The IKEA Karlby and the IKEA Gerton countertops are two of the most popular choices for DIY desk setups and kitchen projects, but they are fundamentally different products. The Karlby is a particleboard core with a thick wood veneer, making it pre-finished and an easier, more affordable way to get a wood look. In contrast, the Gerton is a solid beech wood countertop, offering superior durability and the ability to be sanded and refinished, but it requires sealing and finishing work before use.
Here’s everything you need to know about these two countertop options from IKEA to help you decide which is a better fit for your space and needs.
IKEA Karlby Countertop
The Karlby has become an internet-famous favorite, especially within the PC gaming and home office communities, for creating large, stylish desks. It offers the aesthetic appeal of real wood at a much lower price point, thanks to its clever construction of a thick wood veneer over a particleboard core. This design makes it a versatile and budget-friendly choice that looks more premium than its price suggests.
- What it is: A particleboard countertop covered with a thick layer of real wood veneer.
- Key features: Pre-treated with hard wax oil, ready to use out-of-the-box, real wood top layer for an authentic look, available in several finishes.
- Price: Around $189 (74") to $289 (98").
- Dimensions: Available in 74" and 98" lengths, both with a 25 5/8" depth and a 1 1/2" thickness.
- Materials/Construction: A core of particleboard topped with a 1/8" thick durable wood veneer (available in oak, birch, and walnut).
- Pros: Affordable for its size and premium look. Pre-finished and ready for immediate installation. The thick veneer offers a convincing real wood appearance. Various finishes match different decor styles.
- Cons: Cannot be sanded down and refinished like solid wood. The particleboard core can swell if it's exposed to significant moisture. Damaged corners or deep scratches are difficult to repair convincingly.
The Karlby is a great pick for those who prioritize aesthetic and budget, wanting an out-of-the-box solution that looks like solid wood without the associated cost or maintenance.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/karlby-countertop-walnut-veneer-70335212/
IKEA Gerton Tabletop
The Gerton is IKEA's workhorse solution for those who want real, solid wood without breaking the bank. Made entirely from solid beech, it's a heavy, durable, and long-lasting surface that can be customized to your exact preferences. Unlike the Karlby, it comes unfinished, giving you the creative freedom to sand, stain, and seal it to achieve the perfect look for your project.
- What it is: A solid beech wood tabletop that comes untreated. NOTE: Gerton was discontinued in some markets but is available in other forms or may appear in secondhand marketplaces.
- Key features: Made from 100% solid beech wood. Can be cut, sanded, stained, and oiled. Extremely durable and heavy. Can be repaired and refinished indefinitely.
- Price: Historically ranged between $100-$150, but availability and pricing may vary.
- Dimensions: 61" in length, 29 1/2" in depth, and a thickness of 1 1/8".
- Materials/Construction: Solid, finger-jointed beech wood. Provides natural sturdiness and durability.
- Pros: Genuine solid wood offers unparalleled durability. Can be sanded down to remove scratches and stains over its lifetime. Offers complete control over the final finish (stain color, sealant type). Typically heavier and more robust than veneer options.
- Cons: It is untreated and requires significant prep work (sanding and sealing) before use. Susceptible to water damage, stains, and warping if not properly sealed. Heavier and potentially harder to handle during installation. Comes in fewer, shorter lengths than the Karlby.
The Gerton is for the DIYer who wants the longevity and customization of solid wood and is willing to put in the initial effort to prepare and finish the surface.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/gertan-tabletop-beech-90515124/
Karlby vs. Gerton Comparison
Materials & Construction
This is the most significant difference between the two products. The Karlby uses a particleboard core, which makes it lighter and more affordable, with a thick wood veneer on top to provide the aesthetics of real wood. This construction is a compromise, balancing cost and looks.
The Gerton is 100% solid beech wood. This makes it heavier, denser, and fundamentally more durable. Its construction means the entire depth of the tabletop is solid wood, not just a thin top layer. This robust build can withstand more wear and tear and offers a truly authentic material feel because it's the real thing.
Durability & Maintenance
The Karlby arrives pre-finished with a hard wax oil, protecting it from minor spills and wear right away. Its maintenance is simple: wipe clean and avoid harsh chemicals or excessive water. However, its major weakness is reparability. A deep scratch or a chipped edge that goes through the veneer exposes the particleboard beneath and is very difficult to fix, making damage potentially permanent.
The Gerton is a long-term investment in durability, but it demands upfront work. It must be sealed with wood oil, varnish, or wax to protect it from moisture and staining. The reward for this initial effort is that it can last a lifetime. Scratches, burns, and stains can be sanded out, and the whole top can be refinished to look brand new, time and time again.
Price & Value
The Karlby consistently offers better upfront value, especially considering its larger size options. You get a large, finished wood-look surface for a relatively low price, requiring no additional spending on finishes or tools. Its value is in its convenience and immediate aesthetic appeal.
While the Gerton was often less expensive for its smaller size, the total cost increases once you factor in sandpaper, stain, oil or polyurethane, and brushes. Its value proposition is long-term, for a bit more money and effort, you get a solid wood piece that can outlast many pieces of furniture and can be repaired indefinitely.
Style & Aesthetics
The Karlby provides a specific, curated look with its walnut, birch, and oak veneer options. The walnut, in particular, is very popular for its rich, dark wood grain that fits well in modern and mid-century modern spaces. The appearance is consistent and uniform right out of the box.
The Gerton offers a blank canvas celebrated by DIY enthusiasts. Its natural beech wood is light in color with a subtle grain. This allows for total customization - you can stain it dark walnut, give it a sleek black finish, a modern pure white look with pickling stain, or simply enhance its natural tone with clear oil. The aesthetic is entirely up to you.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Karlby and Gerton are excellent choices, but they cater to very different types of projects and people.
Choose the Karlby if:
- You want a beautiful wood look without the hassle of a finishing project.
- You need a longer countertop (over 6 feet) for a large desk or workspace.
- Your priority is achieving a specific aesthetic quickly and on a budget.
- You are careful with your furniture and are unlikely to cause deep scratches or nicks.
Choose the Gerton if:
- You want the durability and longevity of 100% solid wood.
- You enjoy DIY projects and want to customize the stain and finish yourself.
- You want an indestructible surface for heavy-duty work or high-traffic use.
- The idea of being able to sand out damage and refinish your tabletop appeals to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Karlby and Gerton?
The main difference is material. The Karlby is a particleboard core with a real wood veneer on top (a thin layer of wood). The Gerton is made of 100% solid beech wood. This difference affects durability, maintenance, weight, and customization possibilities.
Which IKEA tabletop is better for a desk?
Both are extremely popular for desks. The Karlby is often preferred for large, L-shaped, or dual-monitor setups because of its longer 74" and 98" options. The Gerton's indestructibility makes it great for a workhorse desk, but its shorter 61" length is a key limitation for larger setups.
Will the Karlby or Gerton sag in the middle?
Yes, any long countertop can sag over time without proper support. For the 74" Karlby, it's highly recommended to add a support leg (like the IKEA Adils) in the center, especially if you have heavy monitors or a computer tower on the desk. The solid wood Gerton is less prone to sagging over its shorter 61" span but should still be well-supported.
Do I have to seal the Gerton tabletop?
Absolutely. The Gerton comes as raw, untreated wood. If you do not seal it, it will easily absorb moisture from spills or even humidity, leading to stains and potential warping. You must treat it with wood oil, wax, or a polyurethane/lacquer finish before use.
Can I sand and refinish a Karlby countertop?
No. You cannot sand the Karlby like you can with solid wood. The veneer is only about 1/8" thick, and sanding it can wear through to the particleboard core underneath, permanently ruining the surface. Light scuffs can sometimes be masked with furniture markers or polish, but that's about it.
Which one is heavier?
The solid wood Gerton is significantly heavier and denser for its size compared to the particleboard-core Karlby. You'll definitely want a second person to help move and install the Gerton.
How do I clean and maintain each one?
For the Karlby, use a damp cloth and mild cleanser and wipe dry. Avoid letting liquids sit on the surface. For a properly sealed Gerton, cleaning is similar. Depending on your finish (especially oil), you may need to re-apply a coat of oil every 6-12 months to maintain its protective layer and luster.
Can I cut these countertops to a custom size?
Yes, both can be cut. However, with the Karlby, the cut edge will expose the particleboard core, so you'll need to use the included veneer edging strips to cover it. The solid wood Gerton can be cut easily, and the new edge will just be more solid wood that needs to be sanded smooth and finished.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
