Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Chris Cooks

Boos-ing the Block

June 28, 2012
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.
 
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!
filed under: 
— Hide Comments
+ ShowComments
What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. My brother suggested I would possibly like this website.

    He used to be totally right. This publish truly made my day.
    You cann't consider simply how a lot time I had spent for this info!
    Thank you!

  2. 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.

  3. 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!

  4. 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.

  5. 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 : )

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

What We're

Loving

Right Now

What We're

Loving

Right Now

Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop
Shop All

Love Stories

Love Where You Live

In an industry that often feels designed to make you discontent, we want this to be place you come for inspiration, ideas, and encouragement to make the space you're already in feel like home.
Read All Posts
let's break this thing up

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

01

Portfolio

Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
read more
02

Projects

We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
read more
03

Design

Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
read more
hello world!

looking for inspiration?

Beautifully wrapped traditional presents stacked in a doorway
Gift Guides!

Holiday Gift Guides for Everyone in Your Life {2024}

Whether you're shopping for your main guy, your clutch coworker, your favorite homebody, or the little ones in your life, I've got you covered. This is your one-stop shop for holiday gifts, from affordable stocking stuffers to high-end luxury items. Our can't-miss gift guides help take the stress out of holiday shopping, so you can […]
Chris Cooks Candied Ham Skewers
Chris Cooks

Candied Ham Skewers - Your New Favorite Holiday Appetizer

As a home cook, this is my favorite time of year: the time leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas. But this year, I want to focus on low-effort, high-impact dishes. Something that can serve a crowd but is not too hard to make. And these spicy candied ham bites are just the ticket. Shop The […]
Lifestyle

Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

This post is sponsored by Neighborly, Your Hub for Home Services The beginning of the year we're always thinking "spring cleaning." But in fall, I like to cover our bases on home maintenance before we have guests or face colder weather. I usually like to split the tasks between things we tackle ourselves and things we […]
The Marcum family dressed as characters from the classic edition of Clue: The Game.
Entertaining

Our Halloween Family Costumes 2024: I'll Give You One Clue

It was Professor Plum, with the knife, in the Conservatory. Happy Halloween from Clue characters: 1986 edition! Shop Costume Inspiration Over the years, we've dressed as everything from dolls and monsters to Peter Pan, E.T. characters, and The Wizard of Oz. But in the last several years, one of our kids has usually chosen our costumes. If you look back, you […]
Learn With Us
Want to do what we do? Get the tools, mentorship, and training to be a Good Influencer professionally.
Learn More
Looking for Something?

SEARCH THE BLOG

We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?

Can We Send You Our Love Letter?

Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!

hello world!
Follow Along on Instagram
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
© 2024 Chris Loves Julia, LLC
PRIVACY POLICYTERMS & CONDITIONSAFFILIATE DISCLAIMERSITE CREDITCOMMUNITY GUIDELINES