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Remodeling 101: All About Butcher Block Countertops

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Remodeling 101: All About Butcher Block Countertops

March 14, 2019

Warm and accommodating, butcher block is an affordable countertop material with a lot going for it. Maintain them regularly and butcher block countertops will reward you by aging gracefully. But without proper upkeep, they can dull and crack. Are butcher block countertops the right material for you and your kitchen? Read our butcher block counter primer to find out.

good enough for a chef: a butcher block countertop in the manhattan kitchen of  17
Above: Good enough for a chef: a butcher-block countertop in the Manhattan kitchen of chef David Tanis; see A Chef’s Low-Tech, Economical, and Beautifully Soulful Kitchen in the East Village. Photograph by Heidi’s Bridge.

What is butcher block?

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.

a butcher block countertop in a british standard cupboard kitchen by plain engl 18
Above: A butcher block countertop in a British Standard Cupboard Kitchen by Plain English.

Are there different types of butcher block?

There are three basic construction styles of butcher block: edge grain, face grain, and end grain.

butcher block counters are a durable option for a mobile, outdoor kitchen; see  19
Above: Butcher block counters are a durable option for a mobile, outdoor kitchen; see Stockpot and Two Smoking Barrels: A Rustic Kitchen in a Shepherd’s Hut in England. Photograph by Emma Lewis.

Edge Grain

edge grain is the one most commonly used for counters because it&#8\2\ 20
Above: Edge grain is the one most commonly used for counters because it’s strong, stable, and less expensive than the others. It’s made by placing long boards on their sides and joining them so that their long narrow edges form the surface. The boards can be continuous lengths of wood with no joints, or random-length boards that are finger-jointed (as shown above).

Face Grain

face grain butcher block is constructed from boards that are laid flat, their f 21
Above: Face-grain butcher block is constructed from boards that are laid flat, their full widths forming a surface with a streamlined look. Susceptible to marks when used for chopping and cutting, face grain is less suitable for working kitchen counters than the others.

End Grain

end grain construction is made from small rectangular blocks arranged so that t 22
Above: End-grain construction is made from small rectangular blocks arranged so that the ends (with growth rings showing) are visible on the surface. The strongest and most expensive type of butcher block, it’s great for surfaces dedicated to cutting, because it camouflages knife marks and is gentle on blade edges (they slide into the grain rather than against it).

What types of wood are used for butcher block?

Butcher block can be made from nearly any wood. 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.

in a london kitchen by devol, the designers paired iroko wood with marble count 23
Above: In a London kitchen by deVol, the designers paired iroko wood with marble countertops.

Do butcher block countertops need to be sealed?

For kitchen counter applications, it’s important to use unsealed, oil-finished wood. Sealed countertops are not meant to be used as food-prep work surfaces–they’re not food or knife friendly. Mark Squire of Quality Kitchen Cabinets in San Francisco explains: “Using sealed wood defeats the purpose of butcher block, because it covers up the natural warm surface with plastic.” Sealed butcher block does offer shine and can work well as a work desk or bar top in a kitchen that doesn’t involve food. (And when needed for food prep, pair it with a cutting board.) Note that unsealed butcher block is not recommended immediately around a sink: Over time it will likely discolor and rot.

designer athena calderone updated the brown laminate countertops in her rental  24
Above: Designer Athena Calderone updated the brown laminate countertops in her rental kitchen with Karlby birch countertops from Ikea. Photograph by Sarah Elliot, courtesy of Athena Calderone.

How do you best maintain butcher block countertops?

At a minimum, butcher block countertops require oiling every six months to keep the wood protected. Different woods come with different finishing oil recommendations and it’s best to follow the instructions of your installer. Depending on level of use, butcher block countertops may also require more frequent oiling and conditioning to prevent the wood from cracking and looking dull. N.B.: Avoid using cooking oil to treat butcher block; it can damage the wood. Because butcher block is soft, it mars more than other materials, leading some people to use it for certain surfaces only, such as work islands. Just before oiling, you can lightly remove scratches, burns, and other surface damages with fine sandpaper, and your countertop will look like new.

christine wanted a warm material for her open kitchen, so she selected edge gra 25
Above: Christine wanted a warm material for her open kitchen, so she selected edge-grain countertops of solid oak treated with several coats of Danish oil for a hardwearing finish. For the full story, see Rehab Diary: Sleuthing for Space in My Kitchen. Photograph by Kristin Perers for Remodelista.

Can butcher block be used as a cutting surface?

Yes, unsealed butcher block works well as a large stationary work surface and has been used this way for centuries (after all, it comes by its name honestly). That said, it’s not as easy to clean a butcher block counter as it is a movable cutting board, which explains why many owners use cutting boards on top of butcher block. And, as mentioned, cutting on butcher block over time leaves marks and scratches—character-defining to some, best avoided to others.

in this kitchen by melbourne interior architecture firm hearth studio, a kitche 26
Above: In this kitchen by Melbourne interior architecture firm Hearth Studio, a kitchen island is segmented into American oak and Carrara marble for a work surface.

What do butcher block countertops cost?

Prices vary depending on the type of wood, the grain construction, and the thickness. In general, custom-made quality butcher block countertops range from $75 to $150 per square foot. In other words, good butcher block is more expensive than mid-range granite but less expensive than top-of-the-line natural stone.

The good news is that several manufacturers offer off-the-shelf butcher block worktops in standard counter-depth sizes with variable lengths. If your setup allows, this is the affordable way to go. And the DIY-inclined can cut butcher block slabs to fit around appliances, corners, and other obstacles—not something you can pull off on your own with stone.

in her cabin kitchen, sarah samuel of smitten studio installed ikea&a 27
Above: In her cabin kitchen, Sarah Samuel of Smitten Studio installed Ikea’s affordable edge-grain, oiled-beech Numerar Wood Countertop (now discontinued). Ikea now offers a similar Hammarp Oak Countertop, which comes in precut lengths. Photograph courtesy of Smitten Studio.
san francisco architect mark reilly used end grain butcher block coun 28
Above: San Francisco architect Mark Reilly used end-grain butcher block countertops in a kitchen in a turn-of-the-century house in Palo Alto, California. “The countertop was originally Formica, but the client wanted a material that didn’t clink when glass or serving wares were placed on it,” Reilly says. “After exploring several options, we decided on end-grain butcher block because of its warmth, soft feel, and vintage-inspired look.” Photograph by Mark Reilly. N.B. See how the architect created an open kitchen in a Victorian house in Remodelista Best Design Professional Space Winner: Mark Reilly.

Butcher Block Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Butcher block counters add warmth and natural coloring.
  • It’s a soft material that’s easy on glassware and dishes: No clatter when you put down a stack of plates.
  • Wood mixes well with many other countertop materials, especially marble.
  • If maintained properly, it’s a long lasting and durable choice.
  • Unlike laminate or solid-surface counters, wood countertops are repairable: Nicks and burns can be lightly sanded and the surface reoiled.
  • It develops a lovely patina over time.
  • Wood has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

Cons

  • Wood counters are not heat or stain resistant. Hot pans can’t be set down on the counter without a pad or trivet.
  • Wood can swell and shrink in conditions of extreme dryness or humidity, which may cause cracking.
  • Excessive wetness makes the wood susceptible to rot and discoloration.
  • It develops a patina over time (a detail that also falls in the Pros category; it’s a matter of taste).
  • Butcher block requires some maintenance.
italian kitchen designers schiffini use end grain butcher block at the end of a 29
Above: Italian kitchen designers Schiffini use end-grain butcher block at the end of a kitchen island.

Researching new countertops? For more on the subject, see our Remodeling 101 Guide to Kitchen Countertops, plus our recent posts on the subject:

Finally, get more ideas on how to evaluate and choose your kitchen countertop in our Remodeling 101 Guide: Kitchen Countertops.

N.B.: This post is an update. It originally ran on November 19, 2013.

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Frequently asked questions

What are butcher block kitchen countertops?

Butcher block countertops are made from strips of wood that are glued together to create a thick, sturdy surface. They provide a warm and natural look to the kitchen and are known for their durability and functionality.

What types of wood are commonly used for butcher block countertops?

Common types of wood used for butcher block countertops include maple, walnut, cherry, oak, and teak. Each type of wood has its own unique appearance and characteristics, so it's important to choose one that fits your desired aesthetic and maintenance preferences.

How do I clean and maintain butcher block countertops?

To clean and maintain butcher block countertops:
Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining.
Clean with a mild dish soap and warm water.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Regularly oil the surface with food-safe mineral oil or butcher block conditioner to keep it moisturized and protected.

Are butcher block countertops sanitary?

When properly maintained and cleaned, butcher block countertops are sanitary for food preparation. It's important to avoid cross-contamination by cleaning surfaces thoroughly after working with raw meat or poultry.

Can I cut directly on butcher block countertops?

Yes, butcher block countertops are designed to be used as cutting surfaces. However, it's recommended to use a cutting board to protect the wood surface and prevent scratches and deep cuts.

Are butcher block countertops heat resistant?

Butcher block countertops can withstand heat to some extent, but it's best to use trivets or hot pads to protect the wood surface from excessive heat exposure. Placing hot pots or pans directly on the surface can cause discoloration, burn marks, or warping.

Can I install an undermount sink with butcher block countertops?

It is possible to install an undermount sink with butcher block countertops, but it requires professional installation. The wood around the sink area needs to be properly sealed and protected to prevent water damage.

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