Despite the recent popularity of modern countertops, butcher block countertops still create a warm feeling that can be unmatched in any kitchen. For those of you who like to create different home interior designs such as country style, contemporary farmhouse, or warehouse-style, butcher blocks are a very suitable choice for those who want something different.
How Butcher Blocks Became Popular in Modern Kitchens
With a growing trend towards a formal yet practical approach to many home design features, butcher block countertops have even more popularity. The natural beauty of wood can also tone down the starkness of a modern kitchen.
Types of Butcher Block Countertops
- Edge Grain Butcher Blocks
Edge grain butcher blocks are long wood slats that make the appearance of the structure more uniform and standard-like strips. It’s a useful and inexpensive material with high resistance to scratching and fits both classic and minimalistic kitchen designs.
- End Grain Butcher Blocks
End-grain butcher blocks are extremely hard-wearing and have the grain of the wood facing the end which is unlikely to take a cut. These form a checkerboard pattern and give good knife resistance which makes these blocks ideal for commercial food businesses.
- Face Grain Butcher Blocks
Face grain countertops display the end of a plank where the veneer is sliced entirely. As stylish as they are, they aren’t as resistant to scratches and dents; they would work best as decorative countertops.
Advantages of Butcher Block Countertops
- Warm and Inviting Aesthetic
The first thing that every lover of butcher block countertops would look at is the natural appeal it has. They make a kitchen cozy and give it character that other modern materials cannot provide.
- Durability and Longevity
When looked after adequately, the butcher block countertops can serve a lifetime.
- Ease of Repair
Another advantage over other countertop materials is that they can be sanded back and refinished – perfect news for anyone who has discovered scratches or dents.
Custom Butcher Block Countertop Installation
If you’re fitting the butcher block in a kitchen, let the block settle in for at least two days and two nights to stabilize it in the room’s climate. This is because it reduces the chances of the whole structure warping in the event of some environmental factors coming into play after installation. Then, measure the area and note where any cuts are going to be made to fit the wood perfectly. Fasten the countertop down to the base cabinets using suitable brackets or screws you could buy online. Wash the wood with a mild solution of soap and water and then use food-safe sealer or oil on the wood to avoid moisture or stains from spoiling the wood. Normal wear and tear will be kept at bay, and this will help the countertop look as good as it was when it was newly installed.
Butcher Block Countertop Refinishing
Resurfacing a butcher block countertop redeems it visually, which gives it a brand new-like looking and feeling touch. It is washed and scrubbed then the surface is sanded to peel off the stains, scratches, or any previous finishes. Clean off the countertop, after sanding, and then apply a food-safe product like mineral oil, butcher block oil, or natural wax.
Butcher Block Countertop Repair
Repairing a butcher block countertop is to return it to its original good looks that make it a worthy addition to the kitchen space. Minor damage can be treated by using fine-grit sandpaper to level up the affected area. When sealing is done, then make sure that the surfaces are cleaned with a very dry cloth so that you remove dirt that may have accumulated when sanding. Then it is washed with cold water and a food-safe oil like mineral oil is next for its moisturizing protection and longevity.
Butcher Block Countertop Sealing
Butcher block countertop is made of wood and they need to be sealed to prevent it from getting in contact with water, stains, or common usage. The lack of this finish makes it easy for wood to soak up water or other liquids which will cause it to bow or develop patches of color. Mineral oil as a sealant is cheap and non-toxic and they are freely available but only lasts a very short time hence frequent application is encouraged. Polyurethane is a hard-wearing type that develops a layer of plastic-like surface, so it is less prone to water marks and scratches; although it is not safe for foods, it can be used in counters where little preparation of foods takes place. Another remarkable good is Water Lox, which is a tung oil sealer that has deep penetration and water resistance with fewer coats being needed in the long run.
Water-Resistant Butcher Block Countertop Treatment
To help give a butcher block countertop a waterproof surface, an ideal sealer must be used. Mineral oil is ideal for this as it’s edible and can readily be used. The wood is to be initially prepped with a liberal amount of oil and left to seat it in for roughly three hours before proceeding to wipe off any residual. This should be done with a frequency of every few weeks to constantly keep a protective layer building up on the surface.
How to Maintain Butcher Block Countertops
- Cleaning Tips
Butcher block countertops should simply be washed with water and a mild soap solution. Do not use strong solutions, as these produce a negative impact on the wood. It is crucial to dry the surface promptly to avoid absorbing water.
- Oiling and Sealing
Another simple practice that must be done is oiling, to prevent the boards from drying up. Reapply food-safe mineral oil or special wood oil every few months or when the wood looks or feels dry. You can protect it with beeswax, which will create a layer of beeswax, or the tung oil will settle on its own, creating a layer.
- Preventing Damage
To protect the counter from knife scratches one should use cutting boards, food spills should be cleaned once they occur and potential harm that may be caused by picturing hot pots directly on the counter’s upper surface should be avoided.
