I’ve been reluctant to make a major decision for the studio – what countertop to put on the long wall of cabinets that spans 19.5 feet. The options don’t seem endless, and just about every option I could come up with would involve a visible seam in the middle. One option that doesn’t have an obvious seam is a bit of a gamble. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far.
Butcherblock Countertops
I’m drawn to the look of butcherblock and the price isn’t too bad either – Home Depot sells a 10-foot birch butcherblock countertop for $519. For the 20-foot wall, I’d need three slabs, totaling $1,500. The downside is that there would be a joint between two butcherblock pieces right in the middle of the long countertop.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate would be a much cheaper option than butcher block and holds up well to art supplies and daily use. I built two large work tables for the studio and used white laminate for the tops. This time, I’m leaning towards a warm wood color. Wilsonart Fawn Cypress laminate is $169.58 for a 60″ x 120″ piece. I’d need two to cover the 20-feet, and with the cost of substrate and supplies, I could do the entire countertop for $420. That’s a considerable savings over the butcherblock cost for the same 20-foot countertop. The downside is that I’d still be left with a seam between two pieces.
My Crazy DIY Idea
I’ve come up with a crazy idea that might work and give the impression of one solid 20-foot piece of wood countertop. What if I simulate the look of butcherblock using real wood veneer? I’d put down my countertop substrate all along the 20-foot wall and make sure it’s smooth all the way across, then cut strips of real wood veneer and attach them so that they simulate the look of butcherblock. That would eliminate the need for a center seam or joint. It’s a gamble, but I think it might work. It would be a big project, but it might be worth it to end up with what looks like one continuous, seamless, jointless wood countertop.
So should I go with the crazy DIY idea or stick with a safe option like real butcherblock or laminate and just live with the seam or joint right in the middle of the countertop? I guess I’ll have to decide soon!
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