Counter tops using oak flooring and travertine tile

Mom's kitchen counter tops are done! What is "out of the box" and interesting is she decided to use 2 1/2 inch red oak lumber flooring and travertine tile!

The problem was conventional granite would have competed with the 100 year old carved stone wall that she uncovered on the opposite side of the kitchen. Originaly in the 1800's, this area was a covered porch because the kitchen was in a separate building. This was typical of the period because of the heat generated from cooking. Here is a photo of the rock that was discovered accidentally by Mom and her handy chisel.


She contemplated bucther block as well. However, butcher block counter tops looked too modern compared to the rest of the wood used though out the 19th century ranch house.

Here is the what the lumber pieces looked like to begin with.

One of the secrets to a success is you must pick really straight pieces from the bundle of flooring.

Dad is working on installing the wood pieces. Go Dad! (Notice the anvil on the counters? It is what is used to shape the horse shoes before they go onto the horse's feet. Turns out it is handy in kitchen renovations as well! Ha ha.) My Dad can shoe horses too!

Next, the wooden counter tops were stained with Old Masters brand wiping stain in the color of Early American. Then Mom used a marine grade urethane to finish the counter tops.

Then the back splash of travertine tile (18 x18) was added. This is what the tiles looked like before installation.

 She decided on very fine grout so that it looks continuous.

In the beverage area she decide to use the travertine tile as the backsplash and counter top.

She also used the travertine tile as backsplash and counter top near the stove top.

Here is a close up.

The other side of the stove top.

Thanks for visiting to see how the counter tops turned out! We will post more on the complete kitchen soon! Until then here is a teaser.

This post is part of the Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Party and The DIY Show Off. Make sure and visit them for neat ideas!