7 Steps to Butcher Block Wood Countertop Installation

Butcher block wood countertops are one of the best choices when it comes to improving the look of your home kitchen, dining room, bar, laundry room, or office space. At Forever Joint Tops, we help you achieve your dreams with high quality butcher block that lasts!

Are you planning to order a countertop to improve the look of your kitchen? In our step-by-step countertop installation guide, we provide detailed steps on what to do to properly install your new butcher block countertop.

The Butcher Block Countertop Installation Process

Now let’s dig into the butcher block countertop installation process. Follow the steps below for an effective countertop installation:

Step 1: Acclimate Your Wood Countertop

Place your new butcher block wood countertop in a safe, flat area in the room where it will be installed. Allow it to acclimate to the room’s conditions for about five days. This step helps prevent future warping or cracking due to moisture or temperature differences.

Step 2: Prep Your Wood Countertop

Once your countertop has acclimated, you need to prepare your cabinets:

• Open Top Cabinets: Install blocking to create a surface to secure your countertop. Use high-quality ¾” plywood, drilling holes at an angle and securing the blocking with appropriately sized screws to prevent over-penetration.
• Closed Top Cabinets: Install furring strips by cutting ¼” plywood into strips that are two inches shorter than the cabinet depth. Install these strips every 12-16 inches using kitchen or bath sealant.

Step 3: Prepare Your Butcher Block Countertop Installation Points

Using a half-inch boring bit, drill holes through the cabinet bracing at all planned installation points. This step ensures secure attachment of your countertop.

Step 4: Position Your Butcher Block for Installation

Place the butcher block countertop in position for installation. From beneath the wood, locate the center of each drilled hole and pre-drill into the countertop using a bit appropriate for your screws.

During this step, be careful not to drill all the way through the countertop; mark the depth on your drill bit to ensure accuracy.

Step 5: Install Your Butcher Block Countertop

Now, you can fit the installation screws with large fender washers from beneath the cabinet. Tighten the screws carefully, just enough to hold the butcher block snug against the cabinet.

Also, ensure the fender washer can still move slightly; this allows the wood to expand and contract naturally.

Step 7: Routine Maintenance for Your Countertop

Regular maintenance is essential for butcher block wood countertops, especially if they are oiled rather than permanently sealed. Inspect your butcher block regularly for dryness and apply mineral oil as needed.

For oiled tops, maintain the finish by reapplying oil every 2-4 weeks. Remember to oil the underside of the countertop as well, particularly if you have an open-top cabinet where the underside is exposed to air.

• For Open-Top Cabinets: You can apply oil to the underside of the countertop by reaching inside the cabinet with a rag.
• For Closed-Top Cabinets: You will need to remove the screw/washer installation periodically to lift the countertop and apply oil to the underside.

Butcher Block Countertop Installation Cost

Approximately how much will my countertop installation cost? Your butcher block countertop cost depends on several factors, including size of your top, custom design, edge grain vs end grain, and the type of wood used.

For example, our walnut wood countertops will cost more than some of our other woods. If you have questions about pricing, do not hesitate to reach out to our team and we will give you an estimate on your countertop installation cost. Our red oak, maple, and hickory countertop installations are a little cheaper.

Want to know more about butcher block countertop installation? Please refer to our butcher block installation guide here.

Questions About Your Wood Countertop Installation?

Have questions about your butcher block countertop installation? Contact the experts at Forever Joint Tops and we’ll be happy to help you. Read more here for information on what you need to know before buying a butcher block countertop.

If you need ideas, take a look at our desk ideas and 3 ideas for how to enhance your kitchen with butcher block.

Further Reading:

• Wood Desk Ideas
• Why You Should Choose Butcher Block for Your Next Home Project
• How to Clean Butcher Block Countertops
• 8 Reasons Why Restaurant Butcher Block Tables are a Great Choice!
• 5 Reasons You Should Choose Wood Countertops
• Pros and Cons of Butcher Block Countertops

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