Butcher Block

Hi All-

I am getting ready to move into a new condo and I am looking for a butcher block.

The kitchen is open, and runs the length of one wall, but has no island or other work surface. But, the previous resident left behind a great pot rack, below which they had a great big butcher block. It acted as a table, but more importantly, a place to handle food.

Here is a photo of the actual kitchen (furnished by the previous resident):


As I mentioned, the pot rack is staying, so I want to buy a similar butcher block-type item for the space.

Where would one go to find such a thing? I'm not really concerned about the decorative aspect or aesthetics of the block - the one in the photo looks pretty fancy. I am more concerned about having a stable, large work space for cutting - not eating - dinner.

Would this be something I could get at a restaurant supply store? I feel like it isn't, because it is such a residential, not a commercial, item.

Are there any brick and mortar stores where I won't pay an arm and a leg for one of these? I am seeing them online for around $300-$400, which I think is relatively reasonable.


Thanks!

Hi,

The only place you MIGHT find that kind of table at that price would be the John Boos Outlet in Effingham.

Thanks for the suggestion, Tim.

I checked out the website and they have some great looking pieces. But, they are WAY over what I'm hoping to spend. Everything I saw seemed over $1,000.

Maybe I am being unreasonable. I've never bought one of these things before, and have no concept of cost.

Maybe I will just hold out hope to find a used one on Craigslist somewhere.

Unless anybody else knows of a store that focuses on these blocks more as functional works spaces, versus the artistry and craftsmanship that appears to have gone into the pieces at John Boos. Beautiful, but I can't afford it.

Any other tips would be greatly appreciated. I am willing to travel!

You might look for a bench meant for wood shops. It won't be pretty, and it might need some extra finishing to make it food safe, but it would be cheaper.

wanted a Boos too but the budgets just couldn't handle it--bought an island 'kit' made by these folks http://www.catskillcraftsmen.com/ while it isn't as heavy duty as some butcher block tables/islands it is fine construction made off all wood(no partcle board)--was about a 4 hour project assembling but no one was hurt--hehe Would buy another from them in a heartbeat!!

Can you negotiate the inclusion of the table with the house? I'm dead serious.

Butcher block that thick is very very very....very expensive.

Did I say very enough? ...nah, It is very expensive:) We're talking 2000 or more for a piece that big with those inserts. That looks like a Boos top from the picture so add another 5-900 onto that price! It's the depth that kills you, 25" is very reasonable, that looks like the better part of 50"

Owl Hardwood Lumber in Niles stocks blanks of 1-1/2" by 25" counter tops and they can do custom too but it costs more. That's the best deal you are going to find in Chicago. Get it unfinished and apply your own mineral oil coating to it, it's not hard and the best food safe finish.

<warning, preachiness/ranting from long personal experience follows>

Butcher block will stain and become discolored. I tell customers that ideally I will spill something on it before I even get it in their house and then I'll use it as a workbench while I finish the job. Best to think of it as a good functional tool that shows wear rather than a lovely and pristine finished surface:) If you're cool with that, then perhaps butcher block is right for you. If you are the type to obsess over a scratch in the top or a slight waviness, variation in color, mineral streak (blackish to silvery stain in the wood), unevenness in the sheen of the mineral oil, or any of a few dozen other imperfections that you can get with bb, it might not be the choice for you.

Octarine wrote:Can you negotiate the inclusion of the table with the house? I'm dead serious.

I already drove a pretty hard bargain with the owners...Haha. I will give it a shot, but they have already moved out the furniture, which leads me to believe they are using the item wherever they live now.



Thanks for the suggestion, Buzzd!

I REALLY like the idea of buying a butcher block kit. I

went to the website linked above and like the look of a few of the products.

Do you recommend buying from an Authorized Retailer, or can I purchase directly from theanufacturer? it seems like the latter would be cheaper, right?

I definitely see the butcher block as a functional tool. I like the look of one that is well worn, and don't expect it to stay in pristine shape at all.

A friend has bought from A-City for really good prices, you just have to keep an eye out- http://www.acitydiscount.com/Used-Comme ... 44.1.1.htm . They also sell less expensive new ones (not sure about the quality) if you search the sight for wood work table.

Jeff

Thanks for the suggestion, Buzzd!

I REALLY like the idea of buying a butcher block kit. I

went to the website linked above and like the look of a few of the products.

Do you recommend buying from an Authorized Retailer, or can I purchase directly from theanufacturer? it seems like the latter would be cheaper, right?

I definitely see the butcher block as a functional tool. I like the look of one that is well worn, and don't expect it to stay in pristine shape at all.

I bought ours from an online retailer that offered free shipping maybe kitchenislands.com--lots to browse--swmbo wanted an island to add more storage since we built this house--

I can't wait to get a big, massive, rough butcher's block in my dream kitchen! Granite is for wimps!