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 craft chop block tops from a variety of species with good results. There are many types of wood countertops that vary in durability and price. Its on the lighter side and is made of finer grained wood. Keep up with our company news, including TV show features and team spotlights. 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. The inquiry and questions our design team has fielded over the last few years is also evidence that the popularity of butcher block countertops are on the rise. Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple. They require some regular upkeep, they're susceptible to nicks, scratches, and dings, and they're porous. You can also choose your type of wood, including oak, birch, maple and more. As for the downsides to butcher block kitchen countertops? The soft surface also makes for a quieter kitchen. Southern Living is a registered trademark of. This step is also important to prevent contamination issues that can happen with porous wood. We prefer oil finishes on most tops, especially in non-commercial uses. Butcher-Block Pros: Durable; attractive finish; easy to repair and restore; naturally antibacterial. Whatever you choose (even if choosing just means pinning a few ideas to your Pinterest board), youre sure to enjoy the beauty of a fresh butcher block finish. They not only last forever, they also can be recycled and up cycled very easily. Youll have to treat the surface with mineral oil to protect the natural wood and use sandpaper to sand down and fill in any nicks or scratches that have occurred. Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Please come in and visit our showroom and see for yourselfthese tops are sure to be the humble and long-reigning star in any kitchen! Wood can gather germs, grow mold, stain, or even warp in shapewhen exposed to moisture. For context, lets compare that to another trendy countertop material likequartz. Many homeowners see preserving the wood as a labor of love, bringing a special warmth to family gatherings for years to come. There are a few reasons butcher block has come rushing back onto the kitchen design scene. To find out ifthis material right for your kitchen, readthrough this comprehensive list of butcher block countertop pros and cons before committing to an installation. 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. Butcher-block counters must be oiled often to fill in scratches and protect the surface, and they also need frequent disinfecting to prevent bacteria. Precision Countertops helps you with everything you need to know about countertops. The idea that butchers have used these surfaces to cut on for so many years, and trusted them with their knives, speaks to its durability and longevity. The two primary choices you have when purchasing butcher block countertops are end grain or edge grain. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. We know of a family who had a small island in butcher block and when they decided to remodel the kitchen, the thought of getting rid of the memories of this worn wood was too overwhelming for the mother. Spills must be cleaned immediately to avoid stains. Rob DAlessandro is a general manager and fine woodworker at NEWwoodworks based outside of Rochester, NY in the town of Farmington. Not only to eat her delectable food, but her kitchen felt so cozy and inviting as she sliced away at her onions and carrots. Walnut oil and tung oil are also popular but may pose a problem for those with nut allergies. With permeable sealants, wood has natural antibacterial properties that make it ideal for cutting. It is highly durable, yet offers a warm, natural look. The thick slabs offer a sturdy and smooth surface for food preparation. You can use this same solution to remove burn marks on the countertop left by a hot pot. 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. For quick reference: the National Kitchen & Bath Association reports that the average kitchen size for a house under 1,500 square feet is around 103 square feet, and the average kitchen size for a 4,000-square-foot house is 238 square feet. Birch is the classic color of butcher block. Taste of Home is America's #1 cooking magazine. Follow manufacturer advice on maintaining their specific finish. The only countertop that can actually be used as a cutting surface, butcher-block won't dull your knives like stone or concrete counters. 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. Next, you'll need to treat them with a food-safe mineral oil or butcher-block conditioner. Must still use a cutting board to protect surface. Walnut has a darker look and has a wider grain with more movement. Despite the name butcher block, youd do well to resist the urge to chop directly on its surface. To combat dirt, grime and germs, make sure you clean the counter after every use with mild soap and water or vinegar (psstvinegars our secret cleaning weapon). Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. 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). Because wood is porous, butcher block countertops can hold onto a lot more germs than other surfacesthough countertops are always dirtier than wed like to admit. To counteract these unwanted effects, youll need to seal your butcher block countertops immediately following installation and on a monthly basis afterwardonebit of maintenance more than non-porous countertop made of glass, stainless steel, quartz, or ceramic tile take. Cleaning wood countertops is simple. Its very popular to just use butcher block on an island or part of a countertop for a cutting service. Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. We decide to partner with Forest Products Distributors which has been in business for over 35 years. 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. There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the worldincluding how we live (and work) inside our homes. Helpful jobsite resources and maintenance guides for contractors. Do you have wood block countertops in your kitchen? But butcher-block is generally pretty competitive with other countertop materials, Pless says, adding that a standard edge-grain maple island top retails at around $35 to $38 per square footcheaper than granite but more expensive than laminate. On average, this kind of re-treating must be done once a year, but it also depends on how you use the countertop. In addition to the daily cleaning routine, you can protect your butcher block kitchen countertops a few other ways. Con: Butcher-block is susceptible to scratches, dings, and stains. 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. 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. To compare butcher block to other countertop materials available, use our infographic below with expert advice from Cambria. Currently she owns her own business as a freelance writer and editor. 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. To care for and protect the natural wood surface properly, you'll have to treat it with mineral oil and use sandpaper to smooth out any scratches or imperfections that may come from daily use. On the other hand, varnique tops, or those finished with semi-gloss seal, shouldn't require much elbow grease at all. If the thought of covering all of your counter space with butcher block is overwhelming (and a little intimidating), fear not: You can always opt to resurface a smaller section of your kitchen (like your island) or just buy a beautiful butcher block cutting board. 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? Do not use vegetable oil, olive oil or canola oil for finishing since they spoil. Pro: But they're easily restored. Butcher block counters get a bad rap when it comes to hot pots and pans, as the rule should apply to all countertop surfacesif you can avoid it, don't put hot pans directly on the counter. Yes, butcher block countertops do require more maintenance than other materials like marble or stone. There are upsides of having a soft material gracing your tops. Both materials come in the edge grain style, meaning the grain runs lengthwise along the surface. 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. Pro: They're as easy on the knives as they are on the eyes. For food prep areas, you'll want to apply (and periodically reapply) an oil finish. Make the most of your business office space with our blog resources. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Use the chart below to find a style that fits your budget. We have three different edges to choose from. You can refinish both as needed, with a non-toxic polyurethane gel (like EZ-DO). Formerly she was home design editor who worked on Country Home and ReadyMade magazines. If you want to, that is. Bevel EdgeThis too is a clean look, but has an angled upper edge. Butcher block got its name because of its history of being used as a cutting surface for butchers. When it comes to water, the wood absorbs liquid very quickly, which can lead to mold. The two primary types of grains are edge grain and end grain. Butcher block countertops are made from straight cuts of wood that are glued together. From how to care for it to whether or not you can put a hot pan on it, heres what you need to know. She was also a digital editor for BHG.com and DivineCaroline.com. 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!). "Sanding reveals an entire fresh new cutting surface." With a daily routine like this, butcher block counters can be a perfectly sanitary choice. While pretty, butcher block countertops require much more maintenance than their marble or stone counterparts. The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022. Natural oils penetrate the wood and maintain the original texture. Eased EdgeThe square profile that has a more clean and modern look. Mineral oil evaporates, unlike a finish such as varnish. We are so happy to officially announce the arrival of butcher block countertops to our family of products! To determine the right care routine, decide whether or not you want to prepare food directly on the wood countertop or on a separate cutting board. As with any renovation, it will depend on your location, size, and customizations. As it does with water, wood swells or shrinks with changing temperatures. While maple countertops can be less than half the cost of natural stone, higher-quality custom butcher block can be as expensive as granite. But its warm tones and country kitchenvibes aside, there is a lot about the surface that homeowners dont knowincluding real estimates on its cost and required maintenance. Check out the Indoor Projects section of our blog. We asked the pros how to maintain them. The grainy aesthetic of woodblock countertops can help you achieve that natural look, but will it really stand up to the heat, nicks and spills that happen in a kitchen? 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. She contributes regularly to a number of magazines and websites. No doubt it adds beauty and warmth to any space, but it also infuses a touch of nature which is really trending now. Butcher block is a trendy, eco-friendly material found in many kitchens see if it's right for you. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage itemsfirst, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasonsto add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. By Manasa Reddigari and Bob Vila | Updated Sep 28, 2020 11:59 AM. I remember watching Julia Childs cooking shows years ago and wanting to be sitting at her kitchen counter. And for those who are a bit clumsier, dishes are less likely to shatter when dropped on wood versus stone. Learn more about jobsite recycling and LEED certification. In other words, cleanup is not rocket science! How to Make Ice Cream BreadJust 3 Ingredients! 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. According to data from HomeAdvisor, butcher-block countertops cost $40 to $100 per square foot on average. Grilled Salmon With Avocado Salsa Recipe, Reseal Your Granite Countertops With These Trusted Pros, 5 Rattan Lighting Ideas to Make Your Kitchen Island More Inviting, 5 Powder Room Design Tips for Your Half Bath. Country Living editors select each product featured. From Our Kitchen To Yours! when you subscribe to Taste of Home today! Renovate and transform your home with room-by-room project tips and guides. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. check the manufacturer's care recommendations before cleaning. In general, caring for wood counters starts with routine cleaning, which is as simple as using mild soap or vinegar and water every time you use the surface.
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