IKEA Countertops

In the process of creating our dream kitchen I have looked for ways to save money.  I ordered the flooring online from a Georgia showroom which saved us state tax and about $1.60/Sq. Ft.  I used my designer discount wherever I could (anywhere from 10%-20%). We reused our existing windows and although my husband is not a do-it-yourselfer, we primed and painted the walls of the kitchen and laundry room ourselves.

Another way we were able to save a significant amount was to use butcher block on the perimeter counters and the much more pricey Carerra Marble only on the island.

We were able to save about 70% on the cost butcher block countertops by purchasing them at IKEA.  For my style of kitchen, there really was no need to have an exotic species of wood. The warmth and simple beauty of birch would do  just fine.

Sadly the closest IKEA is a 2-hour drive to Pittsburgh but it was worth the trip. I was sourcing items for The Freshman’s Room, so I did double duty. 

My husband made the roadtrip with me. He had never been to an IKEA store. I tried to explain the IKEA concept to him by saying that the store was like the Home Depot of home furnishing stores. But let’s face it, IKEA is beyond words, you just have to experience it for yourself. No matter if you want appliances, bedding, lighting or furniture – IKEA has it. Let’s just say hubby was impressed and thought it was worth a day off work.

In designing my own kitchen, I knew I would not be doing a “stainless and granite” look. Personally, I just love the timeless look of Carrera marble (white with gray veins) and wood countertops. They might not be everyone’s cup of tea but it is a classic style that’s timeless.

I checked stock online before our trip and also called just to make sure we didn’t drive all that way for nothing.  The kitchen staffer I talked to both on the phone and then again at the store to told me that the countertops were NOT pre-treated with oil.  Not that it’s a big deal, but that is not correct.

When we opened the countertops at home, the paperwork clearly states that, “the worktop has been treated once at the factory with wood treatment oil.”  This is important to know because if you are using any kind of sealant, you have to wash down the worktops with mineral spirits or paint thinner. If you don’t, the oil will prevent the sealant from penetrating the wood and it won’t bond. In other words, you’ll end up with a big mess. (In the photo above left you see the countertop laying on the base cabinet. It had not yet been cut down or sealed.)

We are sealing our countertops as opposed to oiling them. That decision is based on the information I received from my local show room. They told me that using wood countertops around a sink/water will cause the wood to split and shrink even if oiled. They also said while you can oil the tops, once installed you can’t continue to oil the bottoms and this will be a source of problems down the road.

After doing much research, we selected Waterlox to seal our countertops. Custom wood countertop producers like Craft-Art in Atlanta use Waterlox on their custom countertops.  I figure if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me. 

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the finish of the butherblock countertops! We did two base coats of the original and then two coats of the satin finish. They look spectacular! The photo to the right shows the final dry satin coat. I love the bit of sheen but no shine. The finish feels so smooth! Amazing.

So, even as I typing this post,  I can smell the strong scent of the final coat. If you have little ones at home, but sure to do this during the warmer months so you can open doors and windows for good ventilation. 

I’m just curious. If you have (or want to) redo your kitchen, what countertop material would you choose?

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