We have been doing pretty good keeping the kitchen updates to a minimum while we save our pennies for a complete overhaul as soon as we can finalize plans (which is a completely different post).We have spent around $150 (not including a new fridge and dishwasher) to get our previous kitchen:
to where it is today--a more aesthetically pleasing, still cramped version.
The newest addition to the room is that butcher block hanging out on the counter. We have dreams of removing the peninsula altogether and getting a thick butcher block island down the road, but I couldn't resist buying this much, much smaller version for Chris as a pre-father's day gift (does anyone else have trouble holding onto gifts?) when I saw it at Ross for a mere $20! The ones I have been contemplating getting have all been in the $75+ for something this thick and heavy, so when I saw the price tag I didn't even think twice about putting it my cart.
We have a large, plastic cutting board that we constantly stow away (because it isn't very pretty) and pull out multiple times a day to use--so having a surface to cut on that looks good enough to stay out is great. The only down side was, the butcher block was very dry and needed oiled before we could use it. Every time we went to the store we forgot to get butcher block oil, so it sat on our counter unused for weeks. I finally ordered some from Amazon one day (John Boos Mystery Oil Butcher Block Oil
) when it was on my mind and yesterday it finally came.
) when it was on my mind and yesterday it finally came.Chris quenched the thirst of our butcher block and I documented the whole thing. Naturally. Here is how it looked when we started, which didn't seem terrible to us--we were blown away with the depth it took on once it was oiled.
Maybe we're complete nerds (we are) but it was exciting watching the butcher block evolve to its full potential as it soaked in the oil (yep, definitely nerds). I'm pretty sure I heard an, "Ahhhhh" like it just finished drinking a gallon of ice water.
So that's our latest mini kitchen update. It looks good for me and is practical for Chris, which can only mean we're all smiles over here. That is, until we run into the peninsula while trying to sit at the dining room table. A full kitchen remodel couldn't come fast enough!
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You can also use mineral oil that you buy at the grocery store, sold in the medical section as a digestive aid, to use on butcher block. I think I read somewhere that that is the main ingredient in the boos stuff. You just want to avoid an oil that can go rancid, like olive oil, etc.
I love that cutting board! The John Boos factory is in Effingham, IL, several hours from where I live. I have always admired their products online. Didn't realize they sold a conditioning oil, but that makes sense! I have read where wood has anti-bacterial properties and it is safer to cut meat on wood than on plastics, etc. Don't know how true that is. I am vegetarian and try to only buy minimal meat for my husband that does not require cutting! You mentioned buying your board at the Ross store...is there an online link for that store? Thank you!
Looks great! and reminds me to oil my board this weekend. It's amazing what 2 minutes can do to a cutting board to make it look dreamy.
Good eye! No, but it is still a work in progress so Greta is just being stored there for a couple days.
Did you give up on the gallery wall? I see that the pic of Greta has been moved into the kitchen....
love that last picture! and you're right it does look like refreshed, like it just gulped a big glass of water
I CANNOT believe that was $20! When I was bartending, we had the nicest butcher block and I wanted to steal it. They're so expensive. Great find. It's so pretty!
Oh, yeah. Definitely no raw meat on this baby.
I have yet to get around to block oil, too, even though i see it in stores all the time. After I wash it, I sometimes just rub a little canola into it and it seems to condition the board beautifully.
It is so nice to have an attractive board to keep on display; makes sandwich and breakfast-making a breeze : )
Love!!!! Love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How about cleaning it after cutting??? I'm assuming (and hoping) you don't cut raw meat on there. Wood cutting board are usually a no no with preparing raw meats.
this is a super helpful post to me. cause i have been into wooden cutting boards and blocks but i am intimated at preparing them.
Love the look of butcher block! Awesome addition!