Table of Contents
How to Make a DIY Butcher Block Countertop Measure your counter area. Use your tape measure to measure out how large you want your countertop to be. Cut your wooden boards for your block. Glue and clamp your wooden boards together. Cut your countertop. Sand and fill your countertop. Seal your butcher block.
How do butcher block countertops hold up?
Butcher block countertops are built to withstand heavy daily use and food preparation. They are gentle on knife blades and effectively hide small cuts and scratches. It’s important to remember that to maximize the lifespan of your countertop, occasional maintenance and care is required.
Do you actually cut on butcher block countertops?
The only countertop that can actually be used as a cutting surface, butcher-block won’t dull your knives like stone or concrete counters. The soft surface also makes for a quieter kitchen. And for those who are a bit clumsier, dishes are less likely to shatter when dropped on wood versus stone.
Is it hard to finish butcher block countertops?
Most butcher block countertops are purchased unfinished. This means that while you can choose the finished color for your countertops, it also requires some work. If you are installing butcher block countertops, prep and stain the butcher block before installation.
Is it cheaper to buy or make butcher block countertops?
PRO: Butcher block is one of the more affordable countertops. Butcher block countertops will run you only $20 to $60 per square foot in supplies.
Can you put hot pans on butcher block?
Placing hot pots and pans directly on the butcher block surface is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make. It is also one of the most problematic. The hot items can burn and even crack the wood, leaving permanent damage, in most cases.
Is butcher block cheaper than granite?
Lastly, butcher block is an affordable material, generally costing less than granite. If you have a smaller budget, then butcher block is a beautiful option that doesn’t put strain on your bank account.
What should you not cut on a butcher block?
Avoid cutting raw meat or poultry directly on a butcher block or wooden cutting board. Instead, place a plastic cutting board on the wooden surface and use the plastic board as the cutting surface. This will protect the wood and prevent it from becoming contaminated.
What wood is best for butcher block countertops?
Maple is one of the best and most popular for butcher block counters because it’s hard and has a clear grain. Cherry and red oak offer rich color. Butcher block can also be crafted from bamboo (it works best with end-grain construction) and sustainably farmed exotics such as wenge, zebrawood, and iroko.
How often do you have to seal butcher block countertops?
While butcher block countertops do require routine maintenance, resealing the surface is only required after every 6-12 months depending on the level of use. The same goes for natural stone countertops, which must be resealed over time to maintain the original quality and look.
How do you make butcher block waterproof?
To seal butcher block with mineral oil, you simply apply the mineral oil generously, let it soak in, and wipe off the excess. You need to do it fairly regularly at first but then only about once a month after you’ve gotten through several applications.
Should I polyurethane butcher block countertops?
To answer the question in short, yes polyurethane is food safe for wood countertops. Per the FDA to become food safe it must be fully cured and dried to the touch which ranges in times. The time it takes to fully cure is anywhere from days to a month.
Do you need to seal both sides of butcher block?
You will need to finish all surfaces (top, bottom and sides) of your unfinished butcher block or wide plank top with a commercial grade polyurethane or Waterlox finish. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on the polyurethane or Waterlox for finishing coats (usually three or four coats).
How much does it cost to have butcher block countertops installed?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $100 per square foot or $3,500 on average for materials and installation of your wood butcher block countertop. Materials alone usually run around $20 to $70 per square foot. Butcher block countertops can cost between $2,000 and $5,000 for a 50-square- foot kitchen.
What is the average cost of butcher block countertops?
Wood butcher block countertops cost $3,500 on average or $40 to $100 per square foot, including materials and installation. A typical kitchen with 50 square feet of butcher block countertop costs $2,000 to $5,000 to purchase and install.
How thick should butcher block countertops be?
Thickness and Edges. Wood countertop thickness generally ranges from a three-quarter inch to six inches, and butcher block from two inches to 12 inches. A wide variety of edge options exist.
Can I leave my butcher block unfinished?
Any finish is safe to use on a butcher-block table or countertop that will not be used as a cutting surface. If the surface won’t be cut on, the answer is simple: Any film-forming finish you would normally choose for durability and appearance will be just fine (Photo 1).
What type of countertop is most durable?
Quartz is the most durable kitchen countertop. It is nearly indestructible to regular kitchen use, is not susceptible to knife cuts, will not chip or crack, and is very stain resistant.
Can you do an undermount sink with butcher block countertops?
Boos Butcher Block Countertops Can Accommodate Undermount and Farm Style Sinks, but They Require Extra Attention. You should know that Boos recommends against this approach* since it leaves cut edges of the countertop exposed to water, and water can seriously damage wood, as you likely know.
Are wood countertops outdated?
Real wood countertops are an old-world idea that has never really gone out of style. As homeowners pore over options in kitchen and bath design in the constantly changing world of materials and styles, the wood countertop remains a classic.
Why do butchers use wooden blocks?
Butcher blocks are a specialised cutting surface which was originally intended for use in the cutting of large chunks of meat. They’re considerably thicker than normal wooden worktops and are designed to withstand the pressures of direct cutting.
