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Butcher block is made from straight cuts of wood glued together into thick slabs that provide a particularly sturdy and stable work surface in a kitchen, whether as a cutting board, tabletop, or counter. Above: A butcher block countertop in a British Standard Cupboard Kitchen by Plain English.
What is so special about butcher block?
Pros: Warm look and feel; naturally anti-bacterial; strong and durable; biodegradable; affordable, particularly compared to granite or quartz countertops. Cons: Requires bi-annual sanding and oiling to protect the wood; sealed counters should not be cut on. Care: Maintenance depends on the type of finish you have.
What material is used for Butcher block countertops?
True butcher block, made from strips of wood bonded together, serves as a work surface. It is the only countertop material appropriate for slicing and chopping. Most wood countertops are made from maple, though oak, cherry, walnut and teak are also used.
Are butcher block counters bad?
As for the downsides to butcher block kitchen countertops? They require some regular upkeep, they’re susceptible to nicks, scratches, and dings, and they’re porous.
What do butcher block counters do?
For everyday cleaning of butcher block countertops, scrape off food debris with a plastic spatula, then use a dish sponge saturated in a solution of two cups warm water and one teaspoon dish soap to wipe away the residue. Vinegar works great as a stand-in for soap and water.
Are butcher blocks worth it?
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 butcher block high maintenance?
While pretty, butcher block countertops require much more maintenance than their marble or stone counterparts. On average, this kind of re-treating must be done once a year, but it also depends on how you use the countertop. The positive is that, if maintained properly, these countertops can last a very long time.
Can you make your own butcher block countertop?
You can make up your own butcher-block countertop, or the same technique can be used to create cutting boards, or a top for a roll-around cart. The steps in creating the top are fairly easy, but the project does require some special tools, especially for the larger size tops.
Is butcher block more expensive than granite?
Granite and butcher block counters can vary in price. Granite prices are generally higher than butcher block, but many people feel the benefits of natural stone outweigh those of wood.
What type of wood is best for countertops?
Some of the best wood species to choose for a countertop include: Bamboo (technically a grass but often treated as a wood) Brazilian cherry. Maple. Oak. Teak. Walnut. Wenge.
How well do butcher block countertops hold up?
The good news is that butcher block countertops respond very well to a bit of TLC. Some say this type of counter must be sealed. Waterlox is a popular sealant, based on tung oil (from the seeds of the Chinese tung tree). Marine sealer, made for use on boat hulls, does an excellent job of waterproofing wood.
Can Butcher block countertops get wet?
You can’t avoid getting your wood countertops wet when you’re preparing food. The finish we use on butcher block is food-safe. It’s not waterproof, but the type of moisture that touches butcher block shouldn’t damage the wood as long as you clean up immediately after preparing your meal.
Does butcher block darken with age?
When you think about “butcher block” applications, the wood is almost always left natural in color. Look how much darker the oiled butcher block top has become with age, use and a little oil rubbed in now and again. It will get darker still as time goes on.
Are butcher block countertops expensive?
In general, custom-made quality butcher block countertops range from $75 to $150 per square foot. In other words, good butcher block is more expensive than mid-range granite but less expensive than top-of-the-line natural stone.
How often do you have to oil Butcher block countertops?
5. When determining how often to oil a block, the general rule of thumb is once a day for a week upon purchase; once a week for a month; and once a month forever. The block should be oiled whenever the wood starts to look dry and chalky.
How long does a butcher block countertop last?
Butcher block countertops will last around 20 years, which compares to other countertops like granite. Butcher block will last longer than laminate countertops, but need monthly resealing to have a long lifespan. Butcher blocks also need occasional resurfacing to remove deep stains, dings and scratches.
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.
Can you cut raw meat on butcher block?
Avoid cutting raw meat or poultry directly on a butcher block or wooden cutting board. Cooked meats, fruits and vegetables can be cut on a wooden surface, but remember that the action of the knife will score the wood, making the surface hard to clean.
Are butcher block counters easy to maintain?
One advantage of butcher block countertops is that they are easier to repair than any other countertop material. 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.
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.
