Easy Ikea Butcher Block Countertop Cutting Technique & Video
Here’s a follow-up to our kitchen remodelĀ that we’ve been meaning to share with you that wasn’t covered when we talked about the kitchen remodel details: how Brian found an easy and accurateĀ butcher block countertop cutting technique forĀ our Ikea butcher block countertops using a circular saw.
We know how popular these counters are firsthand: they were never in stock when we wanted them! We ended up buying the thicker, more expensive counters, but this technique will work with any butcher block countertop, regardless of thickness.
Brian has made a video that walks you through each step (see below), but at its basic the butcher block countertop cutting technique works like this:
- With your countertop face down, you simply attach a straight piece of molding to the back, which will act as a “jig” (a guide) to slide your saw against as you make the cut.
Using this method Brian was able to easily cut the 1 1/2″ thick oak to exactly the right size for our kitchen. And he can NOT cut a straight line freehand to save his life (uh, his words, not mine – just in case you think I’m dissing my husband!).
We sure hope this helps you if you are looking to install wood counters – we sure love ours!
Jami ~
Exactly which butcher block did you purchase from Ikea? I was thinking it was the Karlby – because of the color, but as I saw the demo of the but, it appears you had unfinished wood.
If this is the case, what stain and exact finish did you use?
Thanks!
Ikea doesn’t carry the counters we used anymore, Carolyn. These are solid oak and looking at their site the solid oak option is Hammarp. The Karlby is a veneer. We sanded and then stained and finished the wood. I wasn’t happy with this stain – I tried a water based stain and I’ll never to that again (it goes on like paint!). A similar look can be achieved with oil-based Dark Walnut stain. We finished the wood on all our counters (including our bathrooms) with 4 coats of water-based polyurethane. We talk a little about why in the 2-year follow-up video: https://anoregoncottage.com/diy-ikea-wood-butcher-block-countertops-2-years-later-video/
Hope that makes sense!
Hi,I just came across this as I was looking for some information on how to stain the beech wood counter top that we bought at ikea . My husband sand it and has been trying to stain it with a water base and oil base stain. It is not staining .. can you help me on whatb your husband used?
I actually do the staining on our woodwork, Vickie, and I’ve stained both the solid oak (which it looks like they don’t sell anymore) and the beech tops. I’ve also used both oil based and water base, though I wouldn’t recommend water-based to anyone and it’s worked after sanding, so I’m surprised you’re having trouble. š It does come with an oil rubbed surface so I do a really good job of sanding (start rough and move to smooth paper). The only other thing I do is to use a wood conditioner first before staining. There are some online posts that say water works as well, but I haven’t tried that, only the purchased conditioners. Maybe that would help? If I were you I’d probably try sanding more again and use a conditioner and see if that doesn’t work. Good luck!