Feature plenty ofcolor variation between light and dark wood. The only countertop that can actually be used as a cutting surface, butcher-block won't dull your knives like stone or concrete counters. If these butcher block countertop pros and consleave you thinking that wood isntthe best fit for your future kitchen, consider installing one of these othercountertop materials. We show you a wide variety of samples so you may choose the perfect countertop that sets the tone for the rest of your home for years to come. Designers and homeowners have been asking about it for quite a while, and we finally are able to add it to our wide product offering. Genius! Natural wood adds a rustic feel to any space and can help make your kitchen feel more cozy and comfortable. Don't allow wood tops to soak up water or other liquids. There are two trains of thought on whether wear and tear adds to the depth and charm of a surface. Need to banish a stain? "Sanding reveals an entire fresh new cutting surface." In those (rare) moments when she's not at her desk typing furiously, she's likely teaching a hot yoga class, reading the latest chick-lit or baking a batch of her famous scones. If a wayward knife stroke dents the countertop, sand down the dent with a fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit or greater) and then apply mineral oil to the spot. Con: Butcher-block is susceptible to scratches, dings, and stains. Combine equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, and give the counters a good spritz, followed by another wipe down with a wet cloth. We decide to partner with Forest Products Distributors which has been in business for over 35 years. If maintained properly, wood is durable and develops a deep patina over time. Brad Erickson is the owner of The BWC Company, a leading manufacturer of wood finishing products, including the original bowling alley wax. Knife blades can cause uneven wear on certain regions of your countertop, so use a dedicated cutting board for cooking prep work, instead. Butcher block tends to show nicks and scratches for a shopworn look, but if you don't like the wear and tear, you can lightly sand out flaws and re-oil the surface to restore it. This sophisticated feeling that butcher block brings to your kitchen is also not as expensive as a high end quartz or marble. "I would estimate one hour per linear foot for the amount of time it will take to install the top," Pless advises. If youre ready to rip out your old countertops, dont forget to rent a dumpster to handle the debris. Based just outside of San Jose in Los Gatos, Erickson has 20+ years of experience in helping homeowners, manufacturing facilities, museums and other locations nationwide with wax products. Mineral oil evaporates, unlike a finish such as varnish. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. check the manufacturer's care recommendations before cleaning. There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the worldincluding how we live (and work) inside our homes. While there are many advantages of wood block countertops, its also important to know the drawbacks. Looking for ways to be more sustainable? That beats the cost of most other popular options, including stainless steel ($20 to $150), glass ($25 to $100 per square foot), concrete ($25 to $75 per square foot), marble ($25 to $75 per square foot) and soapstone or limestone ($20 to $75 per square foot). First, by continuing to use a cutting board instead of cutting directly on the counters (though tempting), you can prevent unnecessary scratches and dings. His team and sister companies create custom furniture using salvaged and reclaimed sustainable wood. Butcher block got its name because of its history of being used as a cutting surface for butchers. Keep countertops clean with mild soap and water. With permeable sealants, wood has natural antibacterial properties that make it ideal for cutting. They require some regular upkeep, they're susceptible to nicks, scratches, and dings, and they're porous. While soap can streak or spot shiny glass or stainless countertops and acid-based cleaners can erode quartz countertops, bothare safe to useona butcher block. There are upsides of having a soft material gracing your tops. Next, you'll need to treat them with a food-safe mineral oil or butcher-block conditioner. According to the website, This Old House, up until the late 1800s, butchers primarily used thick rounds of Sycamore, which was prone to splitting. We are so excited about launching this new material. Find greener business tips and hotel renovation guides for happier guests. These surfaces are not only incredibly stylish, theyre functional as well (theyre giant cutting boards, after all!). Not only does this costalmost double insupplies($70 to $100 per square foot), but its generally not DIY-friendlythe countertop slab is too heavy for one person to lift, has to be cut with a wet saw, and can seriously damage surrounding surfaces in the home if dropped. Will Black and White Kitchens Ever Go Out of Style. The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, andmost commonlychanging up our look. Butcher block is a trendy, eco-friendly material found in many kitchens see if it's right for you. Also, as green products are becoming more important to consumers, butcher block countertops are very eco-friendly. Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Lizzie Cox, Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; styling: Elizabeth Demos, Butcher Block Countertops: The Good, The Bad, The Answers to Your Burning Questions (Literally!). We asked the pros how to maintain them. Learn more about jobsite recycling and LEED certification. Not only to eat her delectable food, but her kitchen felt so cozy and inviting as she sliced away at her onions and carrots. While pretty, butcher block countertops require much more maintenance than their marble or stone counterparts. Walnut oil and tung oil are also popular but may pose a problem for those with nut allergies. Take on home renovations with supply lists and detailed walk-throughs. Precision Countertops helps you with everything you need to know about countertops. Cleaning wood countertops is simple. As for the downsides to butcher block kitchen countertops? Here's how to clean butcher block countertops right up. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? Southern Living is a registered trademark of. If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know, Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors, Whitney McGregor Greenville, SC White Kitchen, Cottage Kitchen with Butcherblock Countertops, Southern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. Maintained properly, butcher-block countertops can last a very long time. Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Weve got the scoop on what you need to consider before taking the plunge. Its not all in the senses, but they sure can help. Butcher-block countertops have a long history, and for good reason. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. No doubt it adds beauty and warmth to any space, but it also infuses a touch of nature which is really trending now. It is highly durable, yet offers a warm, natural look. Follow our helpful guides and complete your outdoor projects. Rob DAlessandro is a general manager and fine woodworker at NEWwoodworks based outside of Rochester, NY in the town of Farmington. To help you decide if wood is the best counter material for you, we rounded up the pros and cons of butcher block with tips from industry experts at NEWwoodworks, The BWC Company and Brooklyn Butcher Blocks. Requires routine maintenance and proper sealing. Or, to keep butcher-block scratch-free, simply use a cutting board as you would on any other countertop. We are offering two species of wood, Walnut and Birch. Avoid using a scrubby pad, steel brush or other abrasive cleaning tools. Plus, if you spill something like coffee or tomato sauce, theres a high chance of staining because of the countertops porous nature. Butcher block countertops were popular in the eighties and nineties, usually as a stand alone island for food prep. Keep up with our company news, including TV show features and team spotlights. One way that homeowners prematurely wear their butcher block countertops isby using them as cutting boards. Formerly she was home design editor who worked on Country Home and ReadyMade magazines. Pro installation typically adds $5 to $10 per square foot to the total cost. Homeowners can expect their butcher block countertops to expand by roughly one-eighth of an inch in summer and contract by the same amount in the winter. Learn all about landfills and how waste is managed after it's picked up. Here's more on that: Yes! Cons of Butcher Block: Prone to water damage and stains; require frequent oiling and disinfecting; not heat-resistant; can be expensive. For context, lets compare that to another trendy countertop material likequartz. The good news is, if you accidentally scorch your butcher block counters, you can always sand out the charring. She's also an adjunct professor of features and magazine writing for Drake University. Do you have wood block countertops in your kitchen? Re-oil the sanded surface to make it look like new. Butcher block, consisting of individual wooden strips fused together into a sleek slab, is a timeless and trendy material for kitchen countertops. The soft surface also makes for a quieter kitchen. In addition to the daily cleaning routine, you can protect your butcher block kitchen countertops a few other ways. Real estate projects and tips for homeowners and landlords. countertops are always dirtier than wed like to admit, pinning a few ideas to your Pinterest board. And when it comes to the stove or other hot pots and pans, heat can not only burn the wood, it can cause cracks or bubbles in the counters surface. OR CCB #0057308, WA Contractor #WAPRECICI110DP, ID Contractor #RCE-24582, CA Contractor #921598, MT Contractors #F051632. Learn about the pros and cons of this popular kitchen countertop material, the average price of butcher block, and how to extend its lifespan with proper maintenance and upkeep. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. I remember watching Julia Childs cooking shows years ago and wanting to be sitting at her kitchen counter. Refresh your storefront and reduce waste with our comprehensive retail guides. Some love the worn patina, while others want their surfaces looking exactly like they did the day they were installed. Check out community dumpster donations, cleanup guides, and local spotlights. Sprinkle table salt over the stain, then gently rub it with half of a lemon to remove it. Think wood countertops are right for you? You can choose from a variety of hardwoods, each lending a distinct color and character to the countertops and your kitchens overall scheme. The two primary types of grains are edge grain and end grain. If you want to use your countertop as a cutting surface, choose an unsealed, oil-finished product designed for food preparation. It's also important to re-oil the counters at least every six months with food-safe mineral oil. The edge has a softer transition than the eased edge. This gives it a major advantage over laminate countertops (which typically last for only 10 to 15 years before an inevitable replacement) and puts it on par with the ever-durable granite countertops (which also last at least 20 years). On the other hand, varnique tops, or those finished with semi-gloss seal, shouldn't require much elbow grease at all. We prefer oil finishes on most tops, especially in non-commercial uses. The 5 Best Budget-Friendly Countertop Materials, The Best Countertop Materials to Consider for Your Kitchen Renovation, 14 Wood Countertop Ideas for a Naturally Beautiful Kitchen, Our Best Tricks for Cleaning Kitchen Countertops of Any Material, Here's What to Consider Before Installing Laminate Countertops, 6 Best Eco-Friendly Countertop Materials for a More Sustainable Kitchen, Granite vs. Quartz: How to Decide Which Is Best for Your Countertops, Marble vs. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond. They use 100% hardwood with zero fillers and the lumber is sustainably harvested. Nils Wissell started Brooklyn Butcher Blocks in 2010 in Brooklyn, NY. Update your restaurant with new renovation projects and sustainability tips. Butcher block countertops are made from straight cuts of wood that are glued together. If youre someone who loves to spend time in the kitchen and enjoys their fair share of design shows, youve undoubtedly encountered the latest kitchen trend: butcher block countertops. Both materials come in the edge grain style, meaning the grain runs lengthwise along the surface. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. But there are a few things to know before you invest in replacing your countertop or just upgrading your kitchen island. Wood can gather germs, grow mold, stain, or even warp in shapewhen exposed to moisture. Natural oils penetrate the wood and maintain the original texture. Country Living editors select each product featured. By Manasa Reddigari and Bob Vila | Updated Sep 28, 2020 11:59 AM. If youre considering this work surface for your trendy new kitchen, heres what you should know. The price you pay is based on the species and construction, as well as the area in which you live. Renovate and transform your home with room-by-room project tips and guides. She was also a digital editor for BHG.com and DivineCaroline.com. For unsealed countertops, its especially important to routinely condition the wood.