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Design Dilemma
nancypickett

Can I stain a red oak butcher block island a dark gray?

nancypickett
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago

I have a 3' x 7' butcher block island. We are sprucing up our kitchen. My counters are white marble with a gray vein and the back splash is a white painted brick. I plan to keep those. I am replacing my floors with a natural warm colored wide french oak that has a hint of gray. I would like to keep my butcher block but I want to know if I can stain it a darker gray?

Comments (5)

  • Jamie Ludwig
    5 years ago

    I think a dark grey sounds like it would work nicely.

  • PRO
    Suzette Sherman Design
    5 years ago

    As a designer the question is not a color question it is a safety and overall look after wear and tear question. Do you prep on that counter with a knife and for food prep? I would have two concerns; 1) would the stain be toxic when exposed to types of foods and food juices? 2) would the knife marks and wear & tear show the real color and how would that look over time? I have never seen butcher block countertops stained and suspect for a good reason. I have used butcher block in walnut to achieve a different darker look. But yours is the type of questions that a designer would then go to an truly experienced and knowledgable woodworking expert to have a discussion.


    Perhaps there is a qualified woodworker who is willing to answer this?

  • nancypickett
    Original Author
    5 years ago

    Thank you Suzette. I rarely cut on mine now, but I sure wouldn't want it toxic. I would love to know what a qualified woodworker would say.

  • jhmarie
    5 years ago

    It is difficult to get red oak grey - there have been dilemma's posted here about it not going well. Definitely would need a woodwork specialist that can show you past results.


    Many find that gray/white kitchens benefit from some natural wood - floor or butcher block counter. Otherwise the gray / white can be too cold. Also, gray look wood is very trendy and I've noticed in my area it is trending out. If you must stain, consider deepening the wood to a darker color if the light is not working with your other colors. The deeper color might blend better then natural, yet lend some warmth to the area.

  • nancypickett
    Original Author
    5 years ago

    Thank you. That might be a possibility. Right now, it doesn't look good with my new floors.

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