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I built some really nice lab benches using the laminated “butcher block” tops. One has a 48”x72” work surface to accommodate deep test equipment and still have 24” of working depth. A 24”x72” shelf on top of that for more equipment. With the butcher block you don’t need additional framing for support. Just sturdy legs at either end.

https://www.globalindustrial.com/g/work-benches/components/t...

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Ikea and Lumber Liquidators (in the US) both have very reasonably priced Oak and Birch butcher block. It makes for great table tops.

I believe Ikea stopped making solid wood butcher blocks years ago. They are all veneers now.

Looks like you're right about their countertops, they only have veneers listed. Too bad.

They do still have tabletops, although I incorrectly remembered it as Birch it's actually Beech: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/gerton-tabletop-beech-50106773/

They definitely still make solid wood tabletops/countertops, but they're not comparable to "true" butcher block since they're A. Not endgrain, and B. Not as dense as hard maple.

These are great. I kind of regret my ikea karlby.

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