For many years, butcher-block countertops have been extremely popular in cozy cottages and rustic farmhouses, but we are starting to see them make the jump towards more contemporary homes.
Butcher-block countertops are made using assembled wooden boards. It’s a more natural countertop solution and the great thing is that it is warm and a little bit more inviting compared to stone, marble, and many of the other traditional countertop materials available these days. Besides, wood is neutral and it can be mixed up with other decorations in the kitchen very easily.
Below, you will find all the info you need about butcher-block countertops including some of its pros and cons!
Types of Butcher-Block Countertops
There are a number of options to go for when it comes to butcher-block countertops but some tend to be more popular than others. Some of the most popular choices are:
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Maple
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Cherry
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Oak
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Walnut
Hard maple, however, comes with the highest density since it’s a close grain type of wood, and it is also very durable. Cherry and walnut may also offer the same kind of durability and performance. But maple is relatively more affordable. Oak is not bad either. The only challenge is that, unlike maple, walnut, and cherry, oak is open grain wood. Open grain wood is not recommended to be used for food preparation. But if varnished or lacquered it should work for all general purposes.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Butcher-Block Countertops?
The overall cost of installing a butcher-block countertop will vary based on the wood type that you are using. Costs may also vary based on the area or location you are in. However, butcher-block countertops are very competitive when it comes to pricing.
For example, a standard edge-grain maple will retail for between $35 and $38 per square foot. This makes it cheaper than granite countertops but a little more expensive compared to laminate. But this does not include the labor costs in case you are planning to hire someone to do the installation. Labor costs vary a lot from one city to the next. It is therefore advisable to get a full quote from your local contractor before budgeting.
Pros and Cons of Butcher-Block Countertop
Butcher-block countertops have a number of great pros and a few cons as well. Let’s start with the pros.
First, countertops are easy on the knives. You can cut anything you want without the risk of the knives going blunt. The soft surface also ensures that your cutting sessions are quiet. Besides, dishes are less likely to shatter if they accidentally drop on a butcher-block countertop compared to stone.
The countertops are also easy on the eye. Even though there are still other good looking countertop designs out there, there is just something about wood that brings a warming charm to the room. Butcher-block countertops are also easily restored. In fact, one of the cons associated with wood is the fact that it can chop easily compared to stone. But restoration is easier and less expensive. Also, countertops don’t need a lot of maintenance, especially if they are sealed.
Butcher-Block Countertop Care Tips
The countertop requires little maintenance. Source: Instructables (https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Take-Care-of-Butcher-Block-Countertops/)
Caring for your butcher-block is easy. First, you may want to apply food-safe oil on a regular basis to prevent the wood from drying out. In case you don’t want to do this every now and then, consider giving your countertop a simple varnique finish or a semi-gloss seal. You may also finish the countertop with a non-toxic polyurethane gel. This will make any maintenance works very small.
Getting a high-quality countertop for your kitchen is always a big priority. Request a free quote today to kickstart your project!
