IKEA strikes again. In the quick apartment makeover we are doing we're going hi and low, and really excited about some of the items we've found. This one is a particular standout: the Groland Butcher Block Island, which will only set you back $199...

This thing is heavy and has nice details in the stainless steel towel racks on both sides, stainless cuffs on the feet and the woven wood lower shelf.

We've been sanding and oiling it for the past few days and the top is getting dark and rich.

Don't get us wrong, we love the John Boos blocks, particularly the Cucina D'Amico Butcher Block and the Cucina Americana Work Table Collection, which looks somewhat similar. But for $1,200 we'd rather save the money here and spend it elsewhere.
The Groland is SO sturdy and great. I have one in my kitchen and love it! I don't use it as an island (my kitchen is too small), but rather as extra counter/storage space on the side wall of my kitchen. The bottom shelf is great for holding the microwave, which I don't like hogging any counter space.
I oiled/sanded the top a half dozen times when I first got it, and try to give it a coat of oil every couple of weeks now (a little more in the winter, since it's right next to a radiator). The surface is really rich and lovely.
view Anna at D16's profile
$200!
it looks like it has cankles.
view miss's profile
yes, always look for the cheaper alternative.
http://zero255zero.com
view zero255zero's profile
Looks like it would also work for a console table in the bedroom.
view bramasoleiowa's profile
I hope this is going into the empty apartment you guys posted the other day that you are making over. That kitchen needs an Island or more countertops badly.
view orangejuce's profile
P.S. You should get two.
view orangejuce's profile
What kind of oil are you using?
view anablackburn's profile
We have one we use for an island, too. It is a simple, sturdy Ikea piece. Just perfect!
view Abbe's profile
anablackburn, I use John Boos Mystery Oil on all of my wood kitchen stuff.
view Anna at D16's profile
I bought two of these to use similarly to "Anna at D16" (My name is Anna, too. So fitting!).
In my new house we either needed an entire new cabinet system on a side wall, or, we though, two of these beauties and a ceiling rack. Viola- instant prepping space!
view Squeegee Beckenheim's profile
anablackburn,
Mineral oil works really well for seasoning chopping blocks (as well as wooden utensils that are prone to drying out, like spoons). It's food-safe, effective, and inexpensive.
view Leslie in Toronto's profile
This table looks totally terrific. I too might consider it as a kitchen table for my small Brooklyn 'kitchenette'.
view Arancione's profile
does anyone use this for seating as well?
i have a pair of ikea folding stools/chairs and need something to use as an island for prepping and dining as well and was wondering if this is a good way to go.
view realgone's profile