If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you know I’m a HUGE fan of wood counters, or butcher block as it’s often called. I’ve used them in both of our houses in a number of rooms over the years. One of the most common questions I get is where I’ve purchased the wood counters I’ve used around our home. I’m sharing all of the places you can find them in stock (today!) at the end of this post.
I may be wrong, but I feel like it used to be much harder to find wood counters readily available for purchase. Maybe the farmhouse design trend increased the availability? Could be. Could be I was living under a rock all those years.
I know some shy away from using wood counters, especially in a kitchen, but they can absolutely hold up to just about anything (heat is the only thing we watch)…and if you treat them well they will hold up great even around a sink.
I shared how I (easily) treat our island butcher block to hold up to moisture here:
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Wood counters look great stained or just finished with a protective coat — either one is fine if you use the right products. **If you plan to use your wood counters as an actual chopping block, you’ll want to use only food-safe products.
Of course, butcher block isn’t just for kitchens. Their warmth contrasts so well against built in bookcases of any color:
I would use wood counters in every room if I could! 🙂
If you need to fill a lot of counter space, these can get spendy. I recently shared how I get the look of butcher block counters for a lot less when I used them on our basement bookcase built ins:
I wouldn’t use that option in a kitchen, but everywhere else it’s a great dupe!
When I’m working on a project and want the warmth of a wood counter, I want it RIGHT THEN. Thankfully we now have so many places that carry butcher block in stock.
When I last showed you the new wall of cabinets in the mud room, I placed our old laminate counters back on until I could pick up the new countertop:
At first I was going to keep this one on there, but then I realized that the butcher I had been coveting for YEARS would be absolutely perfect in this spot.
I shared a blogger years ago who installed a beautiful herringbone counter in a bar area and I loved it so much. I decided then that someday I’d use it in our home.
It’s the BARKABODA counter from IKEA and it is SO lovely:
IKEA used to carry solid wood counters — I used them in our previous house. Unfortunately they don’t sell solid wood anymore, but the options they do carry have a wood veneer that can be sanded and/or treated just like butcher block (at least a few times).
It can also be cut just like a solid wood counter:
Side note — that Kreg circular saw guide is the bomb! It made easy work of cutting this at home. Make sure to cut from the bottom of your piece if you’re using a circular saw or jigsaw. Ikea provides end pieces for any exposed cuts, but I didn’t need it since this side goes against the wall.
This counter isn’t exactly cheap (less than most solid surface counters though). This spot was perfect because I only needed six feet, so it wasn’t going to kill my budget.
After I got it installed I wasn’t sure it even needed to be treated — it was so beautiful on it’s own. But I figured it would only enhance the look and protect it as well.
My go-to for treating wood counters is Tung oil:
You can see how to apply Tung oil and why I use it for wood counters here. It’s such a great option for treating wood — low cost, easy application and protects against water and stains SO well. This is the Tung oil I used this time. (Formby’s was the best, it is now under the Minwax name.)
It gives wood new life and makes it shine (literally):
Geesh, I love it! I’ve tried other methods for protecting wood counters and this is the absolute best. My Dad is the one who told me to use it, and we all know Dads are always right! 😊
Isn’t she lovely? I love the dark walnut and the herringbone design:
Thankfully there are a BUNCH of places you can find butcher block wood counters to pick up today if you are working on a project. All of these links take you to the options available at each location. On some you’ll need to toggle the option for “in your local store” to see what they have available to buy immediately.
Also — all but the IKEA options are solid wood. Some butcher block is the more traditional look with different tones throughout, and some are more uniform and simple — it just depends on the look you want.
Where to find butcher block you can take home today:
**Also, search for lumbar yards near you. I’ve purchased from local companies as well. They usually offer more variety and can also cut them to the size you’ll need.
Am I forgetting any places you’ve found butcher block in stock? Have you used these beauties anywhere in your home?
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