What Is The Best Butcher Block Countertop

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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.

Are butcher block countertops 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.

What is the best wood for a countertop?

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.

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.

What is the hardest wood for countertops?

Hickory. Hickory is the strongest American wood, the “Hercules” of American countertops, and the very first American hardwood.

Do wood countertops hold up?

The truth is, wood requires a lot of care. It can be more easily damaged by spills, and not every kind of wood will stand up to kind of abuse that a normal kitchen counter will see. However, if they are given the right amount of tender loving care, a wood countertop can retain its clean look long into its life.

What is the best wood for butcher block counters?

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.

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 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.

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.

How do you take care of a butcher block?

Treat your butcher block to a facial to keep it fresh and glowy. After a few weeks of heavy use, wash and dry your block the way you typically would (see tip #1) and apply a generous layer of mineral oil* with a lint-free rag over the entire surface. Let it soak in for 2-3 hours.

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.

What is the hardest wood for butcher block?

Hard maple is the hardest of all maple hardwood species. With a fine and uniform texture, straight grain, and natural strength and stability, hard maple has excellent resistance to abrasion and wear, making it ideal for cutting boards and chopping blocks.

Is Rosewood harder than oak?

Woods with a higher rating are harder than woods with a lower rating. The scale used in the table is pounds-force.Janka Hardness. Janka Specie Name 1200 Masur Birch 1200 Mirindiba 1210 Nicaraguan Rosewood 1220 Red Oak.

What wood is harder poplar or alder?

Alder on the other hand is usually very consistent as far as its weight is concerned from piece to piece. The list below is sorted by hardness, softest to lightest.Is this list complete? That’s where you come in. Wood Species Hardness Poplar 540 Red Pine 560 Alder (Red) 590 Larch 590.

What are the disadvantages of wood countertops?

Cons of Wood Countertops wood countertops heat damage. wood countertops water damage. wood countertops scratches.

Is a wood countertop a good idea?

Warmth: Not only is wood warm in appearance, it’s literally warmer to the touch than many materials such as tile, stone or concrete. Recycled/Recyclable: Most wood countertops are not made from reclaimed wood, but that is changing. Excellent Work Surface: Wood is easy on knives – though they may not be so easy on it.

How long does a wood countertop last?

Properly installed and cared for, wood countertops can last as long as you live in your home. Factory finishes generally come with a warranty. It can range from one year to a lifetime—and may only cover glued-joint separation.

Is Pine Good for butcher block?

For example, pine butcher blocks are less expensive but are not as durable as maple or other hardwoods and will need to be replaced sooner. Other considerations include the wood’s ability to conceal knife marks, the available thickness, whether it is harvested in a sustainable manner and the appearance.

Is Oak good for butcher block?

There’s More Than Maple Maple is the most common wood species for butcher block because it’s relatively inexpensive, durable, and widely available. But almost any hardwood can get the treatment: cherry, oak, beech, birch, tigerwood, and walnut are other great options.