Beautiful Butcher Block

Let’s go back to the 1880s, when the John Boos company provided slices of sycamore to blacksmiths as work surfaces. The hard yet forgiving wood was a hit. When the company decided to add legs and sell them to butchers, a new tabletop workspace was born! Over the decades, homeowners started using butcher block as an inexpensive and practical way to design their kitchens.

Photo Credit: BH&G

There are some great reasons to use butcher block for your countertops. The look is really versatile - it complements a farmhouse style, Scandinavian minimalist, or even a modern or industrial vibe. It’s easy to make - strips of wood are fused together. That’s it! You can choose from many types of wood: acacia is popular because of its hardness, and so are walnut and maple.

Even though its name conjures a romantic image of the house chef slicing meats and chopping vegetables right on the counter, that actually is a bad idea. The nicks and cuts made by a knife will open up spaces for bacteria to hide. It’s best to use a washable cutting board, something that can be thrown in the dishwasher when you’re done.

Another great selling point is the cost! Butcher block is one of the most affordable countertop surfaces you can get, and with proper care, it will last for years. A coating of mineral oil or walnut oil (this choice is more eco-friendly) will keep the surface looking great, as long as you remember to do it several times a year. If you forget, here’s what could happen:

I TOLD YOU TO USE A COASTER! (she said in her best “Mom” voice)

So now what? Relax, exhale, and first try to clean the stain by sprinkling salt and rubbing it in with a cut lemon. Is it still there? No worries. You can sand it down, and remember for next time that mineral oil, cutting boards, and hot pads are your friends. If you are ok with your counters having “character”, you’ll be less stressed about the dings and stains that show up.

Personally, I’m not excited about using butcher block around the sink. That area is never completely dry! I’d probably use it for the island, or even as a work surface in the laundry room.

I basically love every single thing in this kitchen:

Photo Credit: Studio G

Notice the cutting board? And don’t even get me started on that gorgeous tile…

Another check in the “plus” column: this type of counter is pretty easy to install. It’s lighter than stone, easier to transport, and can be cut onsite. But don’t forget that wood is a living material, and it needs to breathe. Your countertop will expand and contract with the changing seasons, so it needs room to move a bit, or else the wood can buckle and crack.

Ultimately, your lifestyle will determine whether this is the best choice for you. It’s definitely worth considering, and will add a beautiful element of style to your home!!