What Are Butcher Block Countertops?

Butcher block countertops combine individual pieces of wood to form one large surface. There are different tree species, which affect the color and grain pattern.

There are two ways to join wood with butcher blocks. edge grain and end grain. Edge grain countertops are finger-jointed long horizontal sections and are the most common type. Endgrain construction uses short vertical pieces that are tied together, similar to a tone-on-tone checkerboard.

Types of Wood for Butcher Block Counters

Fine-grained wood is great for countertops, and you can choose cherry, walnut, or maple tops. Hard Rock Maple is one of the most popular butcher block lumbers because it has a tighter grain and is less expensive than cherry or walnut. You’ll also find counters made of oak, birch, beech, acacia, bamboo, and exotic woods such as iroko and zebrawood.

butcher block countertop cost

Butcher block countertop prices vary depending on the wood type, countertop thickness and overall quality. Buying and installing a countertop can cost anywhere from $50 to $300 per square foot.

How to Care for Butcher Block Countertops

Wooden counters like butcher blocks require ongoing care and maintenance.

Choose the right finish

After installation, it is necessary to determine the best finishing option for the counter. There are several options, each with a different level of maintenance.

• natural finish – Use food-safe finishes when preparing food on countertops. Natural finishes such as mineral oil, tung oil and beeswax are good options. It looks beautiful when first applied, but wears off quickly. If you like the look of a natural finish but don’t want regular maintenance, consider hardened tung oil and resin products such as: water rocks again Watco Butcher Block Oil and Finish. These will keep your countertops looking great for a long time.
• staining – If you want to change the color of the countertop, you need to stain and seal it. Choose a water- or oil-based stain formulation and a matching sealer.
• Polyurethane – Polyurethane is a clear coat that can be applied to countertops. Although it will keep for a long time, it is not food safe and should not be cooked directly on the counter.

How to clean a butcher block

Clean your butcher block countertop regularly to prevent extensive damage to your countertop.

• Clean up any spills immediately as they can stain your countertops.
• Scrape up any food remnants, being careful not to scratch the countertop.
• Scrub the countertop with a scrub brush using a mild soap and hot water. Clean the countertop with a little water and a soft cloth.
• Disinfect your countertops with white vinegar once a week. Spray undiluted vinegar on the work surface. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe it off.
• Let the countertop dry.

Maintain a butcher’s block countertop

Keeping butcher block countertops in good condition requires ongoing maintenance.

• If your countertop uses a natural finish such as mineral oil or beeswax, it should be reapplied every 2-4 weeks to keep it in good condition.
• To prevent damage, never place scalding pots or plates on your butcher block kitchen countertops.
• Use a cutting board to prevent cuts and scratches
• Use lemon juice, 1 cup water, and 1 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide to clean the butcher block countertop. Rub this solution onto the stain with a damp cloth, then wipe dry. You can also try rubbing the stain with lemon and salt.
• If your butcher block countertop has burn marks, stains, or scratches, you can sand it down. Get some 220-grit sandpaper and sand the damaged area. Clean the counter and then reapply the finish coat.
• Avoid detergents containing bleach or harsh chemical detergents. Do not use scrubbers with hard bristles as they may damage the finish. Some manufacturers object to the use of products like Murphy’s Oil Soap, which leaves a greasy residue on wood.

Butcher block countertops: pros and cons

Strong Points

• price – Butcher block countertops are much less expensive than natural ones such as marble, but still have an upscale look.
• Versatility – Butcher block countertops suit all styles of kitchens, from modern to traditional. It can also be mixed with other countertop materials.
• Look and Feel – No other countertop can match the beautiful tones and warm textures of Butcher Block.
• Longevity – With proper care, butcher block countertops can last approximately 20 years.
• Refinishing Capabilities – Unlike synthetic countertops, butcher blocks are easy to sand and refinish.
• install – Butcher block countertops are easy to install for DIY enthusiasts.

Cons

• price – Butcher’s block countertops are more expensive than laminate, corian, and sometimes granite.
• no resistance – Wood is not as heat and scratch resistant as stone.
• maintenance – Wooden countertops require regular care and maintenance.
• Dust and dirt – Unlike variegated surfaces such as granite or quartz, dust and dirt won’t go away on butcher block countertops.

butcher block countertop design

Butcher block countertops go well with a variety of kitchen designs. We have collected some of the best for your inspiration.

butcher block counter in contemporary kitchen

Jaffe Architecture + Interiors designed this contemporary style kitchen. They used thick walnut butcher block countertops adjacent to quartzite countertops. This gives owners an impressive meal preparation area close to the sink.

Butcher block counter in a historic mansion

This kitchen design by Balding Brothers Restoration and Remodeling includes a farmhouse sink, butcher block countertops and shaker cabinets. These go well with historic kitchen designs with modern conveniences.

Modern traditional kitchen with dark butcher block counters

The design of this kitchen features contrasting design elements. AKDO uses white cabinets and dark butcher blocks to give the room depth.

Lightweight Butcher Block Countertop with Farmhouse Kitchen

One of the hottest trends in butcher block countertops is pairing them with white cabinets. This interior designer chose thick maple countertops for the central island.