Butcher Block Island Construction

butcher-block-island-construction

Our new island is a true thing of beauty. The kitchen is almost 100% done. All that is left is a new floor and putting base boards on all the cabinets. This is a big deal for me. I started this entire kitchen remodel so I could get a big, beautiful island the kids would be able to access better. Our old island was…gross.

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Small and oddly angled it just wasn’t that functional. If I was rolling dough on it there was no way the kids could get up and help me out.

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I used the IKEA Algot system and cut it up to make the perfect fruit and vegetable storage baskets in the island.

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I was able to fit five large baskets perfectly into the island frame.

baskets

I find the baskets extremely useful!

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I router-ed two of the 4×4 braces to fit the electrical wire inside the island frame. I also sneezed, can you tell?

Island Framing

Island framing has begun. Can you see the dirty outline of the old island? I was excited to add an additional outlet to this island.

Framed island

A thing of beauty!

planked-island Planking

I decided I wanted the planked look on the island as well. There was a big debate about whether to stain or paint the island. I decided I wanted to paint.

painted-planked-island

The color was not what I intended but it works just fine.

Maple Boards

I ordered 8′ maple boards. As the island is 8′ long I planned to glue cross pieces onto each side. It covers the rough edges and gives the counter top the over hang it needed.

glued-together-butcher-block

I glued the maple planks together with Titebond III Ultimate. I also managed to glue some of the tarp in. I’m talented!

gluing-edge-pieces-on

This is how I bypassed using a clamp to glue the edge pieces on.

planing-the-butcher-block

Then the planing began. I planed for about a month.

Then it was time to sand. To help flatten the butcher block island I screwed it down before I began planing and sanding. As such I was not able to take it outside to sand. I got a little creative.

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It worked. No one was more shocked than I. I barely had to clean dust off of the rest of the kitchen.

shiny-and-newly-sealed-countertop

Then the sealing began. Well first you have to wash it, several times. Then I scrub with lemon and salt. Then clean again. Then oil, many times. Four regular coats of oil and one coat of oil that is mixed with beeswax.

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Doesn’t the edge look great!

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Now the kids, the dough, the machines and whatever else I want can fit on the island.

 

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