Can I stain butcher block? How do I seal?
peonybush
12 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (8)
millworkman
12 years agobrickeyee
12 years agoRelated Discussions
Can I see your ikea butcher block?
Comments (4)I have the birch Numerer butcher block from IKEA. I love it. The colors are hard to photograph and the lighting makes a big difference, but you can see my blog post on it below, and also check out the photos of the wood when I was trying to find a paint color. (you might have to register) It seemed to me that the birch was lighter and more golden. The beech is also lighter with a slight reddish hue. The oak is darker with more "character". I wanted to have the horizontal lines in my kitchen (floor and counters) have the same color value, so I chose birch to go with my maple floors. What are your cabinets? Here is a link that might be useful: IKEA birch counter top...See MoreWhere do I find this butcher block plug?
Comments (7)It looks like it might be a commercial serving/warming dish that is being used as a built-in compost bin. I think I would start looking at kitchen supply stores for something that might work. I found one but it's not as pretty as your picture; hope it gives you an idea of how to do this. Here is a link that might be useful: Link to warming tray...See MoreSealing butcher block with floor polyurethane?
Comments (7)Remember that the Ikea butcherblock is pre-treated with their oil, so if you use an incompatible finish, it won't stick. You'd have to sand them all the way down past the existing oil finish, which might be more work than it's worth. I don't know if they're still selling their Behandla oil -- I mean the linseed-based countertop finish, not the beeswax one they have in the stores now -- but that's what I used and it has held up beautifully. It was sort of a pain to apply, but I haven't had to reapply it. It did not have a strong odor like Waterlox does (I tried a sample of that but couldn't handle the smell). I think the thinner tops have more risk of warping than the thicker ones; I believe that's what they told me at the store when I was buying ours. Still, it sounds as though you've got free countertops (well, already-paid-for countertops), so unless there's something wrong with them, I'd go with them! Just don't put in a tile backsplash yet, if they're thinner than the countertops you intend to install later....See Morestaining and sealing butcher-block counter
Comments (12)I hope you have some samples for testing, or can detach and turn the countertop over, because just sealing can darken a finish. Also, if you don't seal the underside, they can warp. My IKEA numerar slab, sealed only on one side, warped when the humidity rose during the rainy season and there was almost an inch of difference between the edges and the center. It eventually straightened out when the humidity went back down, but it's better to prevent it. My alder countertops went from pale blonde to a reddish brown with just untinted tung oil (Waterlox). I saw the color change and canceled plans for staining it. Try the sealant alone. For an eating area, any finish will do, but consider something matte that will not show the inevitable scrapes and nicks as badly as high-gloss does. Then try several stains. You can buy tiny test packets of stain at ACE and perhaps other stores. It's convenient and cheap....See Morebobismyuncle
12 years agojessicaml
12 years agoandersons21
12 years agoUser
12 years agolindac
12 years ago
Related Stories
WOODWORKINGHow to Clean and Care for Your Butcher Block
Keep butcher block counters and boards looking sharp as a knife — and sanitized for safe food prep — with this advice from a pro woodworker
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNButcher Block Makes the Cut for Holiday Kitchen Prep
Countertops and cutting boards will likely take a beating over the holidays. These butcher blocks have the chops to perform under pressure
Full StoryLIFEThe Polite House: How Can I Kindly Get Party Guests to Use Coasters?
Here’s how to handle the age-old entertaining conundrum to protect your furniture — and friendships
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: Yard Seals the Deal for an Eichler Home
Expansive indoor-outdoor living sold a couple on this midcentury California home, now brimming with vintage finds collected over time
Full StoryLIVING ROOMSIdeabook 911: How Can I Make My Living Room Seem Bigger?
10 Ways to Make a Small Space Live Large
Full StoryFUN HOUZZEverything I Need to Know About Decorating I Learned from Downton Abbey
Mind your manors with these 10 decorating tips from the PBS series, returning on January 5
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNYes, You Can Use Brick in the Kitchen
Quell your fears of cooking splashes, cleaning nightmares and dust with these tips from the pros
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESSeal the Deal With Fiber Cement Siding
Chameleon-like, durable and low maintenance, fiber cement gives home exteriors of all shapes and styles a winning edge
Full StoryMOST POPULARYou Can Turn That Into a Bathroom Vanity?
Find inspiration in 13 unconventional bathroom vanities that are as functional as the real deal
Full StoryART8 Ways Vermeer’s Work Can Make Its Mark in Your Home
Go Dutch with stained glass, Oriental rugs, checkered floors and delft tile
Full Story
andersons21