Our Visitors Save an Average of 18% on Countertop Projects By Using Our Free ServiceEnter Your Zip Code and Get Free Price Quotes From Local Countertop Pros. You Are Never Pressured to Hire Services or Purchase Anything! Show
Just as the name suggests, butcher block countertops were originally simply giant cutting boards used by butchers for chopping meat. Now, they're fashionable for creating a warm, cozy look in traditional or modern kitchens. Butcher block countertops are attractive, durable, and economical. Despite what many people think, they're easily sanitized with a simple cleaning regimen. They're both practical and functional; however, they do require more maintenance and upkeep than other types of countertops. You can opt for butcher block counters throughout the entire kitchen. Or, you can opt butcher block counters in some areas of the kitchen and a material like granite or stone in other areas. The combination of surfaces creates a unique look. About Butcher Block Countertops #Butcher block countertops are available in many different types of wood, including maple, oak, cherry and walnut. Maple is the most common because it is sturdy and affordable. One of the most important decisions you will make in choosing butcher block counters is whether to have them sealed. Left unsealed, butcher block counters are more prone to scratches, dents, and water damage. However, unsealed countertops can also double as a cutting board for buyers who appreciate the distressed look. Keep in mind that butcher block countertops need to be sealed near the sink area. The oil that is used to polish and protect your butcher block counters doesn't mix well with water. Repeated exposure to water can cause cracking, warping, and discoloration. Butcher Block Countertop Average Costs #The price of a butcher block countertop depends so many variables: the size and shape of the counter, the species of wood, thickness, finish and how many cutouts you need.
However, try not to focus too much on the price per square foot. It may or may not include the cost of installation, upgrades like decorative edges and services like removal of your old countertops. You're better off asking for a quote that details the entire project cost. It's also important not to make your decision solely on price. The lowest bid doesn't always end up being the best value. Look for a company with a long history in the business and a favorable track record. Maintaining Your Butcher Block Countertops #Butcher block countertops are easy to clean. Simply use warm water and soap or a mild cleanser; then dry the counters well. However, because wood is so porous, it's best to clean up spills immediately to avoid staining. Unsealed butcher block countertops need to be oiled on a regular basis to prevent cracking and splitting. Mineral oil works well. However, if cracks do develop, simply use a wood filler to repair them. Unlike other types of countertops, knife marks and signs of wear can be removed from butcher block countertops. Simply sand them down and apply a new layer of oil. Use Our Free Service & Find Kitchen Countertop Pros Near You #Our Visitors Save an Average of 18% on Countertop Projects By Using Our Free ServiceEnter Your Zip Code and Get Free Price Quotes From Local Countertop Pros. You Are Never Pressured to Hire Services or Purchase Anything! Butcher block countertops are a popular countertop option for homeowners seeking a country cottage look or a farmhouse-style appearance. But butcher block remains more versatile than that because it can come in a variety of woods, designs and colors. Butcher block countertops remain a solid value for kitchen countertops and installation can be a DIY project. Planning A Kitchen Remodeling Project? Avoid the stress of doing it yourself. Update your countertops, cabinets, sink, and more through top-rated kitchen remodeling services from HomeAdvisor. Explore Options Butcher block countertops are wooden countertops that come in a variety of styles and colors. Several types of woods, like maple, cherry, walnut and oak can be used for butcher block countertops fashioned in different styles. Butcher block is typically made of straight cuts of wood glued together in slabs for edge grain butcher block. Blended grain butcher block has rails of different lengths that get finger-jointed together, laminated and glued side by side. End grain butcher block looks like a checkerboard and is made with edge grain boards that are glued and stacked on top of each other. Then, it gets placed in a vice to squeeze the wood and glue together. Once dry, the block gets set on its end. Butcher Block Countertop Pros
Butcher Block Countertop Cons
Butcher Block Countertop CostButcher block typically runs between $30 and $40 per square foot, depending upon the type of wood you choose. The labor cost to install butcher block is between $50 and $70 per square foot. Higher-end butcher blocks can cost more than concrete countertops and run as high as $200 per square foot. Maple butcher block can cost around $80 per square foot while cherry butcher block can be $150 per square foot and bamboo runs around $72 per square foot. Teak can be the most expensive at $180 per square foot. Butcher Block Countertop Maintenance and CareButcher block needs routine maintenance to make it last. After installed and sealed, the butcher block needs to be sealed monthly to guard against stains, dings and nicks. Use a food-grade oil and apply it with a soft cloth to help prevent stains. Butcher block will need resurfacing. How often it needs resurfacing depends upon the amount of wear and tear the countertop takes, but some recommend resurfacing every 10 years. All you need to do is sand with a fine-grit sandpaper, like 220-grit, to remove stains and reseal. For daily cleaning, a solution of warm water and dish soap will clean butcher block. If you have a tougher stain, try putting salt on the spot and rubbing a lemon over the salt. Butcher Block Design OptionsThere are four butcher block design options: end grain, face grain, edge grain and blended.
Butcher Block InstallationInstalling butcher block countertops can be a DIY project, but you’ll need to measure carefully and cut accurately with a circular saw so the countertop will fit around a sink and faucet. Wood will expand in summer and contract in winter, so you need to account for that when installing a butcher block. Butcher block will also need to acclimate to your home before you install it to prevent future warping. You might need to shim spots on the cabinets so the butcher block rests properly. Butcher Block LifespanButcher block countertops will last around 20 years, which compares to other countertops like granite. Butcher block will last longer than laminate countertops but need monthly resealing to have a long lifespan. Butcher blocks also need occasional resurfacing to remove deep stains, dings and scratches. Top Butcher Block Brands
Bottom LineButcher block countertops can fit in seamlessly with most kitchen styles and if maintained properly, they’ll last a long time. Butcher block won’t fade as a fad so consider it a one-time investment. Just beware of its limitations and don’t treat it as a cutting board. For its price, it’s one of the best deals around for kitchen countertops. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Local Kitchen Remodelers Free, No-commitment Estimates Your Home. Your Decisions. Our Support. Get expert advice on your home, design tips, how much to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to you daily. Thanks & Welcome to the Forbes Home Improvement Community! {{ newsletterState.emailErrorMsg }} I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information and details on how to opt out. How much does it cost to have a butcher block countertop installed?Written by HomeAdvisor. Wood butcher block countertops cost $3,500 on average, or between $2,500 and $7,500. Expect to pay $50 to $100 per square foot on average, including materials and installation. You might spend up to $15,000 for large kitchens or those using exotic hardwoods.
Is butcher block cheaper than granite?Lastly, butcher block is an affordable material, generally costing less than granite. If you have a smaller budget, then butcher block is a beautiful option that doesn't put strain on your bank account.
How much is it to install wooden countertops?Wood Countertop Prices
With most homes having 30 to 60 square feet of counter space, you'll pay $600 to $12,000, averaging at $2,000. Installation labor adds another $5 to $30 per square foot.
What is the downside of using butcher block countertops?Con: Butcher-block is susceptible to scratches, dings, and stains. If you plan on chopping directly on your countertops, you're going to end up marking things up a little (or a lot). That glass you dropped might just leave a dent, and the wine inside could settle into a stain.
|