Butcher Block Countertops: What To Consider

It's easy to see why butcher block countertops have achieved timeless status in Southern kitchens. The material adds instant warmth and pairs perfectly with various styles, from farmhouse to dreamy cottagecore. 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.

In Houzz's 2024 Kitchen Trends Study, 91% of homeowners said they're upgrading their countertops. 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. As with any design decision, there are pros and cons to choosing butcher block kitchen countertops. Here's what to know.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Butcher Block?

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). As for the downsides to butcher block kitchen countertops? They require regular upkeep; they're susceptible to nicks, scratches, and dings; they expand and contract with temperature and humidity; and they're porous.

Is Butcher Block Sanitary?

Yes! Or, more accurately, it can be. Butcher block countertop owners will reap the reward of being able to skip the cutting board occasionally, but with great power comes great responsibility. To clean butcher block countertops, begin by scraping off any stuck-on residue, then wipe them down with dish soap and water. Next, you sanitize. 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. With a daily routine like this, butcher block counters can be a perfectly sanitary choice.

How To Take Care Of Butcher Block

In addition to the daily cleaning routine, you can protect your butcher block kitchen countertops in a few other ways. First, by continuing to use a cutting board instead of cutting directly on the counters (though tempting), you can prevent unnecessary scratches and dings. Next, you'll need to treat them with a food-safe mineral oil or butcher-block conditioner. The frequency will depend on the age and wear on your counters. According to Butcher Block Co., you can expect to do this monthly. Finally, since wood is porous, avoid letting liquids puddle on the counters at all costs. (For this reason, you may want to avoid installing butcher block next to your kitchen sink.)

Can You Put Hot Pans On Butcher Block?

Butcher block counters get a bad rap when it comes to hot pots and pans, as the rule should apply to all countertop surfaces—if you can avoid it, don't put hot pans directly on the counter. The good news is that if you accidentally scorch your butcher block counters, you can always sand out the charring.

How Much Does Butcher Block Cost?

As with any kitchen renovation, it will depend on your location, size, and customization. Regardless, butcher block is still one of the most cost-effective countertop choices. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere between $30 and $70 per square foot. Choosing certain wood grain or high-end species like cherry or oak can drive costs up to around or above $200 per square foot. For quick reference: The National Kitchen & Bath Association reports that the average kitchen size for a house under 1,500 square feet is around 103 square feet, and the average kitchen size for a 4,000-square-foot house is 238 square feet.

What Are Additional Costs?

In addition to the materials and labor, expect a few other charges. Removal of your existing countertops can cost a few hundred dollars if the service is not included in the project total. Additional details like a finished edge, custom cutouts for a sink, and waterproofing can incur extra fees, though sealing is a job many homeowners do on their own. Annual maintenance can cost less than $100 for the cost of oil, wax, and other cleaning supplies.

How Can You Customize Butcher Block?

There are several options to make your butcher block countertops unique. Keep in mind that some selections cost more than others. Choose from different types of wood like maple, which is standard, beech, bamboo, zebrawood, and hickory. While butcher block can be stained, it is not recommended because stains are typically not food-safe.

The style of wood grain is also something to consider. Butcher block is made by gluing pieces of hard wood together to create a large slab. How they are glued creates different wood grain styles and patterns on a countertop. Face grain is made with wide planks of wood placed side by side, showing the full grain of the wood. For edge grain, planks are turned on their side and stacked to create long, thin strips that make the countertop surface. End grain is made by using the ends of the planks, creating a checkerboard effect. This type is very durable but more expensive.

Edges can be straight, rounded, beveled, or custom.

How Long Does Butcher Block Last?

A butcher block countertop will last 20 years and even decades beyond that, depending on the type of wood you choose and how you care for it. Your countertop may require occasional sanding and resurfacing to remove scorch marks, dings, and scratches.