Can Buying Butcher Block Countertops From IKEA Save You Money?

Butcher block countertops will lend a timeless sophistication to your kitchen. Their durability, low-maintenance cleaning routine, and the fact they will hold up for a long time make them a solid choice. Nevertheless, the price can put some people off. The average cost of butcher block countertops starts at $50 per square foot and goes up to $150, which on the surface isn't overly pricey. Costs can substantially rise if you want custom butcher block countertops or certain types of wood, not to mention that a large kitchen can also drive costs up. Enter IKEA, who offer countertops crafted in a butcher block style.

The most popular countertop IKEA has to offer that looks like butcher block is the KARLBY countertop. Starting at $179 per slab, this countertop has three style options: birch, walnut, and oak. However, it's important to note that this style is not made from real wood, and is instead constructed from a mix of particleboard and laminate with either an oak, birch, or walnut veneer overlay on top. Because of this, it can be a little trickier to work out if it's worth buying butcher block-style countertops from IKEA or whether you should look elsewhere. 

Though they aren't made from real wood, the IKEA KARLBY countertops are rated highly by reviewers. Several pointed out how sturdy they feel and how well they hold up even with heavier items. The countertops also come with a 25-year warranty (custom countertops are not included in this warranty), which is a lot longer than you might get buying from other retailers or even locally. Plus, because of the use of veneer on the top, these countertops do have the unique and natural wood look you would expect from proper butcher block.

As for price, the above estimate of $50 to $150 for typical butcher block countertops is per square foot, whereas the cost for a KARLBY countertop is for a slab measuring 74 inches wide. This makes working out if it's a cost effective purchase a little trickier. In this regard, the price does seem on the high side considering that the KARLBY countertops are not made from solid wood all the way through, though you could try to bring costs down by DIY installing the countertops yourself. If you don't feel fully convinced about buying wood countertops from IKEA, you could also look locally.

Some small businesses or even those that operate locally are more likely to give you a good deal than a set price elsewhere (this does depend on the area and whether you're opting for custom countertops). Plus, in some cases you'll be able to go directly to the warehouse and pick the exact slab you want, which you can't do online. This also gives you the chance to see if a countertop is fully made from solid wood or if it's a laminate and particleboard mix like the IKEA KARLBY.

Again, the actual cost of countertops will vary. For example, butcher block countertops made from teak, walnut, and cherry are pricier than those made from acacia, birch, and maple and this is another factor you should consider. To compare, the KARLBY countertops are $249 for the walnut veneer, whereas the options with the oak and birch veneers are $179. Overall, if you have a small kitchen or not many counters, you could save money by buying IKEA butcher block countertops. However, if you have local options available that are solid wood, it's probably more beneficial to you to explore these options in case you can get a better price and higher quality materials.