Is a Butcher Block Countertop a Good Design Choice for a Kitchen?
Kitchen Designs and More • Jan 23, 2022

If you like rustic fixtures, you’ll appreciate a butcher block countertop. However, before you go out and buy one, you’ll need to fully grasp the pros and cons. 

Pros 

Here are three reasons why you should get a butcher block countertop. 

The Price 

A butcher block costs about $30 to $40 per square foot. A stone countertop is more expensive. 

Strength 

With proper maintenance, a butcher block will last for decades. It has properties like granite, and it’s stronger than laminate. 

Easy Maintenance 

You can clean this counter with warm, soapy water, and you can disinfect it with vinegar. 

Cons 

Here are five reasons why you may want to install a different countertop. 

Nicks 

It’s easy to scratch a softwood butcher block countertop. A hardwood finish will less likely scratch. 

Stains 

Wood is very porous, so it stains easily. Some stains can ruin a delicate butcher block countertop. 

Heat Vulnerabilities

Hot pots and searing pans will scorch a butcher block countertop. If heat damages a wood counter, you’ll have to refinish it. 

A Wooden Butcher Block Can Dry Out 

A wooden butcher block will require a coat of mineral oil regularly. Without it, the wood will dry out, and it will lose its luster. 

The Most Common Butcher Block Countertops 

Here are the four most popular butcher block countertop finishes: 

  • Face grain: A face grain is durable and decorative. It highlights a wood’s natural beauty. 
  • Edge grain: An edge grain has unique patterns like puzzle pieces. It’s a bit stronger than the face grain. 
  • End grain: The most durable grain is edge grain. It can withstand the grueling effects of sharp utensils. 
  • Blended grain: A blended grain will look great in any kitchen. It’s available in dark and light shades.

Important Considerations for Kitchen Cupboards 

If your kitchen layout seems incomplete, a cupboard can help. A cupboard isn’t a cabinet. It’s a freestanding unit for food storage. These guidelines will help you incorporate a new cupboard in your kitchen. 

The Timeless Look 

To achieve this look, make white the primary color. You could pair a wooden countertop and white kitchen cupboards. 

The Modern Look 

For a modern look, combine gray fixtures with white fixtures. This look works well with granite countertops. 

You May Need a Kitchen Designer for a Major Kitchen Remodel 

A major kitchen remodeling project will be very challenging for an average homeowner. If you’d like to work with a professional kitchen designer, turn to Kitchen Designs & More. You can schedule a free in-home consultation at www.kitchendesignsandmore.com. 

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