I love IKEA butcher block countertops. They're so versatile, so beautiful, and so inexpensive — so what if they also tend to be a little lacking in a certain flair? Here's an idea: make this one-size-fits-all kitchen staple into a one-of-a-kind unique surface with just a few tools and a little bit of know-how.
Alex and Wendy from Old Town Home recently faced the same conundrum — they loved the butcher block look but wanted a little something more than just a plain square edge. Enter a router, a specialty bit, and a couple of extra materials to help do the job smoothly, and suddenly the plain Jane countertop has a fancy curvy finished edge.
This is a great example of taking an inexpensive but sturdy material and using a little creativity to customize it for a high-end look! Visit Old Town Home to see a very detailed how-to, complete with lots of helpful photos and explanations.
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(Images: Old Town Home)
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Nice handiwork. But I think I prefer it without the fancy edge treatment. A plain edge is better suited to the unfussy character of the butcher block, in my opinion.
Dana at House Tweaking did this recently for her bathroom vanity.
I agree with the doctor! Keep those corners square!
So creative, I have a slight obsession with all of the IKEA makeovers out there. There are so many great ideas!
Good idea! I will be changing the edge on my kitchen island, thanks to you.
I prefer the original edge for kitchens due to ease of cleaning. However for one of those rethinks where it becomes a dresser top or something, this rocks.
I agree with DovieAnn. I have a Swanstone countertop in my bathroom and my husband picked out the fancy edge. UGH...it is so hard to clean inside of the grooves and the bathroom isn't going to get HALF of the wear and tear that the kitchen will. I love the look but it just isn't practical for me.
The fancy edge will make your counters look outdated. I saw so many kitchens with curved edges and fancy bevels that made them look so old when they were brand new or nearly brand new. I kept the basic edge for my kitchen counters.
I have this countertop and prefer the regular edge. I could see it as a flat 45 degree angle or a bit more rounded. Interesting project though to individualise it a bit.
I think this edge takes it from modern to traditional. Not my taste, but a good idea if that is the aesthetic you are going for.
Thanks to AT for featuring this project from our blog, we're quite flattered.
I realize it may not be everyone's particular style, but it's meant as a general proof of concept to show how you can do it. As Carrotsticks said, you can use this approach in many different ways.
In our particular installation, we were definitely going for a more traditional look. Our home is an 1880's Victorian, and the flat edges just didn't work with the rest of the items around the house. Thus far we've not had any issues cleaning the grooves and haven't had food or debris stuck anywhere. It's worked out quite nicely.
While I'm not a fan of that particular edge, you can make just about any edge with a router! Just have to know what bits to use.
I like the edging.
at. did you mean Kate at Centsational Girl? http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2012/11/ogee-edge-wood-countertops/
I'd probably do a different edge than something quite that fancy, maybe a plain concave edge? I like the general idea, it makes something that is pretty commonplace into something unusual.
I agree with everybody! (I prefer the straight edge, I think it's more suited to butcher block, but if you have a traditional style interior, this edge modifies the look to make it fit in better.)
Routed edges can have lots of different profiles. I'd just avoid any that make deep V-grooves on a surface prone to collecting food debris. (Or bathroom scum!)
I don't know I went to the site and it looks awesome, fits well into the house and was done beautifully so all in all project well done. I would never have though of it!
Well, I think it's fantastic and I also think makes the top look like a lot more custom and expensive of a piece than the original.
It doesn't look like that "same old Ikea counter" everyone has, now. I love that.
I think those who criticize this idea are missing the point of how meaningful it is to be able to improve the quality appearance of an inexpensive IKEA item to suit one's specific idea.
IKEA hacking is an art form in itself.
Usually IKEA suppliers skip more expensive processes in finish/manufacture to deliver for a price. This edge, regardless of the "style", represents a way to add back the value and I applaud the idea!
I don't see anything wrong with the edge, it's very beautiful, except that now you can't say it's a butcher block. It's now too fancy.
I love the whole concept! It isn't just for counter tops, either. Many edges can be done/redone, to give new life to a table, dresser, stool, work counter, desk, etc. What seemed to get lost in some of the posts is that *the concept* of being able to change a small part of something can do amazing things to personalize an item, and totally transform the look.
No one said anything about 'this edge is superior', just that 'this edges suits us/our home better'.