Butcher block countertops have been around since 1881 and are a natural, renewable countertop that is both beautiful and extremely sanitary. In general Butcher block countertops are constructed from a hardwood such as maple, cherry, walnut, red Oak , lyptus and can even be made of bamboo. Having a countertop that is made completely of all natural materials means that there will be no two countertops exactly the same. Just like a fingerprint, your butcher block counter top will be unique and one-of-a-kind. Butcher block is not only used for kitchen countertops, it is also used for workbenches, kitchen islands, kitchen tables, cutting boards and unique butcher block furniture.
Not only are butcher block tops affordable and stylish, but is also one of the most sanitary kitchen countertops you can have installed in your home. Butcher block can be custom ordered to fit your kitchen countertops and can be installed professionally by a contractor or installed by the average do-it-yourselfer. If you want to build your own countertops from the ground up, you can order butcher block plans and get instructions to build them completely yourself.As with most countertops such as granite, Corian, Formica and laminate countertops, butcher block countertops also allow you many of the same options for style and design. You can choose various thicknesses, edge grain and end grain along with many different edge details such as square edge, round over, ogee, cove, classical and double ogee.
Depending on the wood that you choose for your butcher block kitchen countertops, the color range can vary quite a bit. From yellows and reds to light brown and chocolate brown to just about any color in between. If you’re having trouble deciding what would grain, color, or edging you should select for your countertops in your home you can also order a butcher block hardwood sample kit that will supply you with all the different varieties of butcher block that you can have installed in your home. This will give you an opportunity to see firsthand the look and feel of the different hardwoods that can be used and whether or not they will complement your kitchen cabinets, your flooring and other kitchen decor.
As with any remodeling project you may undergo for your home, it is important that you take the time to research the materials being used along with any maintenance and care that may be needed to protect and sanitize your butcher block counter top. With butcher block, there is routine maintenance that must be done in order to ensure the longevity of your countertops. There are conditioners and oils that must be applied regularly and because butcher block is made of natural wood, it has a tendency to absorb the smells of foods that were prepared on them more readily than a granite or laminate countertop would.
When cleaning and maintaining your butcher block countertops it is important to clean up all spills immediately to avoid stains and any other damage to your counter tops. Light scratches, dents and dings can easily be sanded out of the butcher block boards using a high grit sandpaper and a little elbow grease. Recondition and oil your boards and your butcher block countertops look as good as new. Butcher block does not hold up as well in ordinary kitchen conditions as some countertops will. It is important that you do not set hot pots and pans directly on to the butcher block, instead make sure to use a pad to protect your butcher of a from the heat. Cleaning is easy and should be done using a sponge with warm soapy water, followed by a quick drying using paper towels.
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