Purchasing a high-quality butcher’s block is on many homeowners’ bucket lists. But the cost can be a huge deterrent, as many hardwoods that are reasonably thick cost $500 or more.
One man is going viral for recommending an alternative. DadMade (@dadmadellc) posted a video that received more than 1.9 million views. In it, he recommends a Lowe’s hack to getting a countertop for $64.98 plus tax.
What Is A Butcher’s Block?
A butcher’s block is a heavy-duty, large wooden surface. They range from 1.5 inches to more than 4 inches thick, according to Engineer Fix. Homeowners and craftsmen may use them as countertops or large wooden cutting boards. But in recent history, they’ve also been used as general working spaces and multipurpose counters.
Butcher’s blocks are known for their longevity. Some sources say that a high-quality butcher’s block can last for decades as long as it’s maintained. Engineer Fix adds that “unlike a standard, thin cutting board, the construction method allows the surface to be periodically sanded down and refinished multiple times, effectively renewing the block’s appearance and usability indefinitely.”
What’s The DadMade Hack?
DadMade said that by going to a different section in Lowe’s, he was able to find a butcher’s block alternative that was more affordable. The content creator said he thinks normal butcher’s blocks are overpriced, leading him to find another thick piece of wood that cost him $64.98.
The content creator wrote in his caption, “Butcher blocks do not have to be expensive for your desktops, workbenches, washer/dryer tops.” But he advised others who want to purchase a thick slab of wood not to use it for kitchen counters, as the wood he purchased isn’t waterproof.
@dadmadellc Price hack at Lowe’s! Butcher blocks do not have to be expensive for your desktops, workbenches, washer/dryer tops! Tip* These are not waterproof and are not made for kitchens. #dadmade #DIY #diyproject #weekendproject #homeimprovement
Does The Hack Actually Work?
Despite the recommendation, he ended up getting pushback. Many viewers claimed the content creator purchased soft wood or a pine block, which they said was ill-suited for wear and tear. His recommended pine block comes without waterproofing and generally isn’t considered food-safe.
“What you’re looking at is typically an edge-glued softwood panel, often made from pine, spruce, or fir. It’s simply long boards glued together side-by-side,” one commenter said. “True butcher block is usually made from hardwoods like maple, oak, birch, walnut, or acacia and is engineered for durability, stability, and years of heavy use.”
That commenter is correct, as most butcher blocks are made with hardwoods. Softer woods such as pine or cedar aren’t suited for heavy-duty use and are not recommended by most leading experts. Pine is more porous, which can make it absorb odors even if it’s sealed. Instead, woodworkers generally recommend maple, walnut, and cherry.
“That is laminated pine. It’s not hard enough for a counter top and it is 3/4″ not 1-1/2″. like the butcher block counter top. They are not the same thing,” one viewer said.
DadMade responded to some comments by saying he was only planning to use the block he purchased for his laundry room. For that reason, he said he wasn’t concerned about the soft wood. But it still didn’t stop him from receiving criticism.
“A third of the cost, half the thickness, and twice as soft,” another viewer said.
The Best Way To Get A Low-Cost Butcher Block
Commenters tore apart the content creator’s kitchen hack—both for the wood’s softness and because he purchased a piece of wood that wasn’t waterproof. So, a few commenters made recommendations for those seeking a kitchen-safe butcher’s block.
“I went to a local store and got 12 feet of eucalyptus butcher block for $250. Shop around,” one viewer said.
Another commenter added, “Or go to Home Depot where the actual butcher block countertop is $119.”
Viewers said there were cheap options available, but many did not think DadMade’s recommendation was one of them—unless, of course, it’s a purchase for a laundry room.
BroBible reached out to DadMade via TikTok direct message and Lowe’s via press form for comment.