Butcher block sewing/cutting table

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Hello! I recently found a good chunk of butcher block (unfinished) to use for my craft/sewing/cutting table. Fabric will be used on it, and cut - but I have a cutting mat to protect the wood itself.

But I want to finish the butcher block with something. I will probably also use this surface for other DIY projects that might include paint, mod podge, hot glue, you name it.

What can I finish it with? I know a lot of people like 'mineral oil' by itself (and it sounds great in theory, being so cheap) but I don't want it seeping out of the block and into my fabric projects. I've read about waterlox and it sounds great, but - do I really need to go to that expense for food safety when I'm not eating on it?

Would a plain oil based polyurethane work instead? Or are there better options? I want to preserve the natural look of the wood.

Featured Answer

jhmarie

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

About the best DIY you can do is several coats of polyurethane, but that will not make it impervious to mod-podge and hot glue:)

You could look into getting a piece of glass cut and the edges smoothed to go over the top - like a glass top table - could be a little pricy. Thick plexiglass is also possible, but it might dull with cleaning.

You could polyurethane it for sewing. Like you said, your sewing cutting board will protect the top - mine is very large, and get an extra large glass kitchen cutting board to lay on one area when you do crafts.

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Comments (8)

Judy Mishkin
9 years ago
butcherblock doesnt seem to be a good mix with fabrics. between snagging and oil residue its not sounding like a match made in heaven. similar with papers.
hss222
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the input.

Looking for suggestions on how to finish the butcher block in a manner alternative to food preparation in a kitchen setting.
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User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Lots and lots of sanding. Then a water based poly. Then sanding. Then water based poly. Then sanding. Then a final coat of water based poly.

Or a $100 piece of laminate top from a big box that is smooth and ready to go.
hss222 thanked User
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
9 years ago
I agree I love butcher block but not for this application .
hss222
Original Author
9 years ago
Not a fan of laminate. Or using doors. Which is why the butcher block was purchased on sale. It is on top of two dressers and is the exact look I wanted. I will figure out something and post finished pics. People use these things all the time for desks and sewing tables. My only goal was to avoid destroying the material. At least it is wood so could be sanded down later.
hss222
Original Author
9 years ago
Oh, fantastic. That works out perfectly because I reserved a small space between the two dressers for hiding away the sewing mat! Just started the polyurethane, too. Thanks!
ocotillaks
9 years ago

Cutting Table 1 Photo by Ocotilla | Photobucket · More Info
Here is my butcher block topped cutting table. My husband built the butcher block to fit a pine baby changing table. He sanded within an inch of its life. It's finished with Minwax golden oak and 2 coats of poly. It works great and doesn't catch fabric. I had a cutting mat on top of it.