Kitchen Renovation Part 6 ~ Counter Tops

Welcome back to our kitchen renovation! We hope you had a great weekend! Although we still have lots and lots and lots of snow, the temperature warmed up a little bit. So maybe spring will be here soon! If you missed our previous posts about our kitchen, you may like to read Kitchen Renovation Part 1, Kitchen Renovation Part 2, Kitchen Renovation Part 3 ~ Putting Up The Walls, Kitchen Renovation Part 4 ~ Our DIY Customized Microwave Cabinet Out Of A Stock Cabinet , and Kitchen Renovation Part 5 ~ Our DIY Furniture Style Cabinets Out Of Stock Cabinets. You will have a much better idea as to where we started and how far we have come with our kitchen renovation. When we had first started planning our kitchen, we were going to purchase beautiful granite counter tops. However, when it came time to actually move forward with our kitchen the granite I had picked out was not really a feasible option. Therefore, we decided to go in another direction. I had seen many great kitchens with butcher block counter tops and loved the contrast between light and dark (I had already planned to use white cabinets with a dark wood floor.), so we decided to make our own wood counter tops. We weren't sure how well they would work out, but thought we would give them a try. There are many tutorials to follow, but we used a combination of these two: The Shabby Creek Cottage  and  Breakfast For Dinner By Loraine. They were really quite easy to follow.

Although we have tried to keep our primary focus on our kitchen,

we usually have many projects going on at the same time.

We, also, try to fit our projects in between church activities,

school activities, kid activities, volunteer activities, family time

and, of course, holidays. Therefore, our time is limited.

So, we try to take full advantage of any spare time

we might have to get our projects done.

Even if it means holding a flashlight over

the wood so Chris can see to cut.  :)

Chris and Brice

built the counters.

And Chris cut and drilled holes for the braces.

Then Chris and I alternated between sanding,

sealing,

(We sealed the top and bottom of the counter tops.)

and staining.

We used multiple coats of stain

to achieve a darker color

and sanded in between each coat. 

Although I wanted the surface to be smooth,

I still wanted the wood grain and knot holes

to show through, so we chose not to fill them in

and leaving the wood look a little rustic.

They turned out beautiful!

Another easy, economical, and marvelous idea

that fits our needs as well as our wishes.

We are so pleased!

Thanks for visiting Our Family Inspired Home!