Michelle wrote me asking
for an update on our IKEA butcher block countertops. She wanted to know how they are holding up with the Waterlox varnish finish and if I had any other information on application, etc. I’m happy to help! I know I scoured the internet for information when I was planning our kitchen.
We are loving the Waterlox finish!! It’s holding up beautifully. We have not had any real problems with scratching, the finish repels water nicely and the counters are still lovely six months later. The finish does not spot and drinking glasses have not left rings. In one area we did have a very fine surface scratch. I took a bit of fine steel wool and rubbed it out – no problem. That was within a couple of weeks of installation – no other issues since.
About tips on application . . . we just followed the directions on the website. Because our birch countertops were oiled {when we were told that they were not} we had to wipe them down with mineral spirits so that the varnish would adhere to them.
As directed on the Waterlox webiste, we put two coats of the Original Sealer/Finish over all the countertops – top, bottom and sides. Because butcher block will dry out over time, it’s important to seal the undersides since you won’t be able to access them after they are installed.
After we sealed the undersides but before installation we made sure to use the IKEA FIXA Diffuser Barrier on the counter top underside that was directly under the dishwasher. In fact, we bought enough of the FIXA to cover the entire surface that was above the dishwasher even though IKEA suggests only using it to protect the exposed edge from the steam coming from the dishwasher.
The guys applied two coats of the Original Satin Finish to the top/sides only. It was extremely important to make sure to do it in a place where there was no dust.
So there you have it. I highly recommend Waterlox!
Now, just one note on our selection of the birch IKEA butcher block. We were able to save about 70% over the cost of custom butcher block from a local woodshop which is why we went with the ones from IKEA.
I hope we made the correct choice with our IKEA countertops but only time will tell. Right now they look great but when you run your hand over them I do feel small undulations because IKEA glues pieces and parts together. Hopefully they will withstand the test of time because our upper countertops and crown molding sit on top of them. If we ever have to change them because of a problem, it would be a nightmare!
So, I worry that maybe we should have just bit the bullet and gotten the ones from our local shop. Fingers crossed!
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A friend of mine has had wood IKEA counter tops (slightly darker than yours) for several years (6 or 7 at least) and they still look great. I don’t know if you can feel the piecing together because, well, I’ve never run my hands down them to see, but from just looking at them, you can’t tell. I don’t know how hers were finished (IKEA installed her entire kitchen), but they look as good now as they did when they were installed.
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Thanks MIHH!! That’s how ours are right now. I’m glad to hear your friends are still looking good years later. I would not hesistate to use them in general, but then I got to thinking about IF something happened how we would have such a mess on our hands . . . just not gonna go down that road right now ;o)
Thank you for the update!!
How much surface did you have to cover and how much waterlox did you use? Quart, Gallon?
I have one more question???
Again, you have a lovely kitchen!
Michelle
michelle@stafferlink.com
Michelle,
I can’ remember how much surface we had to cover. I think we bought 5 lengths of the butcher block. We bought a gallon of each of the Waterlox. I don’t think we needed that much but for the price difference, we got the gallons and I am always working on projects!
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