I will be interested in the responses to this also. I had gotten a quote from butcherblockspecialist.com. They use John Boos blanks. Does anyone have experience with them also? Hope this isn't hijacking!

bbabers, not a hijack at all, I'll consider it a bump! Here's another. Anyone have any experience with this company?

I did get a call from a John Boos rep yesterday. She was helpful and answered all my questions. I've heard good things about their products. You can google "John Boos site:ths.gardenweb.com"; I've seen that a lot more than this other company.

I think we will probably just risk it if we don't hear anything here. As we sometimes say, "Cheap enough!" (Sarcastically, usually, but in this case, compared to some of the other quotes, it's true.)

Wow, I'd be interested in hearing about blocktop.net. Their prices seem too good to be true.

That's what I thought too. That's why I wanted input from real customers, happy or otherwise with the product.

We switched gears today. Yesterday afternoon (late) I discovered a local Daltile supplier that had Impala Black antique. It gives me the dark gray look I originally wanted at a lower price so we are able to do the perimeter and inner island in the one granite. Now I'm just looking at the wood top for the outer island. At that price, I may try it anyway and see how it works there. I guess we'll go with the walnut.

I'll let you know.

Yeah! jsweenc, so glad you found a solution. Can't wait for the pictures!

J

Just wanted to follow up on this. We did end up ordering from blocktop.net. Since we needed a smaller top than originally thought, the quote was a little more than half what I mentioned above, I can't remember the exact total. It included the edge of my choice and shipping.

Here's my impression of the company:

This is an assumption based on my experience: the cost is kept very low by keeping overhead very low. Customer service, ordering, questions, fabrication, shipping, anything that needs doing -- Mark seems to do it all.

I give high marks to the quality of the product; it was delivered in excellent condition with good packing; and the price was incomparably low.

Toward the customer service, I can't be as effusive. It was a struggle to communicate what I wanted. I'm not verbally eloquent but a good CS person can ask questions or tell you what they need to know to help you describe what you want.

Also, the timing was not exactly as sharp as he stated on the phone -- he said two weeks and it was more like 3 1/2 -- but it could have been worse. Though I had e-mailed and called at least 3 times to check on it, he didn't let me know of a delay in shipping due to finding a scratch on it that he needed to repair. (At least he took care of the scratch.)

However, if my assumption is correct and it's a one-man show, I give him a pass on the CS and the timing. He's not a PR person, but he is a craftsman and his workmanship was certainly spot on.

that's awesome! CAn you tell me how you finished it; I presume his blocks come unfinished?

No, he finished it. I am not using it for food prep so I specified a satin finish. See p 4 on his website for a more accurate description.

Here is a link that might be useful: Page 4, 1st paragraph

oooo! jsweenc - it looks great - the edge detail is beautiful! Glad to see the progress. Too bad it was slower than you had hoped, but you are right about it being a good thing that he fixed the scratch - in a few months you won't remember the delay or slow CS - but the scratch would be a reminder every day! So glad it worked out for you.

jsweenc - love it! I will need to check out blocktop.net too! Very nice! Enjoy :)

Beautiful! I'm glad I found this.

I was thinking of a laminate with a "woodgrain" but now that I have looked at both of these websites I am very excited about the possibility of an actual wooden countertop! I would get the sealed version because I don't intend to cut on the surface, plus I am pretty set on my island surface as Cambria for rolling pastry, etc.

I can't get over how excited I am about this! Remind me of this happy place when my home is all torn apart and there is no end in sight, please! :)

Jsweenc, I love your countertop. The edge is beautiful. I have a call in to Mark to see about a quote and wanted to ask you what would and stain color you used. Could you share that? Thanks.
--Marjorie

eustacem, keep your eyes on the goal and know that it won't (shouldn't) go on forever, and you will have a beautiful and useful result in the end! And a wood top can be a lovely addition to any kitchen. I hope you are able to find something that works out for you. It's exciting to get started and I hope you'll keep us all posted!

Thank you, marjoriest! There is actually no stain at all on the wood, just the finishing sealer. The wood is walnut, naturally dark. I hope it works out well for you!

Trying to bump this thread to fall 2011 to gain additional feedback on blocktop.net wood walnut island butcher block tops.

Has anyone else used blocktop.net othr than jsweenc?

I called them for a quote a few weeks back and they were less than the DIY at Craft Art (and fully finished!).