Butcher-block countertops are an essential kitchen staple in modern farmhouses, cozy cottages, and rustic cabins alike. The inclusion of natural, biodegradable, and eco-friendly butcher block brings an unmistakable warmth to interiors that never seems to go out of style. Other counter materials like quartz, granite, and marble are beautiful choices but they will never rival the long-term popularity, subtle elegance, and earthy charm of butcher block. But, despite its inviting, timeless look and all-natural composition, butcher-block can have drawbacks, depending on where and how you plan to use. We’ve cleared through the sawdust to uncover the variety of butcher block choices, its affordability, and the pros and cons of using butcher-block countertops in your own kitchen.
Types of Butcher-Block Countertops
A butcher-block countertop is not just a one-type-fits all slab of wood. There are many options available for butcher block, starting with the various species of wood, including maple, cherry, walnut, and oak. You also need to consider the construction of the butcher block, as well as how and where you plan to install your countertop.
Type of Wood
“Hard rock maple has the highest density and is a closed-grain hardwood which makes it the overall surface of choice,” says Steve Pless, National Kitchen Countertop Sales Manager at John Boos & Co. Happily, it’s also more affordable than its closed-grain counterparts, cherry and walnut, which also make great countertops. And then there’s oak. An open-grain wood, oak isn’t ideal for direct food preparation, explains Steve. However, when lacquered or varnished, the material is just fine for general purposes. When choosing what type of wood, also consider the wood tone. Woods like walnut and cherry bring a rich, dark look, while maple and oak have a lighter, more casual tone.
Construction
Beyond the type of wood, you should also consider the construction of the countertop: edge grain (in which the boards are laid parallel with their “edges” showing); end grain (in which small square pieces are are lined up vertically with the “ends” showing); or blended (in which different lengths are joined with no particular pattern).
Finish
As for finish, Steve recommends homeowners think about the way they see themselves using their butcher-block countertops. For food prep areas, you’ll want to apply (and periodically reapply) an oil finish such as mineral oil or other countertop formulated blend available at home improvement retailers and local shops. But if it being installed as a general or dining surface, choose a lacquer finish, since an oil finish could come off on clothing or paper.
Considerations to Weigh Before Installing Butcher-Block Countertops
There are many pros and cons that come with butcher-block countertops. It’s best to weigh the list against your priorities in the kitchen. If you’re an avid home cook and baker there are plenty of advantages of having a space complete with all butcher-block counters for prepping meals and desserts (it makes a great pastry board!). But, if you barely spend time in the kitchen, adding this type of counter may not be worth the upkeep. In many cases, the culinary benefits, affordability, and style factor may outweigh the negative aspects of the counter type too.
Cost
The price you pay is based on the type of wood and construction specifications, as well as the area in which you live. Butcher-block countertops are competitively priced with other countertop materials. Steve says that adding a standard edge-grain maple island top retails at around $35 to $38 per square foot—cheaper than granite but more expensive than laminate tops. Cost of installation varies by location as well, so reach out to a few local contractors for competitive quotes.
“I would estimate one hour per linear foot for the amount of time it will take to install the top,” Steve advises. “A top that is 60 x 30 inches would take an estimated five hours for install. If the labor rate is $25 per hour, then the install would cost $125. If the install is $65 per hour, the install would be $325.”
Where to Install
Since wood is so neutral, many homeowners mix butcher-block countertops with other materials. For example, in your kitchen you could install all butcher-block countertops, incorporate a wood built-in cutting surface on one part of your countertop, or opt for another material like marble or quartz on your outer kitchen counters and just use butcher block to top your island, which is a favorite look for farmhouse-style kitchens.
Hire a Pro vs. DIY
Whether or not you hire a pro to help with installation of your countertops is entirely up to you based on your skill level and budget. The type of butcher block you choose, where you plan to use it, and how much customization of size and edge style needed will affect the difficulty level of your project.
Pros and Cons of Butcher-Block Countertops
Pro: Butcher block is an affordable countertop material choice.
As mentioned above, butcher-block countertops are competitively priced with other countertop materials, usually costing less than granite, quartz, or marble but more than laminate materials. It is also the most DIY-friendly for installation, which is a good way to save some money.
Pro: They’re as easy on the knives as they are on the eyes.
Butcher block is the only countertop material that can be used as a cutting surface because it won’t dull your knives like stone or concrete counters. The soft surface also makes for a much quieter kitchen. And for those who are a bit clumsier (you know who you are!), dishes are less likely to shatter when dropped on wood versus stone.
Con: Butcher block is susceptible to scratches, dings, and stains.
If you plan on chopping directly on your countertops, you are going to end up marking things up a little. That glass you dropped might just leave a dent, and the wine inside could settle into a stain. (Around here at Country Living, we call that character!)
Pro: Small blemishes can be easily restored.
“To remove nicks or gouges after years of wear, just sand the surface [with 180 to 300 grit fine sandpaper] the same way the grain runs, and re-oil,” says Mandy Cook, another John Boos & Co. representative. “Sanding reveals an entire fresh new cutting surface.” To help keep butcher block scratch-free, simply use a separate cutting board as you would on any other countertop.
Con: Butcher-block countertops can be unsanitary.
When it comes to moisture, butcher-block counters have a bad wrap for getting dirty and damaged from liquids and food. Maintaining good habits in the kitchen is the key to keeping them clean and in good shape.
Pro: Cleaning butcher-block counters is easy with basic cleansers.
When it comes to cleaning, soap and water should usually do the trick, but a little diluted vinegar or bleach can also serve as a disinfectant and deodorizer. To scrub out deep stains, borrow this clever cutting board cleaning trick: Cut a lemon in half, dip in salt, and rub on the affected area.
How to Care for Butcher-Block Countertops
Keep in mind that wood does dry out. To keep it gleaming, apply food-safe oil (such as a standard food-grade mineral oil) to oil-finished butcher block every few weeks. On the other hand, varnished tops, or those finished with semi-gloss seal, shouldn’t require much elbow grease at all. If needed, though, you can refinish both as needed, with a non-toxic polyurethane gel like EZ-DO.
Janece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.
