Below are the details and cost breakdown of our budget-friendly DIY kitchen makeover that transformed a dated 1980s layout into a modern farmhouse kitchen.
Thank you to everyone who left such kind comments on the Kitchen Reveal post — your feedback made the whole project even more fun. After holding off on the details for a bit, here’s the full rundown of what we did, why we chose certain materials, and the final cost. Spoiler: the results were dramatic for very little money.
Fair warning: this is a detailed post with lots of specifics. Affiliate links were used during the project.
Kitchen Remodel Details
The Counters
The butcher block counters are the heart of this redo. They set the tone and warmth for the whole kitchen. We waited longer than planned because Ikea had limited stock, which pushed back the timeline, but the finished effect made it worth the delay.
Why choose wood counters?
- The warm, natural look is timeless and adds character that laminate simply can’t match.
- They’re affordable compared with many solid-surface options but look far superior to laminate.
- Installing and finishing them fit within our DIY abilities.
- They avoid grout lines and are easier to keep looking clean if you bake or work with flour often.
- They’re repairable — small gouges and worn spots can be sanded and refinished.
Upkeep
Our oak counters were finished with a water-based polyurethane. It’s not a food-grade finish, but we avoid cutting directly on the counters or placing food directly on the sealed surface, so it works for our lifestyle. We prioritized a durable finish that didn’t require frequent reapplication — the poly finish combined with clear caulking around the sink keeps things fairly watertight.
We had a previous experience with wood counters in another home; after a few years of normal use we simply sanded the worn area and added finish. It looked like new again — a level of repairability you don’t get with many laminates.
Ikea’s butcher block
This was our first time using Ikea’s solid oak butcher block. It’s heavy and takes effort to cut and fit, so we invested in a proper blade and made a cutting technique video to share tips. In our case we ended up purchasing the Numerar solid oak counters due to stock issues.
Cost for Counters
- Butcher block counters (two 8-ft + two 6-ft pieces) = $630
- Wood conditioner, stain, water-based polyurethane, and supplies = $43
- 7.25″ 40-tooth circular saw blade for cutting oak = $35
Total for counters = $708
The Sink & Faucet
Stainless Steel Single Sink
The large single-basin stainless sink became one of my favorite features. I originally loved the look of a white farmhouse sink, but after living with one previously I found stainless much easier to keep presentable when you cook, garden, and preserve regularly.
It’s spacious for stacking dishes, washing large pots, and rinsing vegetables. The custom rack that sits in the bottom has been a game changer — it keeps items elevated, drains easily, and prevents puddles on the counter.
We ordered a budget-friendly heavy-duty stainless sink and, after an initial return for a damaged unit, received a great replacement. It performs like a more expensive sink and was an excellent value.
Bridge Faucet
We paired the sink with a farmhouse-style bridge faucet that’s solid and well made, with a heavy metal sprayer. After four years the sprayer hose developed a leak, but the manufacturer replaced it quickly.
Cost for sink & faucet
- Sink, rack, and drain basket = $133
- Faucet = $111
Total for sink & faucet = $244
Butler’s Pantry
We repurposed a small area as a butler’s pantry. The previous owner had cut openings to fit a large microwave, which diminished the charm. We used simple trim and molding to fill and finish the openings, added scrollwork accents, and painted to match. A little fill, sanding, and paint made the area feel intentional and useful.
Total = $10 (molding pieces)
The Slide-In Range
We kept the existing Jenn-Air range because it functioned well and matched the kitchen’s other appliances. It originally had an unsightly back panel and gaps from previous counter work, but removing that back and cleaning the stove refreshed its appearance. Cleaning with a specialized cleaner and replacing the correct burner pans made it look almost new.
Cost
- Jenn-Air burner pans = $22
- Cleaning product (Bar Keeper’s Friend) = $4
Total = $26
Beadboard
Adding beadboard paneling as a backsplash up to the cabinets tied the kitchen to other rooms in the house and created a cohesive look. For a small retrofit above the stove we built a removable false back from leftover beadboard and screen molding so the outlet and cord are hidden yet accessible.
Beadboard Cost
- Beadboard paneling
- Corner and flat screen moldings
- Wood filler
Total = $115
Painting
Painting the cabinets took patience — we had to redo the color once after a paint-store mix error. Using foam rollers produced the smoothest finish; I cut in with a brush and rolled the flat areas for consistent coverage.
Paint Cost
- One gallon of paint (Creamy White)
- Foam roller and refills
Total = $47
A few small details I love
- Small bowls for kosher salt and coarse pepper near the stove make seasoning faster and neater.
- A tiered dessert stand fills an awkward space near the entry and serves as attractive fruit storage.
- A simple fabric sink skirt keeps compost and trash handy and is easy to wash.
- Repainting jar lids to match and adding chalkboard labels helped the pantry area feel cohesive.
We also replaced old off-white electrical outlets with white ones before installing new cover plates — a minor update (about $10 in materials) that makes a big visual difference.
Grand total for our DIY kitchen remodel:
$1,165.00
That includes every item listed above and even a small amount for a pendant shade we refreshed. We paid cash from extra jobs we took over the last couple of years, so the project was debt-free.
If you read this far — thanks! What’s your favorite part of the remodel, and is there anything here you might use in your own kitchen?
Disclosure: this post originally referenced affiliate links used during the project; those links supported the creators at no extra cost to the purchaser.