skip to main content

How has anyone stained Ikea butcher block?

13 years ago

Maybe because this summer has been so insufferable, I am longing for the cool unfussy look of this kitchen:

I also think I can largely adapt the look to the kitchen I am working on, even though it has less specatcular windows. The tricky part would be the countertop. It looks like soapstone to me, but soapstone is not an option on several counts.

I have no interest in faux soapstone, only the color, and I am wondering whether I could stain Ikea beech -- pale and tight-grained -- butcher block a coolish darkish gray (Cabot has a couple of choices) and finish it with satin waterlox without ghastly results?

I will have scraps to practice on after the butcher block pieces have been cut to the sizes needed, so there is room to noodle around before committing. But I would really like to see the results of any other non-traditional treatments of Ikea butcher block, if anyone cares to post pics.

Thanks.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

writersblock (9b/10a)
13 years ago
Some links:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0822575125735.html

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0221442111496.html
honorbiltkit
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks, writersblock.

Reshal's amazing transformation and precise instructions are what gave me the idea I might be able to do this in the first place.

And the fact that brickmanhouse used India ink stuck in my mind even though I hadn't bookmarked that thread. I am assuming that s/he tried stains called graphite, ebony, etc before deciding on the opaque ink.

I am not so much thinking of opaque, and in looking at Cabot's line of custom tint interior stains, it occurred to me that maybe some more adventurous soul than I had tried Vermont Barnboard, Nutmeg, or even Horizon on the palest of the Ikea butcher block offering.

I guess the right question would have been, "How quirkily has anyone stained Ikea butcher block?"

Cheers.

Here is a link that might be useful: color chart
Related Discussions
IKEA lagan butcher block countertops?
Q
Comments (7)
Lagan is the new name for the old Pronomen. These are the counters I have in my NJ kitchen. No splitting, germs (? lol, funny), whatever. As with almost any bb, it will warp if you don't properly store/acclimate it prior to install or if you don't finish it with something. Do a search here for IKEA BB countertops - you should find plenty of hits. Waterlox is available from the Waterlox website; also available at some local places - you'll have to call around. IKEA does not have it and is not affiliated with Waterlox. Yes, you just go to IKEA to the Kitchens department and order - then pick up right there and then in the Furniture Pick-Up and take them with you. If you need, you can also arrange for home delivery, but I've never done that so I can't comment on that. Here is a link that might be useful: One IKEA BB thread with pics
...See More
Can I see your ikea butcher block?
Q
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 More
Ikea Butcher Block
Q
Comments (3)
We installed them and have two seams tho to be frank they're not finished yet (and have been in for 8ish months). here are some threads that helped me along the way: http://www.ikeafans.com/forums/kitchen-planning/7813-numerar-countertop-regrets.html http://www.ikeafans.com/forums/kitchen-fixtures/1089-countertops-again-2.html http://www.ikeafans.com/forums/got-questions/1735-butting-butcher-block-end-end.html http://www.ikeafans.com/forums/assembly-installation/3234-cutting-beech-butcher-block.html http://www.ikeafans.com/forums/assembly-installation/10333-best-way-install-pronomen.html http://www.ikeafans.com/forums/assembly-installation/16063-joining-pronomen-counters.html
...See More
IKEA Butcher Block countertop news
Q
Comments (27)
I can't speak to the quality of the non ikea butcher block, but I can't imagine that they are better quality because my ikea butcher block is unbelievably beautiful. I wish I knew how to post a pic here because I think people would be shocked. I think it was the waterlox that brought out the beauty of them though, I sanded and water loxed at least 6 times, and not only are they gorgeous, but they are bullet proof. They don't scratch, stain, or anything. I'm pretty shocked. They have a gorgeous rich color, they look like a custom job. My aunt has the same ikea counters and didn't water lox and I don't care for them though.
...See More

Related Stories

WOODWORKING How to Clean and Care for Your Butcher Block

By R. Olson Design

Keep butcher block counters and boards looking sharp as a knife — and sanitized for safe food prep — with this advice from a pro woodworker

KITCHEN DESIGN The Cure for Houzz Envy: Kitchen Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Take your kitchen up a notch even if it will never reach top-of-the-line, with these cheap and easy decorating ideas

KITCHEN DESIGN Butcher 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

MUDROOMS The Cure for Houzz Envy: Mudroom Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Make a utilitarian mudroom snazzier and better organized with these cheap and easy ideas

DECORATING GUIDES The Cure for Houzz Envy: Guest Room Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Make overnight guests feel comfy and cozy with small, inexpensive niceties

LAUNDRY ROOMS The Cure for Houzz Envy: Laundry Room Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Make fluffing and folding more enjoyable by borrowing these ideas from beautifully designed laundry rooms

BEDROOMS The Cure for Houzz Envy: Master Bedroom Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Make your bedroom a serene dream with easy moves that won’t give your bank account nightmares

BUDGET DECORATING The Cure for Houzz Envy: Entryway Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Make a smashing first impression with just one or two affordable design moves

HOME OFFICES The Cure for Houzz Envy: Home Office Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Borrow these modest design moves to make your workspace more inviting, organized and personal

BUDGET DECORATING The Cure for Houzz Envy: Living Room Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Spiff up your living room with very little effort or expense, using ideas borrowed from covetable ones

Sponsored

1 Review

Industry Leading General Contractors in Columbus

More Discussions

Before and after

7

Kitchen decor and color scheme

0

Cambria Ridgegate countertop

0

Kitchen Layout Help

0

Kitchen design and add-ons

0