Butcher Block Countertops for Your Kitchen

A butcher block countertop is made from strips of wood that have been bonded together to create a surface. You can use it as you would a cutting board and can slice and chop on it. Butcher block countertops can be made from maple, oak, cherry, walnut, and teak.

Advantages of a Butcher Block

• Environmentally Friendly: Butcher block countertops are typically made from reclaimed wood materials instead of newer materials, and the use of these countertops can actually lessen the environmental impact you make
• Aesthetic Purposes: In terms of style and design, a butcher block countertop is a beautiful and natural design option and depending on the type of wood the countertop is made from, it can also create a very rustic style for your newly designed kitchen
• Functional: The countertop can also double as a chopping board and is sturdy and durable. You will no longer have to use a cutting board because the countertop can be sliced and chopped on

Maintenance

To maintain your butcher block countertop, you should regularly clean the surface with warm water and a mild soap. Since the surface of the countertop is more porous, it is even more important to clean it immediately after chopping onions or other foods that will cause a lingering smell.

Butcher block countertops are also more susceptible to staining so it may be required to get the surface sanded or refinished to get it to look like new again. To sanitize a butcher block countertop, you can use bleach and water to kill all germs and bacteria that could be present. This is necessary because you will not be able to sanitize it any other way that is just as safe and effective as a dishwasher for example.

However, if you want the look of a butcher block but do not want to worry about the cleaning and maintenance, you can have a stain proof coating added to the top of the countertop. If you do this, you will not be able to cut or chop on the surface, but you will still be able to achieve the same beautiful aesthetic.

Finally, butcher block countertops can warp when introduced to water spills, so it is best to install the butcher block in a location removed from the sink area. The kitchen island is one of the most common areas in the kitchen where butcher block countertops are installed.