The Pros and Cons of Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block countertops, also known as wood countertops, are made of woods ranging from oak, to cherry, to bamboo. You can do all of your kitchen countertops with butcher block, just the island, part of the island, or really whatever you think will look and function best. Oftentimes homeowners will do a mixed material kitchen with a butcher block island and stone countertops. These countertops are made by gluing wood of different colors and patterns together then sanding it down.  The type of oil and stain that is put on the finished countertop can give drastically different looks to the wood.

Pros:

Wood is known for its warm and inviting feel, along with its kitchen usability. These countertops are designed for cutting on, and are excellent at hiding cuts and scratches. Butcher block develops a rustic look as scratches and cuts accumulate and blend together. Stones are very hard and are prone to chipping and cracking far more than softer wood is. After several years of wear, you can have them sanded down and resealed to give them a new look. Wood countertops fit with a wide variety of styles and homes. Stone countertops can be loud and echoey, but wood absorbs the sound and gives satisfying muted sounds when using the counters. 

Cons:

Wood is known to warp in the presence of liquid, so to combat this you need to keep the butcher block sealed. Cleanup is not as easy as other materials, you need to be careful of what cleaners you use. Sealer, a type of oil, is sometimes required to be applied as often as 1-3 months. Unsealed wood can not only warp, but can also be a haven for germs. Some people consider wood countertops to all look alike, which isn’t true, with a good range of different wood types, patterns, and colors. Wood is not cheap, but is in the same range as stone and other premium options. 

Wood countertops are excellent for busy kitchens and people who are looking for a warm, homey look. They blend very well with a wide variety of different styles of kitchen, flooring, and cabinets. Explore your options before investing in new countertops, to be sure that you’ve made a decision that you’ll be happy with for years to come. Visit some of your local fabricators to get hands on with the many different material options available to you, and talk to a salesperson to determine what material will be perfect for your home.