Butcher Block Table Top Question

[John in OH]

My son has asked me to build him a "small" workbench for his new condo. He has a space about 72" x 26" available and I'm considering using a butcher block top from Ikea (no Menards near by). Use will be for basic homeowner, bicycle, odd-job activity ... minimal actual car work.

So, my question ... it appears that the Ikea tops are almost all made from a 1/8" layer of hardwood over a particle board core. I was hoping for something of solid hardwood. Of the numerous tops available from Ikea, does anyone have any recommendations based on their actual experience with a specific top?

If the Ikea tops aren't adequate, I'm considering the 74"x25"x1.5" wood Butcher Block Countertop in Unfinished Birch from HD. Any thoughts on this one?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/74in-x2...top-in-Unfinished-Birch-BBCT152574C/301812823

 

[Fueler]

Can't speak to Ikea but the HD will work. I use similar on my shop benches. Every few years I haul them outside, sand them and give them a minwax spray finish. all new again.

 

[atch]

Google butcherblock countertop and you'll find many sources of wood countertop that would make great workbench tops. Perhaps one of these sources is local to you or ships.

 

[Handyandy23]

In Canada at least, Ikea sells both solid wood butcher block countertops, and the particle board core style. The solid ones are called "Hammarp" and the particle board are called "Karlby".

I did a kitchen reno with the particle-centered Karlby countertops in our old house and used them for probably 18 months before we sold the place, and they held up great. In cutting and installing them I didn't see any issues with the particle board core, and found them to be pretty heavy duty. That said, this was a kitchen and not a work bench, so it's not like we beat on them too hard. I'd imagine if you're literally hammering on them that the Hammarp / solid would be a better way to go, and not a significant price increase for a small section.

 

[jfleisher]

Woodcraft has a few:

https://www.woodcraft.com/categories/workbench-accessories?product[]=Bench+Top

 

[manwithtools]

So does Lumberliquidators. Looks like most places are close in price for solid hard versions.

 

[Jon69RagTop]

I bought the one from Home Depot, very nice piece. You won’t regret it.

 

[Marctrees]

Menard's nearby ?

Great sale price on 4' -

https://www.menards.com/main/find.html?find=4857015+or+4857016+or+4857017&queryType=category

Marc

 

[carap]

Grizzly sells reasonably priced tops. Shipping is what kills ya.

 

[Hammer1963]

My experience with IKEA butcher block tops has been completely positive. I have purchased several of them for various uses. The ones I have from IKEA are solid Birch sourced from Eastern Europe. I have also made my own using scrap unfinished maple hardwood flooring from Lumber Liquidators that I bought at a very low cost

 

[capww8]

I've used the Lumber Liquidators and 'Floor and Decor Outlet' walnut butcher block tops, they would be totally fine for a workbench, but pay attention, one side is meant to show, the other is going to have more unfilled gaps.

 

[EOC_Jason]

You could also get something like this as HD to give a good protective coating:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/FAMOWOOD-1-qt-Glaze-Coat-Clear-Epoxy-Kit-5050080/301826159

 

[nh_yota]

It's best to find something locally. If you special order it, be prepared to send it back a few times because of damage.

 

[chrisBTSC]

Look at IKEA Gerton. I have used these for my benchtops and they are solid and fairly inexpensive.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50106773/

 

[EOC_Jason]

I've never been in an Ikea, nor owned anything Ikea... I feel like I must be missing out, if at the very least some level of entertainment...

 

[Angelfire]

I've never been in an Ikea, nor owned anything Ikea... I feel like I must be missing out, if at the very least some level of entertainment...

I can't speak to the stores here in the USA, but in Europe, be sure to take a compass and bread crumbs to find your way out of them! And they are an experience alright.