size screw you are using.
Our Butcher Block Counter Top Review
Once you have made your pocket holes run clear silicone on the inner edge of your counters. Place the two pieces together.
Alternating sides start to screw in your pocket holes. We used the 1 1/4 course thread kreg screws I screwed one on each of the pairs alternating sides then came back and did the second screw. Once done wipe any excess silicone on each side.
Make sure your counters are in place and then take your remaining screws and screw the counter tops in place. Before screwing these in make sure that the 2 1/2 screws will work for your project. You do not want a screw thats too long.
Tips To Install An Ikea Butcher Block Countertop
Make sure before installing your counters you take the time to properly seal and finish them. This will extend their lifetime and protect them from stains and water damage.
Welcome to Weekend Craft. Life is busy so I am all about getting projects done on the weekend, whether it be crafts, DIY, home decor, or crafting with your Cricut.The kitchen renovation is in full swing here and today I am going to walk you guys through how to finish Ikea butcher block counter tops. Now what do I mean finish don’t you just go to Ikea then install those counters? Well you could but chances are this time next year your counter tops would be full of stains and could have some water damage. To avoid this the best thing to do is to seal the counters with a spar varnish. In this case I used Helmsman to seal my Hammarp counters.
Before we get started make sure you catch up from the beginning with full kitchen renovation plans here, learn about how to remove backsplash tiles hereand how to clean your cabinets with TSP before painting here.
Installing Butcher Block Countertop
First and foremost the reason I went with butcher block was budget. I recently bought a house and knew I hated the kitchen. It was just something I could not live with but I did not have a 15k-30k budget to renovate. I only had about $1, 000 to spend. My brother had installed butcher block counters about 2 years ago and they were holding up great. So off to IKEA I went to buy 2 98″ counters. Buy more than you think you need incase you make a wrong cut. Also make sure to bring a truck or SUV. We had to tie the counters to the roof because of the length.
The main reason I chose to use Helmsman is because of the durability of the finish. Helmsman is a spar varnish which actually comes from the boating industry. Where wood can expand and contract depending on humidity and water a spar varnish treats the wood as a protector but also allows flexibility. Now I have not used Waterlox before but it is my understanding that it has more of a “hard” finish. If that finish does chip there is no way to touch it up and you have to refinish your counters. Why not mineral oil? You should really only use mineral oil if you are going to use it a true butcher block where you are going to prepare food on your counters like a cutting board. Either way using waterlox or mineral oil if you like red wine then they are bound to stain over the years…. and I like red wine.
Setting up a working area for these long counters is important. Because I was doing this at night after work my basement was really my only option. It was a tight fit but I made it work setting up one counter on my workbench and the other across stacked rubber maids (sawhorses would work too). You want to keep this in an area that is free of pets and children. Also make sure to give your workshop or basement a once over for sawdust. You don’t want that getting on your counters.
Ikea Butcher Block Countertop {answers To Your Questions}
The important thing to realize here is that you are going to be finishing your counters before you cut them to fit your kitchen. Another thing to note when purchasing the counter tops from Ikea I choose the hammarp collection because it was solid wood there is also a veneer collection which I would stay away from because the core of the counter is mdf or particle board.
First step is to start sanding. So grab your palm sander starting out with 150 grit sandpaper. Now to make sure I didn’t miss many spots I went back and forth with straight lines making my way down the “row” before overlapping to the next row. Once you have completed a full side switch out your sandpaper to a finer grit, I chose 220, and repeat the sanding process. Now it’s time to flip the counters over and do the same to the other side.I will tell you I usually buy the cheap sandpaper from the discount store but I splurged this time around and went with the pro grade. I’m not sure I will ever go back. It’s pricey but it makes a difference!
This step is very important it will help you get all the dust and residue off your counters before you put on your varnish. Using a dust brush that I had around the house I brushed the surface of the counters removing the initial layer of dust. Next take your mixing container and pour some mineral spirits into it. Make sure to put on your gloves and grab your microfiber rag.
Hampton Bay 10 Ft. L X 25 In. D Unfinished Acacia Butcher Block Countertop In With Standard Edge Tp_10ft
Dip the microfiber
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