7 Trendy Kitchen Upgrades You Might Regret

Going “overboard” with the backsplash

Jensen points out that mosaic tiles, “highly intricate borders,” and mixing in other metals or finishes are a “surefire way to date your kitchen and potentially impact a home’s resale value.” She goes on, “Trendy design choices like these are often fleeting and are not just subject to change but also to personal taste.”

Instead, Jensen says the best alternative is to “select a subtle tile in a tonal color or neutral shade, or opt for a clean slab backsplash that matches the countertop.” If these options feel too bland, Jensen has advice: “To keep this selection from looking plain or boring, when installing the tile, incorporate a classic pattern like herringbone or brick.”

Replacing too many upper cabinets with open shelving

Open shelving is a highly cited kitchen upgrade you’ll regret. Jensen elaborates, “While this design choice looks fantastic in professionally styled photos, it is highly impractical. It collects dust and grease, requires constant upkeep, and removes essential concealed storage.”

If your heart is set on open shelving, minimize how much of it you have and place it strategically. “Having a combination of upper cabinetry and some open shelving (ideally near less messy zones like a coffee bar) is the ideal design choice,” Jensen offers.

Selecting high-maintenance surfaces

Installing high-maintenance surfaces is another common kitchen upgrade mistake, according to Jensen. “This error can happen in a number of ways,” she says, including selecting a white marble countertop, not properly sealing other natural stones, or using a glossy finish on floors. She goes on to detail that “white marble is notorious for staining in common use kitchens, even when properly sealed. Glossy floors or other surfaces easily show dirt, smudges and scratches again, an impractical design decision for everyday living.”

The solution, Jensen says, is to “ensure that a light-colored marble is not used for a countertop and that other natural stones are properly sealed upon installation. Also, opt for matte or satin flooring finishes with natural variation to mask wear and tear.”

High gloss cabinets

“Flat slab cabinets with high-gloss laminate always seem cool on the Pinterest board until you touch them!” says Niemela. He goes on to detail why it’s a kitchen upgrade you’ll regret: “They smudge, scratch, and reflect light like a fun house mirror.” In addition, in very hot, sunny places like Arizona, they can warp. Rather than risk these issues, Niemela advises, “Go with painted MDF or wood veneer in a soft satin instead.”

Waterfall countertops on both ends

Niemela says that this is a common kitchen upgrade and concedes that the look is sleek. However, this only lasts “until you slam your hip into it three times a day and realize your barstools don’t fit,” he says. Instead, he suggests doing one waterfall side and keeping the rest practical. “Style should never compromise flow,” he states.

All-black kitchens

Niemela is not a fan of the all-black kitchen. “Instagram flex? Maybe. But in the real world, they shrink the room, show every fingerprint, and suck out all the energy.”

Instead of going completely black, Niemela says, “You want dark? Use it sparingly,” suggesting that homeowners mix black with walnut or light oak to avoid what he calls “the cave effect.”

Skipping the vent hood

“Yes a downdraft looks slick,” agrees Niemela, “but it does nothing in open kitchens.” He elaborates: “You fry one steak and the whole house smells like smoke.” Rather than choosing the sub-par downdraft, adequate ventilation is a non-negotiable. “A proper hood with 600 CFM makes or breaks your air quality. Style is great. Function is mandatory,” he concludes.

About the experts

• Isfira Jensen is the CEO and principal interior designer at Jensen & Co. Interiors, a New York City-based firm. The firm has been featured in Architectural Digest, Forbes, and more. With over a decade of hands-on interior design experience, Jensen brings a deep understanding of design, craftsmanship, and the art of creating truly stunning spaces.
• Danny Niemela is the vice president and CFO at ArDan Construction, a luxury home remodeling company in Scottsdale, Arizona. Since 2007, he has led high-end kitchen, bathroom, and whole-home remodels with a sharp focus on craftsmanship and client experience. He is also the President of the Greater Phoenix Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Sources

Interviewed sources

• Isifira Jensen, principal designer and CEO at Jensen & Co. Interiors with over a decade of interior design experience; email interview, May 13, 2025.

• Danny Niemela, vice president and CFO at ArDan Construction with over 17 years of experience in high-end renovation; email interview, May 14, 2025.

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When Is a Used Car Too Old? Balancing Years and Mileage

My father had two expressions when it came to used cars: “Never buy a used car from a friend or neighbor,” and, “If you couldn’t afford it when it was new, you can’t afford it used.” It was a cautionary tale about the unseen costs of buying used expensive cars. With almost 60 years as a certified automotive technician and vehicle owner, I’ve bought my fair share of used cars— everything from “auction” car dealers take as a trade that need extensive mechanical or bodywork and would never consider selling on their used lot, to “program” cars that were less than a year old and came with the full factory warranty.

With the average price of a new car approaching $48,000, finding a good, dependable used car that fits your budget can be difficult, but not impossible to find. Read along as experts in new and used car sales offer unique insight on the question, “How old is too old for a used car?”

How Old Is Too Old for a Used Car?

Well, it depends. According to Zander Cook, co-founder of Lease End, “There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but generally speaking, a used car older than 10 years often comes with increased maintenance risks, outdated safety features, and diminishing resale value.”

“A well-maintained vehicle that has a clean accident record, a well-documented maintenance history, then age alone doesn’t make it a dealbreaker,” Cook added.

Today, smart consumers who do their research can buy out a lease on a three to six-year-old vehicle. These cars are still reliable, generally come with many modern safety features and technology at a reduced price point right around the time depreciation levels off.

Years vs. Mileage: Which Matters More When It Comes to Buying a Used Car?

“Mileage affects mechanical parts more than years affect plastic, rubber or electronic components,” said Michael Capote, chief marketing officer at German Car Depot. “A ten-year-old used car with 150,000 miles of highway driving is more reliable than a fifteen-year-old car that has only 80,000 miles of city driving,” Capote added.

Older, lower mileage vehicles usually have spent most of their life doing all city stop-and-go driving, short trips, or remained parked without being driven on a regular basis. “These are considered harsh driving conditions,” Capote added. “It can lead to seal and tire dry rot, fluid deterioration or premature battery failures.”

According to AAA, 100,000 miles was once considered about as far as you could push a car. When your odometer hits six figures, people thought it was safe to assume that they had hit the end of their lifespan. Today, however, many cars will travel well beyond that 100,000-mile mark, especially if they’ve been well-maintained. If you’re shopping for a used car, don’t let that outdated 100,000 mile rule keep you from considering a vehicle as a viable option.

How Do You Check the History of a Used Car?

According to Mike Rocchi former president of Faulkner Mazda, “To determine if a trade-in will be serviced and placed on our used car lot, we always got a vehicle history report from CARFAX, AutoCheck, or National Motor Vehicle Title Information System.” But he didn’t stop there. “We checked service records, a clean title, plus a thorough top-to-bottom visual inspection. Checking for consistent quarter-panel spacing (indicating sheet metal parts were replaced) as well as frame and under carriage damage were as significant as listening to the engine and transmission for abnormal noises or vibrations or checking tires for unusual wear.”

Scott Kunes of Kunes Auto and RV Group added that “a strong maintenance trail tells you a lot more than shiny paint ever will.” Rocchi noted many original equipment manufacturers now offer “factory certified preowned cars.” A factory certified preowned can only be “certified” by the manufacturer’s dealership. For example, only a Volvo dealer can certify a Volvo, and that car can only be sold at a Volvo dealership after it has been inspected, refurbished, and certified by the manufacturer’s dealership.

Tips for Buying a Used Car

“The ‘sweet spot’ for a dependable used car is between three and six years old with under 60,000 miles,” said Cook. On the other hand, Capote says that “the best value can be achieved by purchasing vehicles between three and five years old with mileage between 40,000 to 80,000.” Both do agree that buying a used car in this window offers buyers the best balance of savings, performance, reliability and longevity.

Many cars in this sweet spot “may offer the remainder of the original factory warranty or a no cost/low cost extended warranty, plus the modern features of newer cars at a reduced price outside the initial depreciation period,” said Cook.

Whatever the age, year, make, model, or mileage of a used car you are seriously considering buying, have the vehicle carefully inspected by your mechanic. Expect to pay $100 or more for a comprehensive inspection. If the seller refuses an inspection, walk away.

FAQ

When it comes to servicing a vehicle, what is more important, time or mileage?

Rule of thumb: whichever comes first. For example, if a vehicle’s maintenance schedule calls to replace spark plugs at 50,000 miles or 60 months:

• If you drive 50,000 miles in less than 60 months, you should replace the spark plugs at 50,000 miles — don’t wait until 60 months.
• Conversely, if you drive less than 50,000 miles in less than 60 months, replace the spark plugs at 60 months — don’t wait until 50,000 miles.

About the Experts

• Mike Rocchi has over 50 years of experience in every area of the automotive industry. He was the former president of Faulkner Mazda (retired), Chairperson of the Mazda National Dealer Advisory Committee, and is now Director of Technical Training for the Faulkner Automotive Organization. (Phone interview May 29, 2025)
• Zander Cook is the Co-Founder of Lease End. After earning his degree in economics from BYU in2019, Zander gained extensive experience working in the finance department of a new car dealership. Using this knowledge from new and used car sales and lease-end decision-making he Co-Founded Lease End. Using Lease End’s consumer behavior data allows Zander to speak to how age, mileage, and vehicle history factor into long-term value. (Electronic communication May 28, 2025)
• Michael Capote, Chief Marketing Officer at German Car Depot has several years of experience in the Automotive Industry. Michael has worked every position imaginable since starting from the very bottom, including sales, management, operations, service, finance, and marketing. Michael is currently pursuing his MBA through the non-traditional study-while-working route. (Electronic communication May 28, 2025)
• Scott Kunes, is Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Kunes Auto and RV Group has been working for the Kunes Group for over 15 years. Scott started with the company as Used Car Director, and has since served in many capacities, including General Manager and Regional General Manager. (Electronic communication May 29, 2025)

Resources

• Tomer Ruderman, Founder and Owner at Car Keys Ottawa May 28, 2025
• MSN: “Before you buy a used car, you need to check for these issues.” (May 31, 2025)
• Kelley Blue Book Report: “New-Vehicle Prices Hold Steady in March as Sales Increase Ahead of Anticipated Tariff-Driven Price Hikes” (April 9, 2025)
• MacPherson, J. (2025). AAA, The Extra Mile: “Used car sticker shock” (Spring/Summer 2025 pp. 50) AAA Club Alliance, Inc. Wilmington, DE.

RELATED:

• Do You Know What That Little Button on Your Seat Belt Is For?
• What Those Lines on Your Backup Camera Really Tell You
• Here’s What The Small Panel On Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For

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Sean Connery’s Lavish Villa Is Up for Sale, But the Price Will Leave You Shaken AND Stirred

If you’re the kind of person who loves to window shop for celebrity homes,  Sean Connery’s “Bond villa” that he lived in during the 1980s and 1990s might be right up your alley. The deceased actor’s home on the French Riviera is for sale for the cool price of $26.4 million. That’s a generous chunk of change that will get you quite a bit of house almost anywhere you’re looking, but just how much house will it get you in Nice, France?

Bond movie fans may already have an idea; according to Savills, the French real estate firm handling the property, this mansion was featured in the 1983 film Never Say Never Again. 

What Features Does Sean Connery’s “Bond Villa” Have?

The Savills listing waxes poetic about the many features of the property, named Villa Le Roc Fleuri.  First and foremost, the firm highlights the “sweeping views over the city and Mediterranean.” They also stress that the property was updated in 2016, so it combines a historic feel with more modern amenities.

The main villa is just shy of 12,000 square feet and boasts five levels. The “dramatic picture windows and terraces on all levels capture the panoramic sea and city views.” There are also several outdoor spaces including a loggia and roof terrace so that you can relax and enjoy the views from anywhere, indoors or outdoors.

Savills lists further highlights, including:

• a principal bedroom suite
• 3 en suite bedrooms in the main villa
• guest accommodations, including 2 one-bedroom apartments
• a gym
• a spa
• a hammam (a type of steam bath)
• an indoor infinity pool

The real estate firm also hints at “the possibility to include a three bedroom villa with its own pool and gardens in addition to caretaker accommodation.” So, in case this mansion isn’t enough house for someone, they don’t have to count it out just yet.

The grounds themselves are just shy of 54,000 square feet and “feature lawns, winding paths and a range of local traditional planting to create a tranquil oasis ideal for rest, relaxation and entertaining.” The property line meets the sea, so whoever buys it will own the hillside and can truly claim that they live right on the waterfront.

So, whoever has the money to spend and who’s been dreaming of owning a famous home, why not dream big and buy a villa fit for a spy?

Source

James Bond worthy luxury, Savills, 2025.

RELATED: 

• Taylor Swift’s Former Cape Cod Mansion Is for Sale — Wait Until You See the Price Tag

• Billy Joel’s Long Island Mansion Is For Sale. Wait Until You See the Property Taxes 

• The Biggest Home in Each State That Will Stun You 

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Want $5,000? This City Will Pay You to Replace Your Thirsty Lawn

If you live in a neighborhood where grass lawns are the default, but there isn’t enough water to go around, you’re likely familiar with the measures cities put into place to address the problem. Strict watering schedules, pushes for different landscaping options, suggestions for rain collection… the list goes on and on. But one city is taking a different approach. If you’re a resident of Nampa, Idaho, there’s a rebate program in town. The city is offering $5000 to swap out your lawn for a low-maintenance alternative. While this program may not be available in your city, it’s a program that could serve as a successful model to conserve water down the line. Here’s what to know.

What Is the Waterwise Rebate Program?

Nampa’s offer is part of their Waterwise Rebate Program. Qualifying residents can earn up to $5,000 in rebates, depending on which measures they’re willing to take. According to the city, the rebate program offers “up to $2,500 for irrigation upgrades” as well as “$3 per square foot of replaced turf with the total not to exceed $2,500.”

For those of you doing the math; that’s a maximum of 833 square feet. You’re not obligated to stop there, but further square footage won’t yield more money.

How Can I Qualify for This Rebate?

If you’re a resident of Nampa, Idaho and are willing to take on the landscaping project, there are some guidelines in place. In order for your new yard to qualify for the rebate, you need to replace a minimum of 500 square feet of your current grass lawn with “waterwise plants.”

The city defines waterwise landscapes as ones that “are drought-resistant, colorful, and often require less intensive upkeep than their turf counterparts.

You’ll also need to update your irrigation system. You can choose between drip irrigation or “install an EPA WaterSense labeled controller.” The city explains that these options “decrease water usage and increase efficiency.

Once you’ve finished the project, you’ll need to have your yard pass an inspection. Once you pass, congratulations! You’ll have successfully managed to swap your lawn for a suitable for alternative for $5000.

How Long Will This Rebate Be Available?

The Waterwise Rebate Program has proven popular. At the moment, the city says that “all currently available rebate funds have been allocated.” However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve missed your chance. The city also says that you can be added to a waiting list so that you can take advantage of the program if more funds become available. So if you’re interested, reach out and put yourself on that waiting list.

Source

• Waterwise Rebate Program, City of Nampa.
• 2025 Nampa in Bloom, City of Nampa.

RELATED

• The 5 States Where Winter Driving Is Most Dangerous 
• Which States Have the Highest and Lowest Property Taxes? 
• The Biggest Home in Each State That Will Stun You 

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Refresh Your Plants With This Easy DIY Compost Tea

Fill a bucket with water

Grab a large bucket that will allow you plenty of extra space to stir and mix the contents without making a mess. Fill it with three gallons of water.  You may use rainwater or, if using regular tap water, let it sit for at least 24 hours to allow the chlorine to leech off before mixing it into your compost. (Chlorine is not good for your plants.)

Add compost and stir well

Add a half gallon of compost to the three gallons of water.  You don’t want to make mud; you want the compost to float freely in your water. Think of it like a big tea mug with loose tea leaves. Use a stick to stir your compost tea mix vigorously to aerate the tea. Allow it to steep for 12 to 24 hours.

Strain the compost particles

In a second large bucket, strain the compost particles from the water with a strainer or mesh screen, leaving the brown “compost tea” water free of compost debris.

Leaving behind large chunks of leaves or compost may promote mold growth in the plants you apply compost tea to. The key is to apply the nutrient-rich tea without any particles.

Apply the compost tea to your plants

Water your plants generously with compost tea, just like you would with regular water. Make sure they have good drainage to prevent them from floating when they are overwatered. Good drainage allows excess water to escape and prevents root rot.

Compost tea is good to use on both indoor and outdoor plants.

FAQ

How long will my compost last?

Be sure to use your compost tea within 24 hours before it starts to spoil. Store it in a refrigerator to help it last longer. As with all tea, it is best when freshly made.

How often should I water my plants with compost tea?

Alternate regular waterings with compost tea about every two to four weeks, and you will be amazed at the difference this way of giving your plants nutrients will make in their flourishing.

Can I overdo it with compost tea on my plants?

There is a delicate balance between healthy microbes that benefit your soil and unhealthy pathogens that can be harmful to your plants.  By spreading out the compost tea waterings, with regular water, you are flushing out the soil and allowing it to keep the good and get rid of the bad. Soil has an incredible way of being its own filtration system for healthy plants. Too much of a good thing is never good.

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You Can Get a Free Power Tool at The Home Depot—Here’s How

When you’re deep in DIY mode, the last thing you want to worry about is powering your tools. Sure, you could snake extension cords over to your job site. But that’s an added step—and a potential hazard.

Cordless tools have changed the game, offering on-the-go power for woodworking essentials, lawn care necessities, and so much more. These tools run on rechargeable batteries, and many are interchangeable from tool to tool.

Make your next project a little easier by stocking up during The Home Depot’s buy-one-get-one power tool event. For a limited time, you can score free bonus tools with a select purchase. And have we mentioned these offers make excellent Father’s Day gifts? Here’s everything you need to know to start saving.

VIA MERCHANT

The Home Depot Father's Day Power Tool Sale

Through June 15, when you buy select power tools or battery packs at The Home Depot, you'll score a bonus item for free!

Shop on The Home Depot

What is The Home Depot’s free power tool promotion?

This promotion is exactly what it sounds like. Buy a select battery pack or power tool and get a bonus tool for free! We’re talking free cordless fans, multi-tools, saws—you name it. And from top brands, like Ryobi, Milwaukee and DeWalt. There’s truly something for every dad and DIYer.

When shopping, keep an eye out for “Free with Eligible Purchase,” “Buy One, Get 2 Free,” and “Free Gift with Purchase” stickers. Once on a product page, click “Shop This Offer” to see what items are available. Some brands have many different free tools to choose from. Just keep in mind that you need to manually add any freebies to your cart—they won’t automatically appear at checkout.

Top Power Tool Deals

Family Handyman editors scoured all the buy-one-get-one offers to find the top deals. Here’s what we’re buying.

VIA MERCHANT

RYOBI ONE+ 18V Lithium-Ion Starter Kit

Shop on The Home Depot

Talk about a deal on top of a deal! This bundle of two Ryobi One+ batteries and a charger is already on deep discount. It’s on sale for $99, which is a 51% savings. You’ll get one 4Ah and one 2Ah battery to power jobs big and small. On top of that, you’ll score a free compatible tool. Add one of 13 (!!!) ONE+ products, ranging in value from $60 to $80. No matter what dad’s working on, there’s bound to be a relevant option. Choose from:

• Clamp Speaker
• Jig Saw
• 90 MPH Leaf Blower
• Hybrid Fan
• Oscillating Multi-Tool 
• Reciprocating Saw
• Wet/Dry Hand Vac
• Hedge Trimmer
• Hybrid LED Work Light
• Dual-Function Inflator/Deflator
• Random Orbit Sander
• Caulk and Adhesive Gun
• Power Scrubber

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RYOBI ONE+ 18V Lithium-Ion High-Performance Starter Kit

Shop on The Home Depot

Want even more runtime? There’s a similar deal with a bundle of three Ryobi One+ batteries and a charger. This set is also heavily discounted, ringing up at 45% off the retail price. You’ll pay just $199 out of pocket for two 4Ah batteries and one 2Ah battery. Plus, this bundle also includes a free tool of your choice, ranging in value from $60 to $199. Choose from any of the 13 tools above, or one of eight additional options, including:

• Impact Wrench
• Tripod Light
• Angle Grinder
• Pet Stick Vacuum Cleaner
• Circular Saw
• One-Handed Reciprocating Saw
• 130 MPH Leaf Blower
• Brad Nailer

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Milwaukee M18 Lithium-Ion High Output Starter Kit

Shop on The Home Depot

If dad is brand loyal—or already owns cordless Milwaukee tools—there’s a deal on the M18 system, too. The Milwaukee battery pack bundle includes two XC6.0 batteries and a charger. It’s on sale for $299, which is a 14% savings. When it comes time to choose your free tool, you’ll find some pretty splurge-worthy options, ranging in value from $99 to $249. Whew! Add one of a dozen Milwaukee cordless tools to your cart to score:

• Inflator
• Random Orbit Sander
• Jig Saw
• Leaf Blower
• Wet/Dry Vacuum
• Compact Inverter
• Grease Gun
• Hammer Drill/Driver
• Grinder with Paddle Switch
• Reciprocating Saw
• Oscillating Multi-Tool
• Impact Wrench

VIA MERCHANT

Milwaukee M12 Insider Lithium-Ion Cordless Ratchet Kit

Shop on The Home Depot

Already set on batteries? Select tool purchases yield a free bonus tool, like this Milwaukee M12 Insider cordless ratchet kit set. This bundle goes above and beyond a basic socket wrench set, allowing dad to apply up to 60 pounds of torque when tinkering with his car or lawn mower. It includes a reach box ratchet, a mix of ratchet sockets, three adaptors, a 2.5Ah battery and a charger. It’s on sale for $439—a 12% savings. Plus, you can add one of five free gifts, valued between $99 and $149. Opt for:

• Spot Blower
• Portable Inflator
• Ratchet
• Oscilating Multi-Tool
• Soldering Iron

VIA MERCHANT

DeWalt 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Battery and Charger Starter Kit

Shop on The Home Depot

Last but not least, DeWalt has a Father’s Day power tool promo you can’t miss. By now, you know the drill. (Pun intended). Buy a battery and charger set—which includes both a 6Ah and a 4Ah battery—for $299. Then, select not one, but two free gifts. Choose from eight options, ranging in value from $159 to $239. Select your choice of:

• Impact Wrench
• Angle Grinder
• Random Orbit Sander
• Leaf Blower
• Circular Saw
• Hammer Drill
• Drywall Cut-Out Tool
• Reciprocating Saw

Where to Buy

These savings are available at The Home Depot through Sunday, June 15. Shop the full buy-one-get-one Father’s Day power tool sale on the brand’s website. Just remember to add the free items to your cart to score the discount!

Sponsored

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DIY a Butcher Block Countertop: A Step-by-Step Guide

I have spent a lot of time researching countertop options for my recent home purchase. I want it to look nice, but I don’t want to spend a lot of money on a 1899 house I don’t plan to grow old in. Yes, 1899!!! The house is small and cute, and a DIY butcher block countertop is perfect. Here are the steps to making it, along with some insight only found by making it firsthand!

Project Overview

Overall dimensions: 1-1/4″h x 45″w x 87-1/2″l

Considerations when purchasing wood for butcher block countertops

• The hardness and grain of the wood matter. This butcher countertop was made from hard maple because it is less susceptible to gouges and dings and has a tight, closed grain. Woods with an open grain, such as oak and ash, are porous, making them susceptible to contamination during food preparation.
• Purchase thicker lumber. The butcher block countertop will undergo numerous sanding sessions before it is finished. With each pass through a drum sander or planer, more and more material will be sanded off. Purchase your lumber 1/8- to 1/4-in. thicker than your planned finish thickness, knowing you will sacrifice that amount in the process.
• Have the mill do as much of the milling as possible. The wood you select from a mill is often roughsawn, which means it has only gone through the first milling step to get to a general thickness and length. This also means that it will have a rough texture and that none of the edges will be square. For a nominal fee, most mills will plane and/or sand your wood to a requested size which will save you lots of time and effort (and sandpaper).

Cut the slats to width

Rip the hard maple boards into 2-1/2-in. wide slats on the table saw. The slats should be at least an inch longer than you require, as they will be crosscut to their final length once glued together. Also, remember that end caps on each end will add length to your finished dimensions.

Mark and cut biscuits

Lay the wood slats on your work surface snugly next to each other and mark the placement for biscuit joints along each seam.  Allow for two rows of staggered biscuits on each connecting slat.  The top row of biscuits is laid out starting two inches in from the end and then 12 inches apart along the length of the slat.  The bottom row of biscuits is laid out 24 inches apart and staggered between the placement of the top row of biscuits.

Dry-fit the wood with biscuits

In order to ensure that the biscuit slots align from board to board, dry fit the wood slats and biscuits without any wood glue. It will ensure that everything comes together nicely before glue is applied. Re-cutting biscuit slots with wet wood glue all over is the last thing you want to do.

Glue together the panel in pieces

Glue up three sections, each consisting of six slats, so they are lightweight and easy to handle when put through the drum sander. Screw a sacrificial piece of wood to the side of your workbench to keep the slats square. Keep the top and bottom of the slats as close to flush as possible.

Be generous with the waterproof wood glue, ensuring complete coverage on the joining faces and glue in the biscuit slots. You want to see a bit of glue squeeze out of both the top and bottom so you know you have adequate glue coverage. Make sure the glue has fully cured before moving on.

Tip: Tape down a thin plastic drop cloth over your workbench before gluing up the sections. This will allow easy clean up and prevent the countertop from becoming glued to your bench top.

Run through drum sander

Once the glued sections have fully dried, remove as much of the dried glue as possible with a scraper. Be careful not to gouge the wood. Leave the thinner layers of glue alone as they will be removed by the drum sander.

Run the sections through the drum sander to clean up the leftover glue residue and smooth out the panels. Ensure all three sections end up at the exact same thickness; ours was 1-1/4-inches. The thickness is crucial for the next step when gluing the three sections together.

Glue the three sections together

Lay the three glued-up wood sections on your work surface side-by-side.  Adjust the biscuit joiner so biscuits fall in the middle of the thickness of the slats.  Lay out the biscuits starting two inches from the end and then 12-in. apart along the length of the board. Cut the biscuit slots.

Apply glue, install biscuits and clamp together for the finished width of your countertop. Allow the glue to fully cure.

Cut the ends of the slab

Once all three sections have come together, use a track saw to cut the full slab of glued-up slats square on both ends. These should be cut so that they are 7-1/2 inches shorter than what you require for the finished length of your countertop (we cut ours to 80 inches long). This will give you a smooth, flat surface for attaching your end caps with biscuit joints.

Cut and attach end caps

From the same material, cut 3-3/4 inches wide end caps and sand them down to the same thickness as the slats using a drum sander or planer. Mark and cut biscuit slots in the end cap and ends of the slats starting two inches in from each end. Keep the biscuit placement the same as the last round—centered at the center of the pieces.

Glue, install biscuits, and clamp the countertop together. Allow the glue to cure.

Scrape off dried glue

Once all the pieces have come together and the glue has fully dried. Remove as much of the dried glue as possible with a scraper on both the top and bottom of the butcher block countertop.. Be careful not to damage the wood, especially on the side that will be facing up. Leave the thinner layers of glue to be removed with a random orbital sander after the angle iron has been installed.

Embed the angle iron (optional)

To keep the butcher block countertop as flat as possible, I chose to embed a few pieces of angle iron into the underside of the countertop. I used a piece of 1/8-inch thick, 3/4-in. x 3/4-in. steel angle iron that had been cut down to 1/2-inch x 3/4-inch. laying around the shop, but the process would be similar if your angle iron had not been cut down.

Use an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel to cut the angle iron so that it is two inches narrower than the width of the countertop. Pre-drill holes with a 3/16-in. metal drill bit into a 3/4-in. leg of the angle iron and use a deburring bit to countersink the hole for a flathead screw to seat flush in.

Trace the three pieces of angle iron on the underside of the countertop so there are two, 7-1/2-inches from each end, and one in the center.

With a track saw, plunge cut a channel 9/16-inches deep (13/16-inches if you are using 3/4-in. x 3/4-in. angle iron) down one side of your trace mark across the countertop, stopping one inch from the edges. It may take a couple of passes to make the channel wide enough to accommodate the 1/8-in. thick angle iron. For the flat leg of the angle, use a router and a straight cut bit to rout out a square just a hair deeper than 1/8-in. You’ll need to radius the corners on the angle iron, or clean out the corners of the channel cut with the track saw to make the angle sit flush.

Use CA glue to set the angle iron and secure it with #8 1-in. flathead screws. The holes in the angle iron may seem a bit large, but this is to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the countertop.

Finish sand the countertop

Sand the entire butcherblock countertop and its edges, starting with 80-grit to remove any glue residue and working your way up sequentially to 220-grit.

Round-over the top edge of the countertop

Using a router and a 1/8-in. round-over bit, round over the top edge of the countertop. Sand any imperfections or burn marks from the router bit with 150-grit and then 220-grit so they look and feel like the rest of the countertop.

How to install butcher block countertops

Before installing the butcher block countertops, apply a coat of the food-safe beeswax finish to the underside of the countertop with the angle iron and let it dry.

Place the countertop on the island, ensuring a uniform 1-1/4-in. overhang all the way around the island. Secure the countertop to the island with screws from inside the cabinets and with small one-inch angle brackets hidden on the seating side of the island.

Apply a food-safe finish

With a clean microfiber towel or pad, generously apply a food-safe beeswax finish to the butcher block countertop. Let it soak into the wood for a few minutes and buff it back with an electric car buffer with a towel pad cover. The wood will quickly absorb the finish.

Apply and buff three to five coats of the food-safe beeswax finish.

FAQ

How to clean butcher block countertops?

Do not use chemicals to clean your butcher block countertop. Use soap and water with a sponge to clean and dry immediately. Ensure the top is thoroughly dry before reapplying the bees’ wax/mineral oil finish.

What is the best wood for butcher block countertops?

When selecting wood for your butcher block top, you want hardwood with a tight grain. Choosing kiln-dried wood makes the wood more stable and less likely to warp or check as it dries or when the humidity changes. Look for Hardwood Maple or walnut. Avoid using oak or ash on the long grain, as these are known for having a very deep, open grain where food can accumulate, making them less food-safe.

Are butcher block countertops durable?

Wood butcher block countertops are durable and can last for many years, as long as they are maintained by being sealed with a food-safe wood finish and kept clean.

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