My son asked me to build for him an additional cabinet for his kitchen and he is wanting a butcher block countertop.  We are still working out the design, but we know that the box will not exceed 40x21.  I know that I can make a top for him put I was wanting to look into the options of purchasing one.

 

I went to a low end kitchen & bath outlet today and they would sell me a 36" x 86" finger jointed top for $229.   They do not sell smaller pieces.  I assume it was maple.  They had a stack of them and the top one was cupping.  Home Depot sells a maple 25" x 60" top for $339.  Grizzly Industrial has Beechwood finger jointed work bench tops.  1-3/4 x 48 x 25 sells for $124 + $100 shipping.

 

I would appreciate it if you would share your opinion(s).  thanks

Danl

 

 

 

you might check ikea.   i think they have some sort of solid top (not glueboard).

I've made a couple of tops. This one from maple and walnut-  it's about 2' x 3'

 

 

This one was considerably longer made from hard maple-

 

 

Both are edge grain. Used TiteBond III glue. Lots of clamps.

 

 

Other than labor, I think you'll get a better  quality piece by making it yourself.

7 minutes ago, lew said:

Other than labor, I think you'll get a better  quality piece by making it yourself.

Agreed, assuming you have a local source for the wood. 

 

We bought a Boos island top from an online dealer in CT - must have been a second because it developed two splits in the grain, and no one responded.  

 

On the other hand, if you buy it from a big box, you can return anything that's defective.  The special order people in kitchens should have that information if you can find an employee who cares.  Multiple sizes available.

1 hour ago, JimM said:

Agreed, assuming you have a local source for the wood

I'm lucky that way. There's a Mennonite run planning mill near here. 

I just got back from looking at some for a machine bench top. ......

...I'll have to see what I can find for cheaper. 

If you saw one of the maple tops cupping, I think that is reasonable warning to avoid that particular product.

It would be labor intensive, but you may check some of the flooring stores.  They may sell solid wood strips which you could mill down to make it worthwhile.  It would be a labor of love.  Another idea is to check where houses are being flipped or remodeled.  You may have to dumpster dive, but most times, you can pull out good wood.  It amazes me what they throw away.  You do have to ensure that it is straight and not contaminated with some liquid.  

Many of the flooring stores (around here anyhow) also deal in countertops and might be worth a call.  Lumber Liquidators also have countertops, kind of pricey as I recall - but they used to have regular clearance specials that differed with each store and you could search online.

 

@lew - that maple & walnut job is a beauty!

Thank you all for the suggestions.  I do have a wood distributor near me and have the means to make the top.  I was looking for a easy alternative.  My son is planning to sell or rent-out his home in approx. (1) yr so I do not need top shelf material but I do plan to provide a quality product.    Thanks again.   Danl

...Not quite Butcher Block but a cheaper alternative.

https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/lumber-boards/boards/mastercraft-reg-5-4-x-36-edge-glued-board/1035104/p-1537252057185-c-13115.htm

 

Still a bit pricey in my opinion. 

A different approach.  3/4 plywood. Glue solid wood flooring to it. Edge band and you have a stable top.

 

Don't have a picture but I have done this for a desk top a couple of times.

3 hours ago, Gunny said:

A different approach.  3/4 plywood. Glue solid wood flooring to it. Edge band and you have a stable top.

 

Don't have a picture but I have done this for a desk top a couple of times.

The neighbor has a solid core door, but I can't even pick that heavy #@$% up.