How To Install Butcher Block Countertops | DIY Kitchen Remodel

In the second part of this 2-part DIY kitchen remodel project you will learn how to install butcher block countertops. Check out Part 1 on Lowe's KZbin channel: How To Install a Farmhouse Sink ( • How To Install a Farmh... ).
Shop products from this video here:
Butcher Block Countertop: low.es/2UYTaQx
Craftsman V20 Cordless Drill: low.es/2UYkq1U
Bora Rip Guide Edge Clamp: low.es/2V4wvCM
Craftsman V20 Cordless Circular Saw: low.es/2V0bBEs
Irwin Quick Grip Bar Clamp: low.es/2UYTe2J
Swanson Tool Company Combo Square: low.es/2V1zlID
Craftsman V20 Orbital Sander: low.es/2V1zziX
Bosch Variable Speed Router: low.es/2V1zKL9
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig: low.es/2V1zV9h
Miter Bolts: low.es/2UZnMBF
GE Silicone Caulk: low.es/2V1Aj7J
Oatey Plumbers Putty: low.es/2V1AuQr
Oatey Cement & Primer: low.es/2UWDcq8
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[@g-asplendidsavage1700]

I’m a contractor with 30 years under my belt doing some very nice custom homes. But I have never done a butcher block countertop and I found this very helpful good job

[@tednguyen7258]

do u think its ok for rentals? durable i mean or will get scratched

[@wazup3333]

@@tednguyen7258 not sure but I think entirely up to what kind of tenant it is... I could see it getting ruined because someone uses it as a cutting board... Don't think the sealant prevents cuts

[@RB-je2ri]

I installed some butcher block with my granite counters; hard rock maple. I sanded with 50 grit just one pass, then tack clothed; then one pass of 120 grit, then tack clothed, then applied a wood conditioner. Then sanded with 220 and tack clothed. Then stained the wood. Then applied 3 coats of tung oil. The counters have been water and stain resistant. I waited a day between the wood conditioner and the stain and another day between stain and first coat of tung oil and then a day between each extra coat of tung oil. You MUST stay clear of the counters in between. The counters are smooth as silk and beautiful. I absolutely love them.

[@mrzacat3tasm3xxxico20]

Thanks for those tips!

[@IdentifyAsRetired]

How long have they been holding up since you did this?

[@anthonycaggiano8211]

Sounds like you took the right approach. I just wonder how long the sealers hold up over time. I’m considering epoxy

[@RB-je2ri]

@@anthonycaggiano8211 they’ve held up great- the tung oil hardens the wood - I have used my counters “as usual” - no specific precautions and after three years and no further treatment- they are great - no issues. I will add another coat of tung oil this year - I am overdue. I got the system I used to prep my wood counters from an old timer that has waaay more knowledge about wood working than I do!

[@anthonycaggiano8211]

@@RB-je2ri I’m sure they hold up decent just wish you didn’t have to maintain it as much. What did you use near the sink area and dishwasher?

[@freedomofreligion3248]

I am 5 yrs beyond being "over" Farmhouse style, but, butcher block enhances other styles, as well. Thx, good tutorial.

[@vids595]

Well I hate tile countertops due to grout maintenance, and stone is feeling boring. Butcher block will always represent a good portion of the market. I am a licensed contractor and specialize in residential remodeling.

[@mrstanyablackwell1088]

Thank you for this!!!! I wish I could post a pic of mine. I just finished cutting my sinkhole. I was so afraid of doing the corners until I saw this video. This made it sooooooooo easy.

[@charcoalanderson8010]

I bet it looks great!

[@philsie1]

Two serious errors: Never overhang the counter over the sink as it’s almost impossible to clean underneath the edge which allows bacteria to grow. Also, that tape will not stop the hot, damp air present when you open the dishwasher from flowing back under the countertop, potentially allowing warpage or bacterial activity. Better to use an insulating blanket that covers all of the top of the dishwasher. I believe IKEA sells them cheaply.

[@k5blazerman956]

Nice comment that's exactly what I thought

[@ambrr_lily]

That's what I thought! I don't know much about countertops, but I know cleaning. I can actually tell you the texture and blackness of the crap you'll have to scrape out of there later.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

It looks better over, tho. You can seal it up, no problem.

[@anthonycaggiano8211]

What about that pink waterproof membrane paint?

[@wazup3333]

@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 it's not about sealing, organic matter and bacteria will build up underneath

[@kashfortheking]

Seeing that saw guide was helpful. I can just use a circular for cutting jobs.

[@Stan_in_Shelton_WA]

3:45, It's best to cut from the bottom side to achieve the best cut for the visible surface. That is with a circular saw, with a table saw it's good side up.

[@kingkwon8002]

0:26, “Installing a butcher block countertop can be a more advanced project than you think.” Aight, imma head out.

[@jonnyparada4569]

King Kwon Sponge Bob pop in my head right away 😂😂🤣🤣 I will save money have some pros doing that shit.

[@Onyesoh]

How u make out on that 50 cal. What's the target rage there?

[@timothyaleonard]

Joe Onyesoh Weapon not properly pmcs’d. Misfire, jammed. 35 minute hold on the lane. ;)

[@23aldeezy]

😂🤣

[@Biddybalboa]

I just cut a whole for the sink and put them on, add some silicone caulking around where the sink is and its done. These dudes make things overcomplicated

[@brienmaybe.4415]

I just found out that a speed square isn't called a "triangle thingy", one day I'll try this, thanks Lowes.

[@BradThePitts]

5:20 When finishing with the jigsaw, be sure to err towards the INSIDE. You can sand down the eccess, but but if you cut too wide you can't put the wood back.

[@sandralobach69]

Beautiful. Way more than I'm capable of handling but I sure admire your work.

[@Natedoc808]

One big change I would suggest is to avoid silicone sealant as it has little to no adhesive quality and will discolor over time. Using acrylic based sealant/caulking is a better option.

[@willyb4235]

such a pro build I was shocked to see the silicone. Also how did the drain vent? Nice job though

[@markoshun]

I agree don’t use silicone on this job, but because you won’t be able to properly paint the wall over the silicone. Use paintable caulk and then paint over it, now or later. As far as not enough adhesive quality, we actually use silicone for adhesive to glue down counters, sinks, etc..

[@seanpaulcurran]

Watching a video like this ..... makes me go " omg, I will need to hire someone" - this is not at all a DIY. I like this video, it is inspiring ideas for me - butI would not be able to just do this.

[@HsingSun]

It is not that hard to install kitchen cabinets. Take those old cabinets out and install new ones in.

[@dadsmight]

@@HsingSun but this video is about installing kitchen counters.

[@26longlongtime]

@@dadsmight It's not that hard to paint a bathroom, just mask the area and paint

[@dustintravis8791]

Oooh, I think I understand now, it's not that hard to install a new 120v outlet.

[@ambrr_lily]

In all seriousness, there's a lot of unnecessary steps here. Miter bolts, blah blah blah, no thank you.

[@markmelton8676]

First time I’ve heard of “miter bolts” Pretty cool! 👍

[@89Ayten]

They're a bad idea for a high moisture environment. Even with a properly sealed countertop, after years it'll stress and may crack the wood. I'd join them with a dato and glue.

[@johnbehneman1546]

SHE CAME OUT DROP DEAD GORGEOUS!!!!

[@deborahblackvideoediting8697]

I love the look of white cabinets, white farm sink and beautiful butcher blocks. This looks lovely!

[@JurassicVic]

I learned a lot today. Who else is buying a home watching these videos lol

[@mrbmp09]

This is the first DIY tutorial that I did not see a mistake or show the wrong way to do it. Good job!

[@alexmillermattingly138]

Just did this in our house. This video helped immensely!

[@gemthomas]

You do a miter joint ?

[@alexmillermattingly138]

@@gemthomas no miters and used pocket holes instead. Had to use a couple shims but other then that it turned out great.

[@saltyburrito1688]

What size screws did you use ??

[@charlesmattingly6472]

This is a great video. Used it to install our butcher block. Love it.

[@akcrazycollector]

Make sure your drain wasn’t reverse graded like that drain was. Always make sure there is a 1/4 inch grade toward the drain.

[@LazyCrazyGuy]

Thanks for everything I've learned in these 11:42 seconds. I'll be on my way to Home Depot to buy everything I need now.

[@yadirasolis726]

😂😂😂

[@mondavou9408]

The tape above the dishwasher seems like a good idea.

[@qiqizen2880]

Good job sir Thanks for this video 🙏 Watching from Indonesia

[@brianthompson5221]

I have a butcher block countertop and it requires a lot of maintenance. I will not install another. Its very difficult to keep looking clean especially as it ages. Yes you can refinish if you have the time and don't mind the mess.

[@yutaj.8466]

Good to know. I was considering installing bucher block countertop

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Wood isn't hard to refinish, tho. I find it fun working with tiny pieces in wood flooring in dollhouses, lol. Sometimes even literal specks of it. Maybe heavy varnish? Like marine varnish. But fewer coats. So, not real thick like a bar or Tabletop.

[@anthonycaggiano8211]

Honestly, expoxy is probably the only way to seal it with not AS much maintenance. But then you’ll loose the butcher block purpose of being able to cut on the counter

[@michaelmoyo7250]

10:58 The only thing that I could think about for the rest of the video...

[@MH-yj4qq]

I feel like I could do this. Especially with the saw guide.

[@Stan_in_Shelton_WA]

10:44, if yo are gluing do not use purple primer. get some clear primer. Primer is easily dripped or splashed and it rapidly stains things. Clear glue also.

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! A TOTALLY AWSOME VIDEO AND BUTCHER BLOCK CONTER TOP INSTALL!!!!

[@lizzygrudsiii5157]

Fascinating. This, to me, was akin to being assigned a book report written in Mandarin. I only wish my brain worked like this man’s. 🤣

[@neckofkwoods4261]

Lol a year ago that was me and now I’m watching this video like... “easy” The more you learn i guess😂😂

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU, LOWES!!!

[@Islandgirl4ever2]

AWESOMEEEE.. Thank you for this very informative video.. We are putting in a farmhouse sink and I just googled installation and found your channel.. Cheers.

[@metamorphosis6248]

Omg! I fell in love with butcher block countertops 😍😍😍

[@llianneroc]

This is what I want in my home!

[@kurthickson6279]

Sure would be nice if Lowe’s sold food grade, waterproof, tung oil and the wide vapor barrier tape.

[@mprior93]

Also think that if you’re getting into this project you wouldn’t get wood from them, you’d go to a custom milling plant

[@sonnymylovesosweat]

That’s my kitchen right there!

[@simbisaihove7211]

Informative video. Question: do you seal between the joints. to stop water or any other fluid from going in there. I did not see that being addressed. thank you

[@gumy354rhapili3]

Looks easy 👌 hard to do if u don't have that much tools.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Make them do the cutouts at the store.

[@rein7526]

Where is the Weekender! I need more!

[@laurarussell7336]

This is on.. hiring out ✌🏼

[@mgpstar]

This was phenomenal! Great job

[@augustinerhodes3481]

What a great video. I would love to have something like this done to my kitchen.

[@WillLeingang]

Looks awesome! Glad to see some decent tutorials.

[@blehhhhh655]

My toxic trait is watching this video and thinking I can do this myself 😂 😭

[@lowes]

You can do it!!

[@florinewoodward1315]

I like and appreciate Lowe's for posting this video. I recently went to my local Lowe's to try and have their contractor do my kitchen in butcher block counter tops. I asked the contractor what is your procedure for sealing the wood. They use a polyurethane, this is not good in many ways. The proper sealing for a kitchen butcher block should be done as instructed in this video using several coats of a tung oil preferably Waterlox.

[@silentshah7550]

Hi .did you mean use tung oil first and finishing by polyurethane?..i in progress making one but need to study for the best way for finising wood countertop..

[@anthonycaggiano8211]

What about epoxy

[@gigaxon6901]

Shocking on how awesome this is...⚖️

[@RumbleLab]

1:44 : "Be sure we seal within 48 hours of unwrapping it" Too bad every block in the store has torn shrink wrap...

[@skywalkr2]

Exactly correct... Fortunately they can be finished after 48 hours

[@M12Prodigy]

Bought one and let it sit in the shrinkwrap in our garage. Entire 6 ft. piece ended up cupping about a 1/2" while in shrinkwrap.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

There's a specific way to dry wood. See poll cues and drum sticks, which people are REAL picky on.

[@CAkinCAkin]

Very helpful. Thanks. Heading to Lowe’s.

[@jaygraham5407]

Great informative video. Thank you

[@mayakovski]

3:46, never just tighten the guide from one end. You can see how much his guide moves as he clamps it down. Likely had at least a 2 to 3 mm error on his "straight" cut because of this.

[@AdamTheCarpenter]

That clamp has one lever but clamps both sides. It's designed that way. You can purchase them at Rockler Woodworking stores. It works great, no movement. I've been using them for years with zero issues. Although, I am about to trade in that technique for a track saw system.

[@HsingSun]

When I remodeled my kitchen floor and cabinets and I did not have to do any templates because the floor is a perfect level.

[@theburris]

Excellent job, Tony! Cheers

[@ccxcxz4377]

Yeah, this was fun to watch but ain't no way in hell the average Joe is finna pull this off. Imma head out.

[@AnthoNico]

I can do it but probably not a good job

[@robusthedgehog]

A bunch of straight cuts and measuring is too hard for you???

[@tuesdeewilliams6683]

I just did it to my kitchen. I DIYed the whole thing. Not as hard as you think

[@michellewilliams1294]

@@tuesdeewilliams6683 I'm thinking of having this done is it really easy to do on your own? My husband is really good at fixing and making a lot of things but when it comes to measuring wood he's not so great.

[@Biddybalboa]

@@michellewilliams1294 measuring is the only part you need to know how to do, so you can know where to cut a whole for the sink the rest of these instructions is just them overcomplicating things

[@hectortapia2676]

Well at least they know there audience...... "Screw gun" .

[@fingolfin9086]

Rotfl

[@steewierox]

Great instructional video...EXCEPT, you should never use 100% silicone on the walls along the top edge of the splash. Silicone will not hold paint. Instead, use a latex caulk.

[@willconwell]

BUT silicone will stay clean and does not mold like latex. Use silicone and denatured alcohol for clean up

[@don_wynn]

Great technique

[@LAZYLOS61]

Dis you buy the island board and cut it to size to also make the back splash. I ask this because there Only two different sizes. 25” deep and 32” deep. Most cabinet are 24” deep leaving 1” over hang. I can see you buying the 32” deep island and cut to size (25” for counter top and 7” of extra for what ever back slash height is desired. I am correct or did you buy a 2x4 birch wood and used that.

[@clarkg9805]

Great video, thanks for sharing. What type of woods can be used when making butcher block tops.?

[@sarabrown423]

We put epoxy on our butchers block to seal it and add an amazing glass like shine. It’s better than using any kind of oil or polyurethane

[@ccxcxz4377]

Glass like shine is not appealing for butcher block though. At least not IMO.

[@iRonlMoNKleY]

Isn't epoxy toxic as opposed to natural oils?

[@anthonycaggiano8211]

Sara ….. you actually did it correctly. Epoxy is the only way to go

[@anthonycaggiano8211]

@@ccxcxz4377 you don’t have to have a glass like finish when using epoxy

[@joebruin24]

Very well done. Love the helpful graphics

[@GraemeWoller]

Thanks for the inspiration. Great video!

[@kevreilly7]

All these "experts" forget to mention what to do when your walls are NOT square

[@AB-83]

What sealant did they use to water proof the butcher block? Its not listed in the video description.

[@michaelmills4927]

He mentioned Tung oil, but there are others that are better for food prep areas. I think Watco makes a food grade finish. Polyurethane and epoxy look good but don't hold up well in this situation.

[@jazzjohn2]

If one intends to actually cut food on the butcher block, what finish can be used?

[@GregCantori]

Excellent video!

[@megostop9650]

Do you have a link for the attachment brackets at 8:43?

[@marvinelvis2989]

Wish you would have detailed the sealing material used. Silicone and oil based sealer don't mix...

[@jimmymessier8434]

Butcher block countertops are great, but it is a BAD idea to install an under mount sink in it! (Or any sink for that manner).You are never going to seal the wood enough to avoid mold/rot. (Unless you seal it with epoxy, but then it’s not a butcher block countertop). The end grain Is exposed right where there is the source of moisture! I work for a high end cabinet shop, and we always design to have a butcher block countertop in a section far from the sink! We cannot guaranty our work otherwise.

[@richiesun9676]

You suggest sealing in epoxy then?

[@jasonjames5347]

Jimmy Messier I’d like to know too. What’s the best way to run the butcher block up against the sink, epoxy?

[@evanbland4011]

I am considering using Waterlox for my counters, seems like the best for moisture resistance

[@anthonycaggiano8211]

I was looking for someone in the comments section to mention epoxy. You are so right

[@anthonycaggiano8211]

@@evanbland4011 epoxy is the way to go. But then like he said …. It’s not a “butcher block”. With epoxy You’ll just end up with a counter that aesthetically looks like a butcher block but then you can’t cut on it

[@jwalker277]

please add the sealant you used to the more section, sounded like water proof tonuge sealant?

[@BLOGS___]

Jeffrey Walker Tung Oil Sealant.

[@pbenson56fran]

That is so beautiful.

[@johnbehneman1546]

BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOP RENISANCE!!!!

[@Handlehandlebars]

Go easy cutting with the whole saw...mine chipped out the bottom pretty good..wich didn't matter I have top mount sink but if it was farm house style It would have been all bad...

[@maidenmothercrone3790]

Ream the holes to make them larger if needed. Noted

[@eagledroneservice8277]

Can you run a garbage disposal with thy type of sink?

[@lowes]

Yes! You can run a garbage disposal with a farmhouse style sink!

[@smidjee1225]

Great video but what brand of tung oil did you use?

[@davidking3311]

10:58 that plumbing looks like its sloping back towards the trap not the stack

[@browndiosa1795]

beautiful

[@MorrisSan]

Bravo

[@davidrmajka7769]

why was the joints not glue?

[@TheHamadanners]

I thoughly enjoyed this

[@jefferymeasles4193]

What type of butcher block is this? Or can i seal any of them?

[@MrFyfle]

Plumbing is wrong for the sink! The p trap is installed in the wrong position! Will have sewer gas coming up the left side which is not properly trapped

[@jzsbYT]

What do you mean it is in the wrong position? A p trap can swing in any direction.

[@ElswickJenelswick]

The left side is a vent my friend

[@robertlee8805]

Would this video on Butcher Block countertops be similar to making a L shape Desk onto 2 2 drawer file cabinets? If so what could I use for the LEG in the outside corner where it corners to the corner of the walls meet? I plan on an 8 feet by 4 feet L shape desk x 24" front to back with 2 ft. of the 8 ft. length top be made up with the 4 ft. Length top. I have 2 old HON 2 drawer file cabinets to rest the butcher block tops. The butcher block is 1 3/4" thick and the current desk's desktop us 1 1/8" thick wich is a little bit higher than I want it to be more comfortable height for me. Will it be better to use countertop instead? Advice please.

[@Kt-cn2rq]

So you don't seal the back of the wood just the top?

[@lauriec3354]

Wouldn't we always alternate our boards to create an even pattern? Why are you sawing straight lines?

[@mannycalavera121]

Looks nice thanks for the vid

[@davidhale8034]

How would you do a join half way along the sink space? Presumably this is only with the undermount sink?

[@willkillforbacon]

I'm not a Plummer, but I'm pretty sure the p-trap is wrong left side is a straight shot into waste pipe

[@jaimeperalez5593]

What kind of “ waterproof Tung Oil sealant” did you use? I checked Lowe’s website and there’s no such thing there’s only “tung oil” which is not waterproof

[@brienelwoodwashburn2839]

I’m not sure what he was using, but hard-wax oils are what I’m going to use to waterproof the butcher block counters I’m about to put in (and could potentially be what he’s referencing as hard wax oils are mixtures of various oils and waxs). If you go that route for counters just make sure it has no VOC as some of the hard-wax oils used for flooring can have pretty high VOC

[@antoniapiscitellicarrasco4233]

waterlox

[@ismailm7659]

Waterlox seems like the way to go. I am also trying to find a tung oil sealant but lowes or home depot don't have it. Lowes has Minwax Tung Oil Finish but it doesn't actually contain any tung oil

[@anthonycaggiano8211]

@@ismailm7659 epoxy is the way to go where moisture exists tho

[@ismailm7659]

Here is a long term review. I needed the oil asap so I ordered 100% tung oil from Amazon. I did 2-3 applications of it over the course of a few days. It’s held up quite nicely and it’s been about a year and a half. I have done mineral oil one time in between. The countertop and sink get used everyday.

[@cristophergaticaarostica9457]

Good work!!!!!

[@ikigai47]

11:06 now to troubleshoot your low water pressure

[@mechanismdinos]

How long can I use this kind of countertops? Isn't it going to get mold?

[@bakadeshi_aunstudios]

as long as you keep it properly oiled, it will inhibit mold and bacteria growth, or if you permanently seal it with a poly based sealer. or even epoxy.

[@agustinramos4386]

Hi, you don't need to use silicon or some kind of glue in between the joints?. Thanks

[@benjaminszustak8896]

Any sealant needed at the butt joints?

[@scottmccluremcclure3916]

What about 45° corners

[@armandofilipe6461]

Do I need to reapply the sealant year by year?

[@ljpate]

Can I use miter bolts to join live edge slabs together?

[@lookingfordiscovery]

perfect

[@daveclark8337]

Exposed wood endgrain hanging over a kitchen sink. What could go wrong?

[@ericsetzer8137]

I wish this video has closed captions.