apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


Best Products: IKEA Groland Butcher Block Island

11-30-butch1.jpg

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...

11-30-butch3.jpg

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.

11-30-butch4.jpg

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

GRANDPO2X.JPG

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.

Comments (13)

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.

posted by Anna at D16 on 2007-11-30 13:24:24
view Anna at D16's profile

$200!

it looks like it has cankles.

posted by miss on 2007-11-30 13:43:08
view miss's profile

yes, always look for the cheaper alternative.

http://zero255zero.com

posted by zero255zero on 2007-11-30 14:07:16
view zero255zero's profile

Looks like it would also work for a console table in the bedroom.

posted by bramasoleiowa on 2007-11-30 14:16:43
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.

posted by orangejuce on 2007-11-30 14:39:10
view orangejuce's profile

P.S. You should get two.

posted by orangejuce on 2007-11-30 14:41:22
view orangejuce's profile

What kind of oil are you using?

posted by anablackburn on 2007-11-30 14:41:27
view anablackburn's profile

We have one we use for an island, too. It is a simple, sturdy Ikea piece. Just perfect!

posted by Abbe on 2007-11-30 14:41:54
view Abbe's profile

anablackburn, I use John Boos Mystery Oil on all of my wood kitchen stuff.

posted by Anna at D16 on 2007-11-30 15:41:09
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!

posted by Squeegee Beckenheim on 2007-11-30 16:28:57
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.

posted by Leslie in Toronto on 2007-11-30 18:39:15
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'.

posted by Arancione on 2007-12-01 13:07:53
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.

posted by realgone on 2007-12-01 19:38:04
view realgone's profile
Buy Text Ads