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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.
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.
Is butcher block good quality?
Overall, the SoulFino Bamboo Butcher Block is the best butcher block for most needs and concerns. Its excellent bamboo material won’t dull your knives. It’ll also last for a long time to come, and the deep juice groove will help prevent the frequency of kitchen messes.
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.
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.
Is butcher block more expensive than granite?
Are butcher block countertops more expensive than granite? A butcher block’s cost depends on the type of wood you use, but a typical edge-grain maple countertop will cost you between $35 and $38 per square foot. This makes it cheaper than granite but dearer than laminate.
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.
Are butcher block countertops back in style?
The secret is out: Butcher Block Countertops are the latest kitchen trend. You heard it here first this might just be the biggest trend in 2020. Personally I’m not typically for or against wood countertops – but in these spaces, it works!Mar 10, 2020.
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.
What kind of butcher block is best?
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.
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.
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.
Do you need to seal butcher block countertops?
Cutting against the grain causes fibers to raise up, giving your countertop a fuzzy feeling. Woodworkers discourage cutting on a butcher block countertop for this reason. But, if you believe you may use the countertop as a cutting surface for food, you’ll need to use a food-grade sealant.
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 countertop?
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.
How much do butcher blocks cost?
Average Cost of Butcher Block Countertops Average Cost $3,500 High Cost $15,000 Low Cost $1,200.
How much does it cost to build a butcher block countertop?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $100 per square foot or $3,500 on average for materials and installation of your wood butcher block countertop. Materials alone usually run around $20 to $70 per square foot. Butcher block countertops can cost between $2,000 and $5,000 for a 50-square- foot kitchen.
Are wood kitchen countertops expensive?
Cost of Wood Countertops Generally, you can expect wooden countertops to fall in the range of $60 to $100 per square foot, including installation. Tops made with unusual or imported woods, custom sizes, and intricate details can run up to $200 per square foot. These prices are for solid-wood materials.
