/ Register

Using butcher block to replace all the counter tops

Discussion in 'Miscellaneous Repairs & Maintenance' started by shaxs, Mar 17, 2018.

  1. Mar 17, 2018 #1
    shaxs

    shaxs Active Member

    Messages:
    148
    Likes Received:
    50
    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2018
    I have an beautiful Boos counter top piece due to an Amazon screw up. It was originally intended for my kitchen but Amazon sent me two and I didnt need it for the kitchen. Here is what it is: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051HF5S4/

    I was thinking I could find someone with a band saw to split the board in two from 1.5" thick to 3/4" thick. My counter tops in the PuP are 3/4" thick. Looking at my measurements, I should be able to get all my surfaces out of two pieces if I can get it split.

    Any thoughts on if this is a good or bad idea?
     
    jnc likes this.
  2. Mar 17, 2018 #2
    Raycfe

    Raycfe Waterford Ct.

    Messages:
    15,250
    Likes Received:
    1,452
    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2007
    Location:
    Waterford, Ct
    That would take a BIG band saw with a very good guide.
     
  3. Mar 17, 2018 #3
    shaxs

    shaxs Active Member

    Messages:
    148
    Likes Received:
    50
    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2018
    I know. Maybe a cabinet maker?
     
  4. Mar 17, 2018 #4
    xxxapache

    xxxapache Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    2,881
    Likes Received:
    878
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2008
    Sounds heavy
     
    Fless likes this.
  5. Mar 17, 2018 #5
    shaxs

    shaxs Active Member

    Messages:
    148
    Likes Received:
    50
    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2018
    True. It's about 55 lbs for the complete top. If I did this, I wouldn't use the whole thing.
     
  6. Mar 19, 2018 #6
    shaxs

    shaxs Active Member

    Messages:
    148
    Likes Received:
    50
    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2018
    I went out to the pop up today and measured the height space between the current counter and the beds when closed in. Looks like there is 2" space so a standard countertop should work.
     
  7. Mar 19, 2018 #7
    ny_rocking_chairs

    ny_rocking_chairs Active Member

    Messages:
    266
    Likes Received:
    42
    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2016
    Location:
    Webster, NY
    I have a hobby woodworking business and I have never seen a band-saw capable of a 25" cut, it would be monstrous. Mine has about a 12" cut and this is pretty much industry standard.

    If serious about cutting it in half, could try finding someone with a log mill, those are made for cutting logs into boards and are typically 36"-48" width horizontal band-saws, but the blades are thicker and will not result in a smooth cut, planing and sanding will be required to clean up the cut sides.

    It does not appear to be end-grain so another option is to have it surface planed to thickness but half your board would become sawdust, look for any hardwood suppliers or millworks places for this option and find someone with a wide planer. Cannot surface plane an end-grain block, end grain does not react well to planers.

    A third option would be to cut the block into sections ~8" each and that would be doable on a standard band-saw, then reglue it back together.
     
  8. Mar 19, 2018 #8
    ~erik~

    ~erik~ Active Member

    Messages:
    287
    Likes Received:
    47
    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2015
    Location:
    North Georgia
    I've never tackled a piece 25" wide but I've had good luck splitting boards with my table saw. I run it through the saw on edge with the blade cutting dead center, flip the board over and then do it again. Then I use an old fashioned hand saw to cut the rib that remains in the center.
    Lastly I run it though my planner to remove that center rib "bump" and make it all smooth.
    Since I have no band saw I'd cut the table into two 12½" wide boards, then run it through my table saw and planner as described above, before finally gluing the two 12½" boards back together.
    Sounds like a lot of trouble to go through though!
     
  9. Mar 19, 2018 #9
    speckhunter80

    speckhunter80 Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    4,782
    Likes Received:
    62
    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2012
    Location:
    Shell Rock Landing, Hubert NC
    mistaken post
     
  10. Mar 20, 2018 #10
    shaxs

    shaxs Active Member

    Messages:
    148
    Likes Received:
    50
    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2018
    I dont want to take a planer to it. At this point Im going to buy a cheaper butcher block from Ikea maybe and use those.
     
  11. Mar 20, 2018 #11
    Popiworks

    Popiworks Paddle faster, I hear banjos!

    Messages:
    195
    Likes Received:
    52
    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2014
    To save weight you could use 1/2 plywood with butcher block Formica laminate.
     
  12. Mar 20, 2018 #12
    SteveP

    SteveP Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,499
    Likes Received:
    408
    Joined:
    May 21, 2015
    Home Depot sells butcher block style planks, 3/4 inch thick, light weight softer wood. Ive used it in the past to make shelves for a wire bakers rack. With a good stain and a poly varnish finish it should be durable. My shelves have lasted about 15 years so far with just an oil stain.
     
  13. Mar 21, 2018 #13
    shaxs

    shaxs Active Member

    Messages:
    148
    Likes Received:
    50
    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2018
    I saw that. So does Lumber Liquidators. But they are only 4" thick. I would have to use a jointer to make straight edges and glue some boards together. My widest section is 24" so I would need to glue and clamp 6. I dont have the tools currently....but I could get some and let the wife kill me :p
     
  14. Mar 25, 2018 #14
    shaxs

    shaxs Active Member

    Messages:
    148
    Likes Received:
    50
    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2018
    Quick update. A local craftsman is custom building butcher block countertops for cheaper than buying Ikea tops would be. I'll post pictures once I have them!
     
    jnc likes this.
  15. Mar 29, 2018 #15
    shaxs

    shaxs Active Member

    Messages:
    148
    Likes Received:
    50
    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2018
    Here is a look at the custom counter tops. I will need to seal them and install them at some point. I need to do all the cut outs too. These tops only have edges where necessary and are kept square where they slide into corners. I took pictures, took measurements, and then created a document for the wood worker. This helped them understand the requirements super easily. Tops are made out of alder wood which is nice since it is a sustainable species local to the PNW.

    20180328_181007.jpg 20180328_181017.jpg Slide1.PNG Slide2.PNG Slide3.PNG Slide4.PNG
     
  16. Mar 29, 2018 #16
    jnc

    jnc Welcome from New Hampshire

    Messages:
    3,921
    Likes Received:
    1,169
    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2014
    Location:
    South Central New Hampshire
    I like it. It will be easy to clean them up after a few years of wear & tear a quick sanding than reseal.
     
  17. Mar 29, 2018 #17
    shaxs

    shaxs Active Member

    Messages:
    148
    Likes Received:
    50
    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2018
    I am pretty excited about them. Was one of the easier options for trying to do countertops in the PuP.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...