Mastering DIY Wood Countertops: Kitchen & Bath Remodel Success & Homemade Pantry Essentials

Welcome to our latest deep dive into transforming your home, one project at a time! In this comprehensive guide, we’re pulling back the curtain on everything related to DIY wood countertops for both kitchens and bathrooms. We’ll share our unfiltered experiences, from building and installing them ourselves in our very first home – despite Brian’s modest woodworking skills – to opting for convenient IKEA hardwood counters in our second house. You’ll gain insights into simple tricks for a successful installation, and Jami bravely discusses her biggest regret over using a particular water-based stain, revealing what she should have done instead to ensure lasting beauty and durability.

Beyond home renovation, we’re stepping into the kitchen to demystify “Pantry Basics.” Jami will explain how you can effortlessly make essential items you’ve always assumed you had to buy from the grocery store, saving money and offering healthier alternatives. Plus, we’ll share a captivating audiobook that truly resonated with us. Get ready for a wealth of practical tips, personal anecdotes, and inspiring ideas for your home and kitchen.

This episode is packed with value, and you can download it from major platforms like iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio. Alternatively, simply listen right here on your computer! We encourage you to use this page as a companion, offering all the links, notes, and photos discussed in the episode. Note: If you’re using a feed reader, please click through to the original post to ensure you can access the player and all content.

Embracing the Charm of DIY Wood Countertops

Our finished farmhouse kitchen, graced with the warmth and character of our DIY wood countertops, stands as a testament to what can be achieved with a little dedication and a willingness to learn. This project was a cornerstone of our home renovation, bringing a unique, inviting aesthetic that perfectly complemented our vision for a cozy, functional space. The journey to these beautiful counters began with an idea and a desire to infuse our home with a personal touch, proving that even those with developing woodworking skills can create stunning results.

Curious to see more of this transformation? You can find an extensive photo gallery here, and for those interested in the nitty-gritty, a detailed breakdown of the remodel process and costs is available here.

Before our current farmhouse kitchen, our Portland bungalow kitchen also featured DIY wood countertops. This photo, taken long before we started blogging, might be a bit low quality, but it vividly illustrates the charm of those pine counters. We finished them with a Golden Oak stain, specifically chosen to harmonize with the existing flooring, creating a cohesive and classic look. While the photo might suggest a slightly yellow hue, the overall effect was undoubtedly a timeless farmhouse appeal, especially when paired with crisp white cabinets and traditional bin-pull handles. It’s worth noting that we embarked on this remodel around the year 2000, long before the farmhouse-fixer-upper trend became mainstream, making us pioneers in our own right! The light and brightness that flooded this kitchen after the remodel was something I absolutely adored.

The DIY Countertop Project: From Conception to Completion

Our experience with DIY wood countertops wasn’t without its learning curves, but the satisfaction of crafting something beautiful and functional for our home was immeasurable. For our first home, the decision to go the full DIY route meant sourcing raw wood, meticulously cutting each piece to size, and then finishing them to perfection. Brian, who would readily admit his woodworking skills were more enthusiastic than expert at the time, tackled the challenge with remarkable determination. We discovered that careful planning, accurate measurements, and patience were key to overcoming potential hurdles. The choice of pine, an accessible and affordable wood, allowed us to experiment and gain confidence without a massive financial outlay.

When it came to our second home, we opted for a different approach with IKEA butcher block counters. While still requiring installation, these pre-fabricated sections significantly streamlined the initial cutting process. However, precise cuts for sinks and corners remained critical. Brian developed an incredibly effective and easy technique for cutting butcher block with a circular saw, which we’re thrilled to share. This method ensures accuracy and clean edges, essential for a professional finish, even if you’re a DIY novice.

Here’s the video demonstrating Brian’s easy DIY wood counter cutting technique:

Installing wood countertops, whether custom-built or from a store, requires attention to detail, especially when it comes to sealing and finishing. This crucial step not only enhances their beauty but also protects them from moisture and daily wear and tear. Our initial foray into finishing had a notable drawback: Jami’s regret over using a specific water-based stain. While it initially achieved the desired aesthetic, its long-term durability and resistance to water were less than ideal. In retrospect, an oil-based finish or a more robust sealant designed specifically for high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms would have provided superior protection and required less maintenance over time. This lesson highlighted the importance of researching finishes thoroughly, considering not just the look but also the practical demands of the space.

To further address common concerns about durability, we created a follow-up video after living with – and heavily using – our IKEA butcher block counters for two years. This honest assessment covers how they’ve fared under real-world conditions, offering valuable insights into maintenance, care, and long-term appearance. We believe transparency is key when sharing DIY experiences, so you can learn from our journey.

And here’s our follow-up video after living with – and heavily using – the counters for 2 years:

We continued to use these counters for a total of four years before selling the house, and we were pleased to find that they maintained their excellent condition right up until we moved out. This longevity speaks volumes about the resilience of wood countertops when properly cared for, even with significant daily use in a busy family kitchen.

The beauty of wood countertops lies not just in their aesthetic appeal but also in their repairability. Unlike many other countertop materials, scratches and minor imperfections can often be sanded out and re-sealed, allowing for a renewed look without costly replacement. Choosing the right wood species (hardwoods like oak, maple, or walnut are generally more durable than softwoods like pine for high-traffic areas) and an appropriate finish are paramount for longevity and ease of maintenance. For those considering wood counters, we always recommend ample research into different types of sealants – from tung oil to polyurethane – to find the best match for your lifestyle and desired level of upkeep.

What’s Cooking: Demystifying Pantry Basics

Shifting gears from home renovations to culinary creations, let’s talk about “Pantry Basics.” This concept revolves around making everyday staples at home that you typically purchase pre-made from the grocery store. The benefits are numerous: you gain complete control over ingredients, avoid unwanted preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive sugars, often save money, and enjoy a fresher, more flavorful product. It’s a simple yet powerful way to elevate your cooking and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

One of our absolute favorite “pantry basic” recipes, beloved by both Brian and me, is our Healthy, Quick Maple-Honey Granola. This recipe is a game-changer because it’s incredibly easy to make, far more economical than store-bought versions, and you can customize it with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. It’s perfect for breakfast with yogurt, a quick snack, or even a topping for desserts. The natural sweetness from maple syrup and honey gives it a wholesome, irresistible flavor that just can’t be replicated by mass-produced brands.

While choosing favorites from our extensive Pantry Basics section of the recipe index is challenging, some stand out as true family staples. Beyond the granola, these recipes have consistently impressed us with their simplicity, superior taste, and the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into our food:

• Honey-Sweetened Ketchup: This recipe is a revelation! Once you try homemade ketchup sweetened with honey instead of high-fructose corn syrup, you’ll never go back to store-bought. It’s richer, tangier, and our family hasn’t bought ketchup in years.
• 5-minute Homemade Chocolate Syrup: Forget those sugary, artificial syrups. This quick and easy recipe uses simple ingredients to create a delicious, rich chocolate syrup perfect for milk, ice cream, or coffee.
• So Easy Mayonnaise: Making your own mayonnaise might sound intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple and yields a creamy, fresh condiment far superior to anything from a jar. You control the oil type and seasonings, making it perfectly suited to your taste.
• Salad Dressings: Ditch the bottles! Our homemade vinaigrette recipes are versatile, fresh, and allow for endless customization. Using wholesome oils and vinegars, you can create dressings that elevate any salad.
• Frugal Pesto: This recipe shows you how to make vibrant, flavorful pesto without breaking the bank. It’s fantastic with pasta, as a spread for sandwiches, or stirred into soups.
• DIY Roasted Almonds: Be warned, making these at home will forever change your perception of store-bought nuts. Our method for perfectly salted, roasted almonds results in an incredibly satisfying crunch and flavor that makes them an addictive, healthy snack.

Embracing pantry basics is a journey towards more mindful eating and cooking. It empowers you to take control of your food choices, reduce waste, and enjoy the unparalleled taste of freshly made ingredients. We encourage you to start with one or two recipes and gradually build your repertoire – you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes!

This is Really Cool! Our Latest Audiobook Discoveries

Beyond our DIY projects and culinary adventures, we cherish moments of shared learning and entertainment. One of our favorite ways to do this, especially during road trips, is through audiobooks. It’s a wonderful way to collectively experience a story, sparking conversations and shared reflections, much like families used to gather around the radio in the 1940s.

On a recent trip to Portland, we absolutely devoured Wonderby R.J. Palacio. This book is SO profoundly good, a true masterpiece that delves into themes of kindness, acceptance, and the challenges of being different. The narrative follows Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial differences, as he enters a mainstream school for the first time. It’s an emotionally rich and uplifting story that every family should experience, encouraging empathy and understanding. We highly recommend it for its powerful message and beautiful storytelling.

Since discovering the joy of audiobooks for travel (yes, we might have been a bit late to this fantastic game!), we’ve expanded our listening library and found several other titles that we thoroughly enjoyed:

• I Must Sayby Martin Short: If you’re a fan of comedy and showbiz, Martin Short’s memoir is a delightful listen. His distinctive voice and comedic timing translate wonderfully to the audiobook format, offering hilarious anecdotes and heartfelt reflections on his life and career.
• The Disaster Artistby Greg Sestero: This is a truly fascinating and often bizarre account of the making of “The Room,” widely considered one of the worst movies ever made. It’s an incredible story of ambition, friendship, and the eccentricities of independent filmmaking that will leave you both amused and bewildered.
• Brave New Worldby Aldous Huxley: A timeless classic that remains incredibly relevant today. Written in the 1920s, Huxley’s dystopian vision of a technologically advanced but emotionally repressed society is eerily prophetic. It’s an amazing and thought-provoking listen that sparks deep discussions about societal control, individuality, and the future of humanity.
• Ready Player Oneby Ernest Cline: For anyone who grew up in the 80s or loves pop culture references, this book is an absolute blast. It’s a super fun, action-packed adventure set in a virtual reality world, filled with clever puzzles and nostalgic nods. We’re eagerly anticipating the movie adaptation!

As the seasons change and we look towards autumn, we also want to invite you to explore more inspiration for your home. For fall decor ideas, delicious recipes, and engaging crafts, check out all of An Oregon Cottage’s Fall content here. It’s never too early to start planning for cozy autumn vibes!

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