Wood butcher block countertops have become a popular choice in kitchen countertops. They give any kitchen a rustic farmhouse look but can also be gussied up with the right hardware to be modern and hip.
The problem with any organic countertop material is that they take on oils and dirt and need to be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria from taking hold.
Our friends at DIY Life have shared the steps to refresh a butcher block countertop and we think they are valuable tips that can not only serve as a reminder to work on your countertop but also what it takes to maintain a butcher block countertop.
Step 1: If the surface seems sticky and oily, run a wide plastic putty knife over the surface to remove as much of the residue as you can.
Step 2: Mask of the remainder of the kitchen with plastic sheeting and pull on a sanding mask and goggles.
The Home Depot website has all kinds of nooks and crannies to explore while looking for information and helpful hints, including a blog. This post, which I found through "liking" them on Facebook, has OODLES of quick and cheap little projects to help update or just reinvent your kitchen in the span of a weekend.
Here are my takes on the ten suggestions they listed:
Add Cabinetry Hardware
YES YES YES. My cabinets didn't even have hardware when we moved in, but adding in even the most simple of knobs changed how my kitchen looked in the span of an afternoon.
My Hint: Put knobs on those faux drawer fronts by your sink for continuity.
It's hard to turn on the oven when it's sweltering inside and out. I've been eating lots of take-out and sandwiches because I can't bear to roast in my apartment. As the hottest month of the summer heats up, The Kitchn has compiled a great list of design moves that cool your cucina.
- Install a ceiling fan. This time of year, blades should rotate counterclockwise to move air downward.
- Install a countertop toaster oven or microwave if you don't already have one. This will allow you to do some cooking without the use of your larger oven or the open stovetop. If your kitchen is crowded, you can even just use the appliance seasonally and store it away in the cooler months.
Isn't it a pain (sometimes literally) when reaching above for dishes or glasses? You may also find yourself stretching up and working your fingers out just to barely nudge at the cake plate waaaaay up high?
What about the storage below your countertops, specifically drawers?
