Cost to Restore Butcher Block – 2021

| Last Updated: August 24, 2021

National Average Improvement and Repair Cost

Pro

DIY

Hours:

0.7

1.5

Cost:

$ 114

$ 20

Would you do this project? According to our survey, 57% of respondents preferred DIY compared to hiring a pro.

Photo credit: lifeonshadylane.com

The average price to Restore Butcher Block noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself.

How much does it cost to restore butcher block? The contractor cost to restore butcher block is $114 vs. doing it yourself for $15 and saving 86 percent.

The hardworking tough surface of butcher block makes it a popular choice for countertops, work surfaces and table tops. But when it becomes scratched, stained and scarred, it can be an eyesore. Luckily, it’s a forgiving material that can be restored with a process of scraping, sanding and finishing to a like-new condition.

A handyman will charge $114 to restore a 4-foot long butcher block surface, which includes the labor and material. With a minimum of tools and talents, a handy homeowner can do the job for $15, the cost of the materials, and save 86 percent.

The job involves several steps that build on each other. Begin by masking the surrounding surface to protect it. Then use a wood or paint scraper to lightly shave off the top layer of blemishes. Treat the dark stains or blotches with a mixture of half bleach and half water, or with wood bleach following the manufacturer’s directions.

More than one application may be needed. Use a palm sander with several grades of sandpaper to remove scratches and stains until the surface is blemish-free. Rub on a finish coat of mineral oil for the last step and let it soak in.

The Kitchn has this advice about How to Sand Your Butcher Block to Look Like New.

The average price to restore butcher block noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself. 

Here are a few more cost guides that might interest you:

Welcome! We hope you’ll find the job costs of home improvement projects useful when you’re deciding whether to do a job yourself vs. hire a contractor. We’re the authors of 20 home improvement books, most notably Home Improvement for Dummies©, Bathroom Remodeling for Dummies©, Carpentry for Dummies©, Plumbing for Dummies©, and Painting and Wallpapering for Dummies©. Our most recent book Fix It and Flip It is in its second edition. We’ve appeared as home improvement experts on television programs such as CNN, Dateline, the Today Show, HGTV and many others.