The new Barkaboda butcher block is proving to be a popular choice of wood kitchen countertops. It has all the beauty of natural hardwood, it is strong and can take a lot of abuse. But what do you need to do to install your own wood kitchen countertop? What tools do you need? And most importantly, how long will it last?
First, let’s look at the core components of a wood kitchen countertop. They include a top, which is made of hardwood or plywood. Next are the pieces below the surface, which are made from natural hardwood. These include the legs, which screw into the base, and the corners, which join the legs. Then there is the faceplate, which protects the wood surface, and provides the framework for the rest of the pieces.
To install your own wood kitchen countertop, you will need about 200mm of lumber with a tongue and groove system so you can cut it to size. You should also have a plan to follow, and a saw with a blade to cut the wood with. Your lumber will last longer if you make sure to treat it properly when you get it home and keep it clean and dry. Most hardware stores sell unfinished wood that you can paint to match your kitchen design.
A butcher block is a thick slab of wood, about three feet by four feet long and about half a centimetre thick. The thickness will affect the cost, as well as the strength and durability of your finished surface. There are two ways to cut this wood, and the type of saw you use will depend on which method you choose. The first method is to chop the slab into boards, then each board is placed on top of another until you arrive at a single, long and sturdy board. Chunks can be difficult to handle at first, but you should soon become accustomed to the feel of holding a single slab of wood in your hand.
As you work on your wood kitchen countertop, you will need to remove any excess wood, such as splinters. This is done by sliding the saw blade underneath the slab and clearing away any excess wood until there is only a very small strip of wood left. Once the strip is small, it is much easier to work with, and you can start cutting. Some of the boards may need to be overlapped slightly, depending on how narrow the slabs are.
To prepare the wood for use, you will need to strip the surface from any extra pieces of wood, and then use a special wood cleaner that is designed for wood surfaces. It will strip the surface of any dirt or dust and leave a nice clean surface. This cleaner can be purchased at any home improvement store. After using the cleaner on the surface, you will simply repeat the process on the other side of the board.
When preparing your barkaboda butcher block for installation, you should allow an extra 2 inches on all sides of the board. This gives you plenty of room to work and makes the wood easy to work with once it is on the frame. The extra length also gives you the ability to adjust the butcher block as needed during the cooking process. You will find that the extra length is much easier to work with, and more comfortable as well.
When installing your wood kitchen countertop, the last step is to install the brackets that attach to the frame. You can count on the strength of these brackets, and they will hold the board in place while it is being cut, and before it is finished. The final step is to attach the faceplate to the board. To keep your butcher block in top condition, you should use wood conditioner regularly.