Easy and Affordable Butcher Block Counter Update

Pin It I haven't had a lot of time for projects lately but I'm starting to get spring fever and the itch to do a project, no matter how small, overcame me last week.

When we first renovated our kitchen we had so many projects going on that budget was a huge factor. I originally wanted soapstone but it wasn't in the budget. Then I discovered honed marble, less expensive, but not practical for a family who entertains as much as we do (read- red wine).

I looked at all of the granite options but I didn't love any of the color selection enough to marry and price tag meant that it would have to outlive me. That level of permanence around home design gives me hives.
The original counters in our house I believe, were stainless steel. I loved this option and the versatility of stainless, but doing the whole of a north facing kitchen in it, I knew, would make for a very cold room.








Enter butcher block... economical, versatile and utilitarian. We ended up with a stainless island and butcher block counters everywhere else. I love being able to cut and chop on it and made the decision up front that we would actually USE the counters. It's a great counter option if you want something that is easy to customize.


Almost seven years after installation however, as anticipated, I needed a change (Thank God I didn't buy the granite).  I was debating repainting the walls again when I came across a quart of "sun bleached" stain at Home Depot. For 9$ I was willing to give it a try.

I'm loving the new, soft, neutral color and how much bigger and brighter it makes the kitchen! The finish coat of furniture wax sealed the wood so much better than the oil ever did!

my kind friend helping me hand sand the mineral oil off! This would have been much easier with a palm sander, but I didn't want to make a mess.

 Before. I wasn't smitten with the similarity in the terra cotta tile and the color of the natural wood together. Too orange for my taste.

































 I used two coats but wanted a distressed, worn finish so left a lot of the natural wood showing through.

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