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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. Pro installation typically adds $5 to $10 per square foot to the total cost.
How much does a butcher block counter cost?
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. You might spend up to $10,000 for large kitchens or those using exotic hardwoods.
How thick should a butcher block countertop 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.
What is the most durable butcher block countertop?
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.
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.
What type of countertop is most durable?
The Top 5 Most Durable Countertops Granite. Although natural granite remains one of today’s most popular countertop choices, it may have met its match with the growing popularity of engineered granite. Quartz. Recycled Glass. Concrete. Solid Surface.
What is the cheapest kind of countertop?
Laminate Counters Prices Laminate is the most affordable material for use in countertops. It comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, many of which are created to look like granite, marble or other high-end materials.
Is butcher block countertop 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.
Is it hard to install butcher block countertops?
While installation is a straightforward process, installing a standard butcher block countertop can be more complicated than it looks. Single-length countertops such as a butcher block island countertop are the easiest to install.
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.
What is the hardest wood for butcher block countertops?
Hardest – As you can see, Brazilian Cherry is far and away the hardest of the wood types we use at BBC. It earns a Janka hardness rating in excess of 2500 pounds-force. Hickory comes in second, scoring just under 2000 lbf.
Are butcher block counters in style?
Butcher block wood countertops are most popular in high end designs at the moment. They are being used largely as an additional countertop surface rather than the only countertop material. The trend has been called “mixing surfaces” from the kitchen design community.
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.
Are butcher block countertops high maintenance?
1. You’ll have to take care of them. While pretty, butcher block countertops require much more maintenance than their marble or stone counterparts. You’ll have to treat the surface with mineral oil to protect the natural wood and use sandpaper to sand down and fill in any nicks or scratches that have occurred.
How do you waterproof wood countertops?
Apply a maintenance coat of linseed oil every four weeks. A lightly used countertop may only need to be touched up every six to eight weeks. The linseed oil adds hardness and water resistance. You can tell that a new coat is needed by splashing a few drops of water onto the surface.
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 should you not cut on a butcher block?
Using. 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 should you not use on a butcher block?
Over time, butcher-block countertops can lose their luster and look dull and dry. Give them a refresh with food-safe mineral oil or butcher-block conditioner (available at home improvement stores). Don’t use a food oil, like olive or vegetable oil, which will oxidize on the surface and start to smell.
