What to Know About Butcher Block Countertops

If anyone has managed to invent the perfect kitchen countertop that works in any kitchen, they forgot to advertise it. I doubt that there is such a thing, though, because so many factors are involved in choosing a countertop, including design and color scheme, maintenance and cost. Butcher block may not be the perfect choice, but it does check off a whole lot of boxes on the list of nice-to-have features in a countertop.

• Durable? Check! It’s a true work surface for food preparation.
• Eco-friendly? Check! It’s easy to find butcher block countertops made from recycled or sustainably harvested wood.
• Affordable? Check! Budget styles cost a little more than tile and less than solid surface. Premium styles are more expensive but still cost less than quartz or natural stone.

“Butcher block countertops are a fantastic, warm alternative to stone options like granite or quartz. If you’re after that cozy, natural vibe—especially in farmhouse, rustic, or even modern kitchens—butcher block is definitely worth considering,” says architect and home renovator Ivy Sbaiti. However, she notes that the butcher block does have a significant drawback: It needs more maintenance than other countertop materials. Tim Wood, founder of a mobile home maintenance service in Texas, agrees.

Here is their assessment of this stylish, versatile and somewhat finicky kitchen countertop material.

Types of Butcher Block

Manufacturers produce butcher block by laminating strips of wood to make a solid surface, and there are three ways of doing it:

• Edge grain: Strips of wood are laminated together with their edges forming the surface.
• Face grain: The wide side of the boards create the surface, which ends up having fewer seams but being less durable and scratch-resistant than edge grain. This style is not much different from a laminated wood tabletop.
• End grain: This is the traditional style created by laminating small blocks with their ends forming the surface. It’s the most durable of all — and it’s the most expensive.

Topping the fairly long list of hardwood species that make quality butcher block countertops are oak and hard maple (which is a species distinct from soft maple). Other popular hardwood species include walnut, hickory, teak, birch and cherry.

Owing to their durability, hardwoods are the traditional choice for butcher block, but some manufacturers offer products made from hardy softwoods, including juniper, blue pine and Douglas fir. The eco-conscious remodeler can even find products made from bamboo, which can be harder than many hardwoods and reclaimed woods.

If you want this look in your kitchen, here’s how to install butcher block countertops.

What You’ll Like About Butcher Block

Sbaiti sums it up: “First off, butcher block has that natural, warm aesthetic that’s hard to beat. It can transform a kitchen with its inviting look. Plus, it’s more affordable than most stone countertops, which is always a win when you’re on a budget. It’s also versatile—great for all kinds of kitchen styles, and it’s gentle on your dishes (no more chipped plates!). One of my favorite things about butcher block is how easy it is to refinish. Got some scratches or wear? A quick sanding, and it’s like brand new.”

What You Might Not Like

Remember when we said that, like all countertop materials, butcher block isn’t perfect? Wood explains why, saying, “Butcher block countertops appeal to homeowners mainly because of their natural beauty and durability. However, I should say they are far too overrated, considering how much of a hassle they can be to maintain. If you’re a regular homeowner who doesn’t have all the time in the world for maintenance tasks, I would recommend staying away from it, unless you don’t mind your countertop looking ‘used’ or ‘lived.'”

By way of agreement, Sbaiti adds that butcher block scratches and dents more easily than stone, and it isn’t heat-resistant, which means you have to be careful with hot pots and pans. Finally, because it’s wood, it’s prone to water damage and staining, and it can warp.

How to Care for Butcher Block

Butcher block needs specialized care, including daily cleaning with mild soap and water and frequent sealing with food-safe oil. “It’s important to use mineral oil as opposed to food oils like coconut oil and vegetable oils,” advises Wood. “Food oils can go rancid and promote bacterial growth on the wood.” Sbaiti recommends using cutting boards to prevent scratches. “If your butcher block starts looking worn, the good news is you can sand it down and refinish it.”

How Much Does Butcher Block Cost?

According to Butcher Block Co., material costs range from about $35 to $200 per square foot, depending on the type of wood and the grain style. Compare that to solid surface ($75 to $150) and granite ($100 to $250).

Edge grain tends to be the cheapest style, and end grain is the most expensive. Bamboo is the least expensive material, followed by maple, red oak, cherry and walnut. Exotic hardwoods like teak command premium prices, as you’d expect. Prices also rise with increasing thickness.

About the Experts

• Ivy Sbaiti is a trained architect with over 15 years of experience in real estate. She is the owner of Ivy Home Solutions in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
• Tim Wood is the founder and CEO of Fix It Today, a multiservice home maintenance service based in Texas.

Sources

• Butcher Block Co.: How Much Do Butcher Block Countertops Cost?; 2023.