You saw your friend’s kitchen countertop. Its elegance and aesthetics struck you, and you bought one for yourself. You chose a bamboo butcher block from maple, oak, cherry and walnut, and mahogany. A great choice for your countertop!
You have the wooden slabs in front of you, but you’ve no idea how to attach the butcher block countertop.
Now, what’s next? Well, no worries.
In this blog, you’ll learn how to attach a butcher block countertop all by yourself. We make no promises that it’s as easy as ABC, but you can still do it like a pro.
But, if you haven’t yet bought the butcher block countertop, continue reading. So you can get answers to all your questions. You can also install a good quality countertop for your kitchen yourself.
Let’s start.
Buy High-Quality Butcher Block Countertop
Butcher countertops are a good choice to use in kitchens. Some of them resist moisture and are antibacterial. Like Bamboo Countertop. What’s more important is picking the right manufacturer.
Characteristics of a Good Quality Butcher Block Countertop:
1. The Forest Stewardship Council must certify the wood for the butcher block countertop. So you know it’s safe and tested.
2. The countertop block must go through the process of carbonizing. It makes the end-product strong to avoid damage.
3. The block butcher countertop must be 100% organic, so you can enjoy the perks that the raw material offers.
4. Thermal conductivity of the wood must be 17W/m-k. It is ideal for kitchen countertops, according to Nature.com.
Whichever wood countertop you choose, it must be adaptable with adhesives. Such as Melamine, WBP, and MR for plywood to make them sturdy.
That’s all from the expert buying advice section. We’ll move forward with the safety tips that you must remember before beginning.
Attaching Butcher Block Countertops: Safety Precautions
If you are doing a DIY project for the first time, you must keep some notes.
We’ve got you covered.
Tips:
- You will have to stay alert while measuring the countertop. Make sure the measurement fits fine; otherwise, there’s product wastage.
2. Butcher block countertops have different maintenance needs. Please avoid using ANY oil that you have. Use conditioners or beeswax instead.
3. The wooden countertops are prone to scratches that can last forever. So, it would be great if you tried not to use edgy knives.
4. Wipe off any liquids that spill on the countertop immediately. The wood tends to absorb it and swell.
5. Last but not least, reseal your countertop every once a year.
Before installing a butcher block countertop, take the following precautions:
Steps to Attach A Butcher Block Countertop
You need to plan much more before moving ahead and attaching a butcher block countertop.
It’s essential to use a waterproof countertop with an under-mount sink. Assorted pieces vary as the size of your kitchen.
Following are the seven essential steps to attach a Butcher Block Countertop.
1. Measure
Draw the layout of your cabinet. You should measure all along the walls, covering all sides and the cabinets’ foreparts.
Most cabinets are 24 or 24 -½ inches in depth. The cabinets are under 25 inches so that the countertop will join the front corner. It will have near a ⅛-inch build-up gap along the walls. The opening serves for the installation of a 4-inch backsplash.
Now check the depth from the walls to the cabinet door front or drawers in as many places as possible.
2. Remove the Countertop
To make the process easy, you can remove the cabinet doors and drawers to save them from damage.
Get the screws out. You can use a screw gun to do this and then remove the old countertop. Use an oscillating tool if you glue it down.
3. Create the Template
Most kitchens use a u-shaped top. Consider using thin cardboard strips. Set the pieces at their places over the cabinet fronts and put a mark on the front edge. These marks must be even.
For the time being, mark the back as well. Then cut pieces until the countertop’s depth. Place these pieces at right angles to the edge at the front. Now, apply hot glue to secure them.
You’ll need to create templates for each cabinet run. Estimate where you should place the seams and if you need to scribe a countertop along the wall. Next, lay the templates on your butcher block’s top to mark the cuts.
4. Cut the Butcher Block
- Place the butcher block on a firm surface. Cutting one piece at a time, keep checking if it fits after each cut. Cutting the edges is easy with these countertops. You should cut out the rounded edge at the joints and create flat seams.
- Begin with corner piece A. Its depth is more than the standard countertop depth. So that you can fit a larger piece.
- Cut straight on the top using a saw guide. Use painter’s tape before cutting. It will prevent the wood’s chipping.
- Measure space between the blade’s side and the saw shoe, and shift that to the block. Cut the excess side of the line. Set the guide to the top, and start the saw to cut. Rotate the segment, and cut the adjoining side to fit.
- Place the corner piece, and if possible, clamp it. You’ll need to round off this part later.
- Set piece B on the cabinet over the sink. Form the front line and keep it intact against the corner piece.
- To cut the sink, transfer the center part on the wall to the block. If needed, also share the marks on the sink front.
- Measure the distance from the countertop’s front to the face of the cabinet by using a combo square. Shift that to the top part. You should line up the sink template.
- Cut out the sink template, and line up the center mark from the wall. Then align the countertop depth mark and trace the template.
- Start drilling for holes with a hole saw at the corners. The radius is about 2 inches. Set up the straight edge to cut alongside the lines.
- Line up the saw blade from the backline. Pull the guard and plunge it into the material to cut.
- Place the top to fit, then cross-check the edge at the front. Ensure that the top is covering the flange of the sink.
- Begin measuring from the block in the middle to the boundary wall. Take it along the cabinet’s back and front to do the last piece C.
- Shift the measurement readings to the butcher block and start cutting. Look over the fit.
- Mark where pieces AB join. You will need them later.
5. Install New Countertop
- Join the pieces. Drill the holes in every 6 inches with a pocket jig. Use miter bolts to hold the pieces together. Mark across the seam.
- Use a router and set it for 2 inches, straight cut to a depth of approximately ½ inch. Cut the channel (flaps) into pieces and create the bolt space. Move the router with slow motions at high speed. Keep the head side wider for you to tighten it with a wrench.
- Before installing the countertop, apply a coat of sealant to all sides of the countertop. Use waterproof oil sealant to save the countertop from water.
- After you sand everything well, take a tack cloth to clean. Now apply the sealant with a natural bristle brush. Cover all sides, top, and bottom. Let it dry. Apply a second coat, and let it dry again before the placement.
- Secure the slabs by using cabinet corner braces to let the wood expand and contract. If needed, ream the holes larger.
- Place the tops together on the cabinets. Apply a round of sealant on top of the sink. Lower the countertop into place.
- You must align the milter bolt channels before tightening the bolts. The fore-edge should be in line with the cabinets to fix well. Clamp it. Secure the top with screws and washers using cabinet braces and brackets.
Things look good now!
Use a saw hole to cut the holes for the faucet and accessories. Don’t forget to seal the bare wood.
6. Install the Backsplash
Now, install the backsplash. Apply silicone to the back and set it into place. You can use braces or weights taken from the top cabinets to hold it.
7. Apply the Final Sealer
Applying more coats of sealer to the countertop will help. You can follow the manufacturer’s manual instructions. A lint-free rag will help in the finished coating.
When the last coat dries out, use a silicone seal along the walls. You are securing the intersection of the countertop and the sink. Apply silicone to the sink’s fore-edge.
8. Reconnect the Plumbing
- Install the faucet first. Fix the tap into the hole. Screw up the nut onto the stock. Use screws to connect the water valves supply lines.
- Connect the hose to secure the weight. Roll a part of the plumber’s putty to connect the drain. Press it at its place around the sinkhole, and insert the filter. Secure the filter with a washer and nut. Do not be so hard on tightening.
- Clean out the excess putty.
- Hook up the P-trap and drain. First dry-fit everything. Mark the fitting with a marker before gluing them. Apply PVC primer to the fitting and the pipe for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) standpipe.
- Next, apply PVC cement. Glide the fitting into place. Give it a quarter turn to align with the marks. Hold it for a couple of seconds.
- Finally, use slip nuts for a handy hookup at the sinkhole side. Make sure all the washers are hand-tightened and in place.
Once finished installing, check for leaks by running water. If it leaks, reset the washers and nuts. In the end, apply moisture barrier tape above the dishwasher.
Conclusion
Butcher block countertops are a great addition in your home. But, among a dozen raw material options, you must also be wondering if bamboo is better than wood? It sure is. While the material soaks better and is antibacterial.
If choosing a maple or bamboo countertop is your call so do the study and decide. You are good to attach your butcher block countertop on your own. Only high-quality hardwood blocks, safe and sharp tools, and a clear workspace,
