Burning the Midnight Oil
Mr Chiots and I were up late working on the kitchen. A few months ago we purchased some butcher block for the counters and finally had some time this weekend to tackle this project.
Here’s what our kitchen looked like yesterday morning:
Don’t let the photos fool you, the laminate countertops were in pretty shabby condition. Since our home has an open floor plan, there’s no hiding it.
We started this project after dinner last night, tackling the demolition of the old countertops first. We tried to salvage them, but in the end we had to cut through them to get them off. There was no way they were going to fit it through the door.
I like to take advantage of projects like this to do some serious cleaning, especially in those nooks and crannies, like the area under the stove. I don’t think I’ve pulled out the stove since we installed the hardwood floors 5 years ago. I found a good amount of cat hair, a few furry mice (the cat toy variety), coffee beans, and a few milk rings (also cat toys). I was actually surprised there wasn’t more under here.
I’ve always dreamed of having soapstone counters, but for now butcher block will do. This project wasn’t very expensive and it will make a world of difference. Stay tuned for photos of the finshed product, no doubt they’ll be featured in the non-toxic kitchen cleaning post coming up soon.
What’s your dream kitchen counter surface?
Filed under Around the House | Comments (22)
When we designed our new house after the fire of 07, the cabinet makers wife got our countertop colors mixed up,so we have a drab pale colored counter top. Pop offered to redo it for me, but too many other projects have taken presidence. We don’t entertain like we once did, so I’m not fretting over the change right now. Can’t wait to see your new tops.
to Sue from Ky.'s comment
I can’t wait to see the finished project :) By the time you guys are done with all your projects, everything will be so nice you won’t want to move! LOL
to Allison's comment
We were just talking about why we didn’t do the countertops earlier. We’ll happy when all these updates make our house sell quickly, that’s really the goal is to remove all those things that need done to make someone buy our house instead of the one down the street.
to Susy's comment
We did the exact same thing here, only installed flooring in almost all of the house right before we listed. I think it made all the difference for people going through the house. We’re currently in-contract and are closing this coming Friday.
to Teresa's comment
I’m so over the granite that everyone installs. I’d love to have something natural, but not well-versed on the options. We are going to be putting our house on the market, but can’t afford to replace the counters right now.
It’s gonna look great, Susy! Can’t wait for the after photos!
to daisy's comment
I do not know how you are going to stand being able to move…lol. All of these projects you are accomplishing and then they look so lovely afterwards! Cannot wait to see the finished kitchen photos.
to amy's comment
Susy, I “love” your kitchen. Love the overhead lighting. Hopefully, some day. My kitchen is a typical modular kitchen, but I have to make do.
Your butcher block will look stunning with those cabinets, I can see it.
Have a wonderful, peaceful, productive weekend.
to Denimflyz's comment
Our kitchen was the typical kitchen too, with contractor grade cabinets from the hardware store. We routed the edge of the doors with a nice router bit, we made moulding to install on the top & bottom and painting everything in black. It makes the world of difference and makes the cabinets look custom. We also swapped out the hinged and added door hardware. Can’t wait to see how the countertops tie it all together.
to Susy's comment
I poured concrete countertops in my bath and kitchen when I built my house. I love it!
I think the butcherblock should look great in yours too.
to Annie's comment
Oh, I soooo wish I could say this was a timely post. But, alas, our kitchen remodel is still about a year away. *sigh*
But, we do have a butcher block cabinet top in the house, only we’ve converted it to a desk for our office. It’s wonderful. And I’ve been going back and forth about whether I want the same top in our new kitchen, or some kind of recycled composite.
Also, please please please post something about how hygienic is really is. My MIL won’t let go of her fear about wood countertops harboring germs. :)
to itchbay's comment
Actually plastic and other things are much less hygienic than wood. At least with wooden countertops you can sand them down and add some fresh finish to get rid of scratches and cuts unlike plastic ones.
I’m much more concerned about bits of toxic plastic in and around my food than I am about germs.
to Susy's comment
Awaiting after pictures with baited breath. :)
Isn’t it a shame to have to do this amount of work in order to leave your house? I have a painting a rec room and a few other projects awaiting my attention at our old house before listing. Ugh!
Happy counter-fitting, :)
whit
to whit's comment
Ooohhhh…. wood counters would be lovely :)
to Sherri's comment
Soapstone! I’ve wanted it forever and we put it in 6 years ago during our kitchen remodel. Haven’t regretted it even one day. In fact, we love it more than ever. Sounds like the perfect thing for your next kitchen!
to andrea's comment
Good to know that someone has had a good experience with it, I don’t know anyone that has soapstone. Can’t wait to someday have it in my kitchen.
to Susy's comment
I noticed you have a stainless oven. Do you have any tips for cleaning stainless appliances? My appliances get streaks and stains and smudges and I must not be cleaning them right.
to elizabeth's comment
I think we must be related. So many similarities really. Soapstone is my favorite. It has been since junior high science class.
to Maybelline's comment
We also wanted soapstone in our partial kitchen remodel. Instead we went a slightly cheaper route with honed granite (black with some white veining) that looks very much like soapstone. People always assume it is soapstone. I have a friend with poured conctrete counter tops and they are wonderful too. I think the butcher block will look great in your kitchen.
to Kathi Cook's comment
I LOVE the black cabinets. I have been mulling over redoing my kitchen for a while. It needs it badly, but I’m saving up for it. I am definitely leaning toward painted cabinets rather than natural wood. I’ll bet yours will look fantastic with those butcher block counters!
to Jennelle's comment
I dream of quartz counter-tops. I work with pastry and cook with chocolate quite a bit so it`s for more than the esthetic aspect.
to Marcia's comment
Zinc!!!! Like the old bar countertop!!! Maybe with a white Shabby Chic Kitchen…..
to Valeria Giudici's comment
Can’t wait to see. My dream counter tops, actually, are butcher block. One of these days our kitchen will reach the top of the priority list.
to abby's comment