26 Cheaper DIY Butcher Block Countertop Ideas

Last updated on October 18, 2023

Here are 26 cheaper ways to make your own butcher block countertop, each with step-by-step instructions and photos.

Building a DIY butcher block countertop can be a challenging but rewarding project. By following the right tutorial, you can ensure that your countertop turns out looking great.

Butcher countertops are expensive for a reason. Solid wood is not cheap, and crafting a tabletop from it to fit the countertops is a laborious task. But if you can do it yourself, you can save a ton of money.

Here’s what you need to know:

The difficulty of the project depends on the type of countertops (especially their shape.)
Kitchen countertops require a lot of measuring and cutting (for corners and holes for sinks.)
Using reclaimed wood can cut the cost dramatically.
The food-save coating is crucial and should not be overlooked.

How to Make a Butcher Block Countertop

Tutorial: instructables.com

Expected cost: $100-$200

Materials:

Maple wood
Table saw
Miter saw
Orbital sander
Planer
Jointer
Wood glue
Belt sander
Hand plane
Router
Stain

This project is a bit of a beast, but it’s definitely doable if you’re patient and have the right tools. You’ll need a table saw, miter saw, orbital sander, planer, and jointer to get the job done.

The wood will also need to be cut into strips and then glued together in sections before being brought through the planer again to ensure consistency. Once all three sections are glued together, you’ll need to use a belt sander and/or hand plane to even out the surface of the tabletop before cutting it to length and rounding over the edges with a router.

Finally, you’ll need to stain the wood (which can be tricky with maple) and seal it with a top coat.

Tutorial: tidbits-cami.com

Expected cost: $50-$100

What you need:

Saw
Drill
Wood
Woodworking experience

This project is a bit more difficult than some others, but it is still doable for most people. You will need to be able to use a saw and drill, and it would be helpful if you have some experience with woodworking.

The project will take a few hours to complete, but the results are definitely worth it!

Tutorial: thisoldhouse.com

Expected cost: $100 – $200

Materials:

Butcher block countertop
Screws
drill
level
tape measure

This project involves installing a butcher block countertop. It is not difficult to do, but you will need to make sure that the surface on which you install it is level and sturdy.

You will also need to screw it down securely, making sure to allow for the expansion and contraction of the wood.

Tutorial: thehandymansdaughter.com

Expected cost: $100 – $200

Materials:

Butcher block countertop
Circular saw
Sandpaper
Stain
Polyurethane

This project is fairly easy to complete, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper tools and materials.

Second, it’s important to take accurate measurements so your countertop will fit properly. And finally, you’ll need to take care when cutting and sanding the wood to avoid damaging it.

Butcher block countertops are a great option for a kitchen because they’re durable and easy to care for. However, they’re not for everyone.

If you’re not careful with your knives, you can easily damage the surface. And if you don’t seal the countertop properly, it can be susceptible to staining and water damage.

Overall, this project is fairly easy to complete as long as you take your time and follow the instructions carefully.

Tutorial: housefulofhandmade.com

Expected cost: $100 – $200

Materials:

Butcher block countertop
Tape measure
Circular saw
Wood glue
Clamps
Sandpaper
Stain (optional)
Polyurethane (optional)

This project entails installing a prebuilt butcher block countertop. It is not difficult to complete, but it does require some precision in measuring and cutting the pieces of wood.

Tutorial: hgtv.com

Expected cost: $100 – $200

Materials:

Tape measure
Pencil
Combo square
Circular saw
Clamps
Straight-edged pieces of 3/4″-thick wood
Sawhorses or workbench
Router
Flush trim router bits
Large Roman ogee bit
Small roundover bit
Pocket-hole jig

This project is a tutorial on how to make a white cottage kitchen with butcher block countertops. It is a moderate difficulty project that requires some woodworking skills and knowledge.

The first step is to measure and cut the butcher block. Next, the edges are routed. Then the holes for the faucet pipes are drilled.

After that, the MDF is cut to size and glued in place. Finally, the finish is applied.

Tutorial: apieceofrainbow.com

Expected cost: $20 – $30

Materials:

Sandpaper
Polyurethane
Sponge brush
Protective gloves
Protective eyewear

This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others on this list, but it is still doable for most people. You will need to sand your countertops before applying the polyurethane, and you will need to be careful not to get any on your skin or clothes.

Tutorial: simplymaggie.com

Expected cost: $100-$200

Materials:

1×4 boards
1×6 boards
1×8 boards
wood glue
clamps
stain
polyurethane

This project is a bit more involved than some others, but it is still relatively easy to do. You will need to have some basic woodworking skills and knowledge of tools in order to complete it.

The most difficult part may be cutting the boards to size, but as long as you have a good saw and measure carefully, it shouldn’t be too difficult. Once the boards are cut, you simply glue and clamp them together, then add the trim pieces to the front.

Take care to match up the grain patterns as much as possible. Finally, you stain and polyurethane the countertops for protection.

Tutorial: twelveonmain.com

Materials:

Wood
Plane
Sandpaper
Tape measure
saw

This project is not for the faint of heart. It requires a lot of time, effort, and patience to complete.

You will need to cut the wood into 2-inch thick pieces, plane it down to create a more uniform width, and then sand it until it is smooth. Once you have done all of that, you will need to cut it to size and install it in your laundry room.

Tutorial: morningchores.com

Expected cost: $30-$40

Materials:

Tape measure
Plywood
Circular saw
High-grit sandpaper
Stain or paint
Torch
Polyurethane

This project is a bit more involved than some others — it involves brazing wood with a torch — but it is still relatively easy to do. It will require extensive measuring and cutting, but as long as you are careful, it should turn out great.

Tutorial: singinganewsong.com

Expected cost: $100-$200

Materials:

Lacquer stripper
Sandpaper
Butcher block countertops
Stain
Polyurethane

This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others, but it is still manageable for most people. You will need to strip the lacquer coating off the counters, which can be a bit time-consuming.

However, the results are definitely worth it, and you will have beautiful butcher block countertops that will last for years to come.

Tutorial: woodshopdiaries.com

Expected cost: $50-$100

Materials:

wood
glue
clamps
sander
chamfer bit

This project is a bit more difficult than some, but if you have the right tools and know-how, it shouldn’t be too much trouble. You’ll need to cut down wood to the correct size, then glue and clamp them together.

Once that’s dry, you can sand and chamfer the edges for a professional look.

Tutorial: findingsilverpennies.com

Expected cost: $100-$200

Materials:

table saw
jointer
biscuit joiner
woca oil
sander

This project is a bit more involved than some others, but it is not too difficult to complete. You will need a table saw, jointer, and biscuit joiner (optional) to complete the butcher block counter.

You will also need to seal the counter with woca oil (or another sealer) once it is assembled. The raw edge shelf is a simpler project that just requires sanding and sealing the wood.

Tutorial: simplifythechaos.com

Expected cost: $2,000

Materials:

Butcher block countertops
Cabinets
Tile
Carpentry tools
Woodworking tools

This project involves removing the old countertops, cabinets, and tile from a kitchen space and replacing them with new butcher block countertops and cabinets. It is a fairly difficult project that requires some knowledge of carpentry and woodworking.

Tutorial: hello-hayley.com

Materials:

Butcher block oil
Sandpaper
Water

This project is all about taking care of your butcher block countertop. It requires oiling it regularly to keep it from drying out and cracking, and you may need to sand down scratches and water spots from time to time.

It’s not a difficult project, but it does require some upkeep.

Tutorial: therozyhome.com

Expected cost: This project will cost around $100 in materials.

Materials:

Wood
Wood glue
Clamps
Wood filler
Stain

This project is a bit time-consuming, but it is not difficult. You will need to cut the pieces of wood to size and then glue them together.

Once they are glued together, you will need to clamp them and let them dry. After they are dry, you can add trim pieces along the edges and then fill in any cracks with wood filler.

Finally, you will stain the counters.

Tutorial: instructables.com

Expected cost: $100 – $200

Materials:

Butcher block slab
Circular saw
Orbital sander
Wood conditioner
Wood stain
Silicone caulk

This project is a fairly easy and inexpensive remodel that will upgrade the look of your kitchen. It should take around 6 hours to complete, and you will need some basic tools and materials including a butcher block slab, circular saw, orbital sander, wood conditioner, wood stain, and silicone caulk.

Tutorial: instructables.com

Expected cost: $100 – $200

Materials:

Hard maple
Titebond III wood glue
Clamps
Flattening jig
Router
1/2″ round-over bit
Sandpaper
Stain
Polyurethane

This project requires basic woodworking skills and access to woodworking machines. Woodworking machines have sharp cutting edges and are NOT forgiving.

You should be properly trained in the use of these machines. A step-by-step PDF document is attached to guide you through the process of making this project.

This project details the steps involved in making an end-grain butcher block countertop. The finished size of the countertop is 26 1/2” wide and 37 ½” long.

It is intended as a countertop for a kitchen island. Producing flat and square board surfaces with parallel edges is the key to a successful project.

The production process is time-consuming and involves the repetition of many steps, including glue-ups (glue provides the bond between all the joints. There are no mechanical fasteners), flattening the boards, and creating parallel surfaces.

The wood used in this project is hard maple, its grain is tight enough to limit the absorption of fluid but not so tight that it will affect the stability of the product itself and cause cracks. Use hard maple that is knot free.

The hard maple end grain butcher block is much gentler on the knife’s cutting edge because instead of grinding against the wood fibers.

How to Make a Kitchen Island Butcher Block Countertop

Tutorial: extremehowto.com

Materials:

Tape measure
Circular saw
Jigsaw
Sandpaper
Wood glue
Clamps
Wood filler
Stain
Polyurethane

This project involves building a butcher block countertop. It is not difficult to do, but it does require some special tools and knowledge of woodworking.

Tutorial: addicted2diy.com

Expected cost: $30-$40

Materials:

Wood
Glue
Clamps

This project is a bit time-consuming, but relatively easy to do. You’ll need to cut your wood into manageable pieces, glue them together, and clamp them tightly.

The most difficult part may be finding all of the clamps you need to keep the joints tight.

Tutorial: leboishome.com

Expected cost: $50-$100

Materials:

Wood
Router
Measuring tape
Glue
Nails
Hammer

This project is a bit more difficult than some, but it is still doable for the average person. You will need to have some basic woodworking skills and knowledge of how to use a router.

Other than that, it is just a matter of measuring, cutting, gluing, and nailing the wood pieces together. The most difficult part may be finding cheap wood that you like.

Once you have all your materials, the project should only take a few days to complete.

Butcher Block Countertop with Apron Sink

Tutorial: ourhandcraftedlife.com

Expected cost: This project will cost you around $200.

Materials:

1/2″ thick hardwood boards (we used maple)
Circular saw
Miter saw
Table saw
Router
Belt sander
Random orbit sander
Wood glue
Clamps
Stain (optional)
Polyurethane

This project is not for the faint of heart. It requires a lot of time, patience, and attention to detail.

But if you’re up for the challenge, you can create gorgeous butcher block countertops that will last for years.

Installing Butcher Block Counters with an Undermount

Tutorial: abeautifulmess.com

Materials:

Butcher block countertop
Circular saw
Jigsaw
Drill
Screws
Wood glue
Caulk
Sandpaper

This project is a tutorial on how to install butcher block countertops in your kitchen. It is a relatively easy project that can be completed in a few hours.

Tutorial: addicted2decorating.com

Expected cost: $200-$300

Materials:

1/5-inch thick butcher block countertop
Undermount sink
Basic woodworking tools (saw, drill, etc.)

This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others, but if you have beginner to intermediate building/woodworking skills and have some basic tools, you should be able to build your own butcher block countertops.

DIY Butcher Block Countertops with Double Sink

Tutorial: bhg.com

Expected cost: $100 – $200

Materials:

Butcher block countertop
Tape measure
Circular saw
Cordless drill
1 inch hole saw
Wood glue
Caulk
Sandpaper
Stainless steel screws
Wood filler

This project entails installing a butcher block countertop in your kitchen. It is not difficult to complete, but you will need a few hours and some basic carpentry skills.

You will also need to purchase a butcher block countertop, which most come in 8-foot lengths.

Bathroom Butcher Block Countertops

Tutorial: realitydaydream.com

Expected cost: $200-$300

Materials:

Lumber
Woodworking tools
Sandpaper
Stain

This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others on this list, but it is still doable for most people. It involves building a butcher block countertop from scratch, which requires cutting and planing the lumber, as well as gluing and clamping the pieces together.

Once the countertop is assembled, it will need to be sanded and stained before it is ready to use. This project will take several days to complete, and you will need access to some woodworking tools in order to do it.