Thank you - so where can I find a piece that is at least 74x38 inches? For a reasonable price? Ikea's are 74 but do not come wide enough (25?). Every other manufacturer I've looked at comes in 72x36. I would like one solid piece. Any recommendations?

Cabinets are already purchased.

Try Lumber Liquidators. They have builder grade oak tops that are 8 ft wide for $180. Nicer maple is $260. Other even more expensive options too. I cant speak to the quality but I think someone here got one from LL and seemed happy with it. Good Luck!

Ikea sells a piece of butcher-block for an island that is exactly the dimensions you need. If you wanted it to be more narrow you could cut it down and use the included edge laminate to seal the exposed edge. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30297641/

Yes, but karlby is particleboard with a veneer on it, not real BB.

You need a piece that's at least 85" long (24x3+12+1" overhang) and 26 inches wide if you want an inch overhang on the front and back side of the island. You'll have to buy a 96" piece and trim it.

Something like the IKEA Hammarp would work for you. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00274962/

Thanks! Yup, too big is fine. Happy to cut down in size.

Zsmith - the problem with that piece is the width - its only 25" wide. I'm also looking for solid bb.

If you can afford to go a bit above LL in quality (plus pay shipping if you aren't near Atlanta), Craft-art has lovely BB for DIY in many different sizes:

http://craft-art.com/diy-butcher-block-wood-countertops/

I have had great success with butcher block from Woodcraft. Lots of sizes, and some of the stores will cut to size for you.

frmrsdghtr, whoops! I misunderstood where the overhang was. You'll need at least 37" wide, to account for 1" front overhang unless you're ok with 11" on the seating side. The Hammarp is solid BB, tho.