If youre considering this work surface for your trendy new kitchen, heres what you should know. Check out community dumpster donations, cleanup guides, and local spotlights. As with any renovation, it will depend on your location, size, and customizations. Check out our trash statistics about waste, recycling, business, and more. In Houzz's 2021 Kitchen Trends Study, 88% of homeowners said they're upgrading their countertops. Follow the above tips on installation, sealing, and cleaning your butcher block countertops, and the surface should last for 20 years or longer. From how to care for it to whether or not you can put a hot pan on it, heres what you need to know. DAllessandro provides the following wood countertop maintenance tips for everyday care: To keep your butcher block countertops clean and well-maintained, Wessell has some advice on what not to do. Wood does dry out. Just mix mild dish soap and hot water, then gently scrub the surface with a sponge. For handy homeowners, a DIY butcher block countertop installation isnt tricky business, either:It entails cuttingsheets of wood down to size with a circular saw,creating the necessary holesfor sinks and other fixtures, thenmounting the various segments over a cabinet with screws. Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple. Birch has a more subtle grain but is a bit softer. Don't allow wood tops to soak up water or other liquids. Check out the Indoor Projects section of our blog. 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. 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. Butcher block is hard enough to withstand years of cutting and chopping, yet it is much easier on your knives than stone or quartz. Its not all in the senses, but they sure can help. Brad Erickson is the owner of The BWC Company, a leading manufacturer of wood finishing products, including the original bowling alley wax. As for finish, Pless recommends homeowners think about the way they see themselves using their butcher-block countertops. 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. 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. Characteristics and Cost of Wood Countertops, Rob DAlessandro, General Manager and Fine Woodworker | NEWwoodworks, Tip 1: Know Whether to Wax or Oil Your Countertop, Kitchen Countertop Comparison [Infographic]. cabinetparts With butcher block, you can have both actuallyyour choice! Need to banish a stain? Taysha Murtaugh was the Lifestyle Editor at CountryLiving.com. How to Make Ice Cream BreadJust 3 Ingredients! A variety of colors and styles to fit any home interior. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Follow manufacturer advice on maintaining their specific finish. Looking for ways to be more sustainable? With permeable sealants, wood has natural antibacterial properties that make it ideal for cutting. Although these tops can show more evidence of use, they are the easiest surfaces to fix. The edge has a softer transition than the eased edge. 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. If you want to use your countertop as a cutting surface, choose an unsealed, oil-finished product designed for food preparation. There are upsides of having a soft material gracing your tops. With materials sourced in the USA, Brooklyn Butcher Blocks produces wooden kitchenware, tabletops, bar tops and wooden tables in the Tri-state area and nationwide. Next, you'll need to treat them with a food-safe mineral oil or butcher-block conditioner. If maintained properly, wood is durable and develops a deep patina over time. 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. Yes, butcher block countertops do require more maintenance than other materials like marble or stone. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Choosing certain high-end species like cherry or oak can drive costs up to around or above $200 per square foot. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. The frequency will depend on the age and wear on your counters. According to the website, This Old House, up until the late 1800s, butchers primarily used thick rounds of Sycamore, which was prone to splitting. 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. Knife blades can cause uneven wear on certain regions of your countertop, so use a dedicated cutting board for cooking prep work, instead. Solved! 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 sure what to write in a thank you card? The soft surface also makes for a quieter kitchen. It's important to check the manufacturer's care recommendations before cleaning or repairing countertops. Best Kid- and Pet-Friendly Flooring Options, Kitchen Trends Experts Say Will Dominate 2022, Decluttering Sentimental Items: Learning to Let Go, A Beginners Guide to Swedish Death Cleaning, Step-by-Step Guide to Install Laminate Countertops. Plus, if you spill something like coffee or tomato sauce, theres a high chance of staining because of the countertops porous nature. Must still use a cutting board to protect surface. Butcher blocks ability to be both hard and soft is also a big selling point. Eased EdgeThe square profile that has a more clean and modern look. Now, if you dont prepare for this by leaving enough room along the perimeter, the expansion couldcause it to warp or crack. I remember watching Julia Childs cooking shows years ago and wanting to be sitting at her kitchen counter. If youre ready to rip out your old countertops, dont forget to rent a dumpster to handle the debris. Fortunately, all it takes is one to two coats of food-safe mineral oil (buy online) or walnut oil (buy online) applied with a soft cloth. Recently, stone and quartz have seized the spotlight..but here you can see 5 things we are loving about our new line of butcher block tops. There are a few reasons butcher block has come rushing back onto the kitchen design scene. Bevel EdgeThis too is a clean look, but has an angled upper edge. "I would estimate one hour per linear foot for the amount of time it will take to install the top," Pless advises. If you plan on chopping directly on your countertops, you're going to end up marking things up a little (or a lot). 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. If you want to, that is. 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. Yes, you can. Maintenance checklists, sustainability tips and more for the business-owner. Vinegar works great as a stand-in for soap and water. Dents and scratches accumulate over time. We craft chop block tops from a variety of species with good results. 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. Though you may consider wood very durable (and it can be), its best to be extra cautious and treat it like any other sensitive countertop surface, like marble or even granite. Butcher block countertops were popular in the eighties and nineties, usually as a stand alone island for food prep. 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! Here's more on that: Yes! That being said, if you want your tops to remain with no nicks or dings, its best to use an additional cutting surface on top of your butcher block tops. Feature plenty ofcolor variation between light and dark wood. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. check the manufacturer's care recommendations before cleaning. Some love the worn patina, while others want their surfaces looking exactly like they did the day they were installed. "To remove nicks or gouges after years of wear, just sand the surface [with fine sandpaper] the same way the grain runs, and re-oil," Mandy Cook, another John Boos & Co. rep, tells us. Re-oil the sanded surface to make it look like new. 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. Some woods, like oak, have a larger grain, but are also hard and durable. Avoid cutting with a serrated-edged knife on the board. kitchen hexagonal cabinet island cabinets refacing visit While butcher block countertops are a sustainable material available in a variety of styles, they require a lot of maintenance. Engineered quartz was by far the most popular countertop choice overall, but when it comes to the island specifically, butcher block takes center stage as the most popular choice. Real estate projects and tips for homeowners and landlords. Butcher block, consisting of individual wooden strips fused together into a sleek slab, is a timeless and trendy material for kitchen countertops. Kathy Barnes has been writing home design features for more than 18 years. Butcher block got its name because of its history of being used as a cutting surface for butchers. We're listening. 24 Low-Maintenance Plants for the Lazy Gardener, The Best Michigan Beach Town for a Summer Getaway, Easy, Cheap, 30-Minute (or Faster!) If the install is $65 per hour, the install would be $325.". 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. Spills must be cleaned immediately to avoid stains. If the counter gets chipped, scratched, or burned, lightly sand the area with fine sandpaper and then reapply oil. 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? In other words, cleanup is not rocket science! Avoid using a scrubby pad, steel brush or other abrasive cleaning tools. Made from straight cuts of wood that are glued together into slabs, butcher block makes a sturdy, attractive countertop. With a wide range of woods at various price points, you can probably find a wood countertop thats affordable for you. When it comes to water, the wood absorbs liquid very quickly, which can lead to mold. 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. There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the worldincluding how we live (and work) inside our homes. There are two trains of thought on whether wear and tear adds to the depth and charm of a surface. But if it's just a general or dining surface, choose a lacquer finish, since an oil finish could come off on clothing or paper. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. As with any design decision, there are pros and cons to choosing butcher block kitchen countertops. 11 Kids Charcuterie Boards Your Littles Will Love, How to Arrange Flowers, According to a Pro, Do Not Sell My Personal Information CA Residents. From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. His team and sister companies create custom furniture using salvaged and reclaimed sustainable wood. Formerly she was home design editor who worked on Country Home and ReadyMade magazines. countertops are always dirtier than wed like to admit, pinning a few ideas to your Pinterest board. 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. In comparison to granite and other stones, butcher block is usually more affordable. As it does with water, wood swells or shrinks with changing temperatures. The positive is that, if maintained properly, these countertops can last a very long time. 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. As both a freelance lifestyle writer and editor for a national teen magazine, Amanda spends most of her time creating #content. Maintained properly, butcher-block countertops can last a very long time. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond. We believe you deserve the best. 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. It's easy to see why butcher block countertops have achieved timeless status in Southern kitchens. Whether theyre the best choice for your remodel depends on how much elbow greaseand mineral oilyoure willing to put into them. 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. That glass you dropped might just leave a dent, and the wine inside could settle into a stain. As for the downsides to butcher block kitchen countertops? From Our Kitchen To Yours! The material has rustic warmth and classic appeal that complements cozy country, cottage, and traditional kitchens. Natural oils penetrate the wood and maintain the original texture. Every10 years, or as needed when stains grow numerous, use sandpaper (start with 80- to 100-grit, then move up to 220-grit sandpaper as the surface smoothens) to sand away the old sealant. Despite the name butcher block, youd do well to resist the urge to chop directly on its surface. OR CCB #0057308, WA Contractor #WAPRECICI110DP, ID Contractor #RCE-24582, CA Contractor #921598, MT Contractors #F051632. 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. Do not use vegetable oil, olive oil or canola oil for finishing since they spoil. Wood countertops aren't without faults. While end grain (where the ends of the wood fibers are exposed) is more expensive, it lasts longer and generally wears better. 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). The best way to create ventilation and wiggle room for your countertop is to install it over an open cabinet top (not over a solid underlayment) and leave one-eighth of an inch between the edges of the countertop and the walls if installing the countertop between two walls. They soften sounds and absorb noise, while stone actually amplifies sound. For food prep areas, you'll want to apply (and periodically reapply) an oil finish. 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? She's also an adjunct professor of features and magazine writing for Drake University. Here's what to know: Right off the bat: the benefits include style (cozy and classic), affordability (as low as $30 per square foot), and variety (choose your pattern, grain and color). Finally, since wood is porous, avoid letting liquids puddle on the counters at all costs. The two primary choices you have when purchasing butcher block countertops are end grain or edge grain. Pro: They're as easy on the knives as they are on the eyes. 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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. We decide to partner with Forest Products Distributors which has been in business for over 35 years. 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. They not only last forever, they also can be recycled and up cycled very easily. To naturally sanitize the butcher block, spray the countertop with undiluted vinegar, then rinse with hot water. You can choose from a variety of hardwoods, each lending a distinct color and character to the countertops and your kitchens overall scheme. Need a Dumpster for Your Kitchen Remodel? "Sanding reveals an entire fresh new cutting surface." The only countertop that can actually be used as a cutting surface, butcher-block won't dull your knives like stone or concrete counters. Find licensed kitchen design and construction pros in your area and receive free, no-commitment estimates for your project. Its very popular to just use butcher block on an island or part of a countertop for a cutting service. Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. While they can require more upkeep and re-application of oil, they are more forgiving than film finishes and easier to repair.. This sophisticated feeling that butcher block brings to your kitchen is also not as expensive as a high end quartz or marble. Many homeowners see preserving the wood as a labor of love, bringing a special warmth to family gatherings for years to come. Sprinkle table salt over the stain, then gently rub it with half of a lemon to remove it. Refresh your storefront and reduce waste with our comprehensive retail guides. These non-toxic sealants create barriersthatkeep spills collected on the surfaceand thus prevent water damage. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. Con: Butcher-block is susceptible to scratches, dings, and stains. For context, lets compare that to another trendy countertop material likequartz. On the other hand, varnique tops, or those finished with semi-gloss seal, shouldn't require much elbow grease at all. 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note. While pretty, butcher block countertops require much more maintenance than their marble or stone counterparts. Its a piece of decor that is very much of-the-moment but also beautiful and tasteful. 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. Walnut oil and tung oil are also popular but may pose a problem for those with nut allergies. sparrow No doubt it adds beauty and warmth to any space, but it also infuses a touch of nature which is really trending now. Use the chart below to find a style that fits your budget. Butcher block countertops are made from straight cuts of wood that are glued together. Wood can gather germs, grow mold, stain, or even warp in shapewhen exposed to moisture. We prefer oil finishes on most tops, especially in non-commercial uses. Butcher block is a trendy, eco-friendly material found in many kitchens see if it's right for you. Poly is a topical, chemical-based option that dries into a plastic coat to keep out moisture. Should You Choose Butcher Block for Your Kitchen Counters? And if you are more into the modern look, incorporating butcher block can add an unexpected contrast that is very on-trend. When choosing a finish, the most common choices are polyurethane and oil. Dinner Recipes, Dad Jokes To Keep the Whole Family Laughing, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. The surface of end grain butcher blocks looks like a checkerboard comprising the short ends of a 24. Searching for more home remodeling inspiration? formica countertops before countertop refinishing miraclemethod To compare butcher block to other countertop materials available, use our infographic below with expert advice from Cambria. Butcher block gives the eyes an organic place to rest. Head over to Twitter or Facebook, Or, to keep butcher-block scratch-free, simply use a cutting board as you would on any other countertop. Butcher block countertops will run you only $20 to $60 per square foot in supplies. We have three different edges to choose from. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. In the early 1900s, they discovered that pieces of hard maple glued together in large blocks were much stronger. cabinetparts 2022 Dumpsters.com All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy. Teak and cherry wood confer a dark and dramatic effect; oak evokes a classic, colonial feel; and blonde bamboo is an excellent option for a modern sustainable home. She contributes regularly to a number of magazines and websites. Pro installation typically adds $5 to $10 per square foot to the total cost. 70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends. It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot. Dreaming of an eco-chic kitchen? If you're not ready to commit to butcher block countertops throughout your entire kitchen, try the latest trend and use it to create contrast on the island. The good news is, if you accidentally scorch your butcher block counters, you can always sand out the charring. Get helpful tips and step-by-step guides for household cleanups. 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). If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Weve got the scoop on what you need to consider before taking the plunge. when you subscribe to Taste of Home today! Will Black and White Kitchens Ever Go Out of Style. 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. Butcher-Block Pros: Durable; attractive finish; easy to repair and restore; naturally antibacterial. Mineral oil evaporates, unlike a finish such as varnish. The good newswhen your counters do get marks from cutting you can easily restore them back to their original state with a light sanding and mineral oil application. With monthly resealing, the material typically lasts around 20 years. But if you dont want your tops to have too much character it is very easy to lightly sand down the surface with a fine grain sand paper and apply mineral oil to blend in with the rest of the surface.Mineral oil is also recommended every few weeks to protect the wood and keep it from drying out. Walnut has a darker look and has a wider grain with more movement. If your cabinets have a solid top, mount furring strips above the cabinet top and then rest the countertop on top of the stripsso that it has room to breathe. You can save even more money by choosing a do-it-yourselfinstallation overhiring contractors to do the job. 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. Southern Living is a registered trademark of. It is highly durable, yet offers a warm, natural look. You can't really oil it too much, so why not make sure it's kept treated?. Manasa Reddigari, Bob Vila, everyday cleaning of butcher block countertops, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day. Follow our helpful guides and complete your outdoor projects. Country Living editors select each product featured. It can also add unexpected contrast in a stark, modern space. Learn more about jobsite recycling and LEED certification. Make the most of your business office space with our blog resources. 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"A top that is 60 x 30 inches would take an estimated five hours for install. Pro: But they're easily restored. The price you pay is based on the species and construction, as well as the area in which you live. Its on the lighter side and is made of finer grained wood. Butchers wax should not be confused with butcher block oil. Currently she owns her own business as a freelance writer and editor. The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022. Learn all about landfills and how waste is managed after it's picked up. 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.