From Rough Lumber to Kitchen Showpiece: Our Hickory Butcher Block Journey

At Crafted In Florida, we transform raw materials into functional art that lasts generations. In this project, we created a 200-pound solid hickory butcher block countertop for a client’s kitchen island—not just a surface, but a centerpiece that combines beauty, durability, and craftsmanship.

Why We Chose Hickory

When our client wanted a statement piece for their kitchen, hickory was our immediate recommendation. As one of North America’s hardest domestic woods, it offers exceptional durability for daily kitchen use. What truly sets it apart is its dramatic character—the striking contrast between creamy sapwood and rich, reddish-brown heartwood creates natural patterns no manufactured surface can match.

Starting with rough-sawn lumber gave us complete control. While it requires more work upfront, it allowed us to hand-select boards with complementary grain patterns, ensuring a truly one-of-a-kind result that matched our client’s vision.

Our Process: From Rough Boards to Finished Surface

After carefully selecting each hickory board, we allowed the lumber to acclimate in our workshop for several weeks—a crucial step that ensures dimensional stability and prevents potential issues after installation.

The transformation began at our jointer and planer, creating perfectly flat, parallel surfaces and consistent thickness across all boards. This precision is essential for tight-fitting joints that will withstand decades of use. We then ripped each board to consistent width, creating the building blocks for our butcher block.

Assembly required both planning and patience. We began with a dry fit, arranging boards to create the most appealing grain pattern. After numbering each piece, we applied food-safe waterproof adhesive and worked quickly to bring everything together. For a piece this size, we used a progressive glue-up approach—joining smaller sections first, then combining them into the final form.

The clamping phase required dozens of heavy-duty clamps applied from multiple directions. We alternated clamps on top and bottom to prevent bowing and ensure the surface remained perfectly flat as the glue cured.

Once cured, we began finishing with careful flattening, followed by progressive sanding through multiple grits. The edges received a subtle roundover that enhances both appearance and safety.

For the finish, we applied multiple coats of food-safe oil that penetrates deep into the wood fibers. This brought out the rich color variations while providing protection against moisture and daily use. Unlike film-forming finishes, this oil finish can be easily refreshed and allows the wood to develop a beautiful patina over time.

Installation and Care

Installing a 200-pound butcher block required careful planning and proper support. We ensured the cabinetry was reinforced appropriately and perfectly level before installation. Our mounting system accommodates the natural expansion and contraction of solid wood, preventing stress that could lead to splitting or warping.

We provided simple care instructions: regular applications of food-safe oil, prompt cleaning of spills, and avoiding prolonged exposure to standing water. With this minimal maintenance, this hickory butcher block will serve beautifully for generations.

More Than Just a Countertop

What makes this project special isn’t just the technical execution—it’s knowing we’ve created something that will become part of our client’s daily life and family history. Unlike disposable products in today’s world, this butcher block is built to last generations, developing character and stories with each passing year.

We believe there’s profound value in surrounding ourselves with objects made from natural materials, crafted with care and built to endure. This hickory butcher block represents that philosophy—a functional work of art that connects us to traditional craftsmanship while serving practical needs in a modern kitchen.

For those inspired to incorporate similar elements into your home, contact us to discuss your vision, or browse our gallery for more examples of our work with natural wood in contemporary settings.