Who doesn’t love the ‘Butcher Block Countertops’ in the kitchen? We all love, as they’re not only the ornament, but also facilitate us grandly during cooking. If you’ve been planning to renovate your kitchen, or even doing research on the countertop materials, the butcher block countertops are the best bet. Since, these days, they’re indeed the on-demand conversation, among the professional interior designers, because they run the actual show in the kitchen.

If you’re a novel in this thing, don’t worry. Just keep a few things in your mind; this would allow you to make a concrete decision… For instance, first, the Butcher Blocks can be made out of almost any wood – or, any combination of woods. However, when it comes to the quality, the Maple material wins the trophy; the flat-grain Maple is rather popular because of its solidity and clear grain. Besides, Cherry Butcher Block is also famous for its strength, with the end grain facing up. People also prefer it as it also provides a incredibly rich look.

Other than that, the Dense African Wood, Bamboo Butcher Block, and Santos Mahogany – Zebrawood are also quite well-liked in the market, and sell as the hottest items.

Installation Process

The Butcher Block Countertop installation process is a tad simple. However, it’s expensive as well. Therefore, no one wants to make a mistake. Usually, people hire a professional, but for others, it’s not affordable. If you’re one of them, and don’t want to make an expensive mistake either… Follow the following steps judiciously, and you’ll be contented in the end.

First, get the Masonite and cut it to the width of your butcher block; for that, you can use circular skilsaw and a straightedge – clamped to Masonite. After doing this perfectly, trace the Masonite onto the butcher block, carefully. Next, cut the actual block, and drill a few (one or two) holes in it as well, in case you want to employ it as a sink too. After that, use the glue on the all sides, if you want to adjust it in a frame… If you simply want to use it as a countertop, without any frame, you can polish the sides further, for keeping its look rich.

Bear in mind that, if you want to install it at the corner, cut it at 45 degrees, with the aid of the straightedge tool; cut the block in two pieces, and then join it through the glue.

Cleaning

Though, these countertops are the symbols of beauty and function, but there is another factor too, that matters – The Maintenance (cleaning process). Normally, the stains are the ones that dent its beauty. However, you can treat that with the help of lemon and table salt. Just sprinkle the salt over the stain, slice the lemon in half, and then thoroughly rub each piece on the salt; let the mixture set on the salt, and keep it over there all night and then remove it with a moist sponge. This would not only clean the block, but also remove the odors of garlic and onions. It’s a quite traditional practice which professionals use even now.

Apart from this, you can make use of baking soda and bleach; apply bleach with a damp sponge, rub it and keep it overnight as well, and then clean it in the morning with a new moist sponge. You can add the vinegar to neutralize the bleach, but remember that bleach can affect the color of the block, if its quality is not up to the mark, or if it’s rather old.

Furthermore, there is one final step that also counts – “The Finishing Touch”. But, before you do that, you should discern that the finishing touch is the only thing you need, if your butcher block is new, or in good shape; you don’t need to go through the cleaning process.

Now, for the finishing touch, get some mineral oil or tung oil (china wood oil); they both are great for giving your butcher block counter top the final touch. You can use your hand, or a rag, for applying them. Once the oil is on the surface and on the sides as well, let it sit for at least 20 minutes; let the block absorb it. Next, once it’s absorbed, apply another coat of the oil, for providing richer look. After that, use a soft fabric and clean the moisture gently.

Pros and Cons

If you want an utterly honest update regarding butcher block countertops, it would be right to say that they earn the special attention, first, because of their appearance, as they hand a warm and beautiful look to the kitchen, and second, because of their function. In addition, the best thing regarding them is their variety. There are various wood types which you can choose – from Maple to Cherry, from Oak to Birch. This option gives you an edge, when it comes to compliment the kitchen, according to its design and magnificence.

Moreover, the wood is usually easy on the knives. The edges of your tools stay last longer than if working on the concrete. Other than that, most countertops are recyclable as well.

When it comes to the cons, there are few things that demand your attention. For instance, it’s necessary to seal them properly, if you’re installing them. If you won’t do that, germs would hide, and multiply. The beauty would soon turn into disaster… Furthermore, if you won’t treat their surface with the oils, consistently, the damage can occur, which would affect its function, and the dents and scratches would appear more conspicuously too.

Concluding Thoughts

Every magazine is featuring ‘Butcher Block Countertops’ these days; they’re the latest craze, and they’re the hottest new thing. They’re under the spotlight, and doing some great business in the market as well. If your interest in them is surging, don’t step back… Get them now! However, before you buy them, keep the dimensions with you, as they’re rather expensive… Buying them would be one of the best decisions of your life, I promise…