
Newsletter Subscribe Now! HOME KITCHEN DESIGN KITCHEN FLOORING KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS laminate Countertops Solid Surface Countertops Butcher Block Countertops Metallic / Stainless Steel Kitchen Countertops Natural / Engineered Stone Countertops Concrete Countertops Ceramic Tile Countertops Kitchen Countertop Articles Kitchen Countertop Articles Sealing Granite Countertops Faux Finishing your Countertops ENTERTAINING IN THE KITCHEN THE WET BAR PRODUCTS PHOTO GALLERY RESOURCES Del.icio.us	Kitchen Countertops > Butcher Block Countertops Butcher block countertops are a great way to add a traditional feel to any kitchen. Usually available in Hard Maple, Oak, Cherry, Birch & Teak (the latter two being better suited for decorative purposes as the softness of the wood reduces its durability). Butcher block is an extremely versatile and durable product. It adds warmth and texture to any space and is quickly becoming a very popular choice in kitchen design today. Cost Butcher Block countertops are relatively expensive starting around $50 sq foot. Color/Design Wood Countertops are available in a range of natural grains, and color is dependant on several factors. When wood is moist it expands and then as it dries it shrinks, this process shortens the life of your wooden countertops and creates cracks and fissures. These can be unsightly and very non hygienic. In order to prevent this damage from occurring wood countertops require a finish or a seasoning. These finishes will have a direct affect on your resulting color. Film Forming Finishes - Are finishes that use a varnish or lacquer to seal the wood. With these finishes you can easily correct the changes in the wood and create a color you find desirable. Penetrating Finishes - Should be used when a more natural finish is desired. You can use a selection of either mineral oils or vegetable oils. These are also known as wood sealers or non drying oils. These sealers will keep your wood counters looking fresh and new for a long time. Wood countertops can be created out of a solid piece of wood or constructed from 2" wood pieces which are fused together each presenting a unique style of their own. Durability If you cook often, we suggest that you go with either a Hard Maple or Oak to maximize the life of your counters. Wood is a naturally porous material so it is advisable that you apply a finish of some sort on your wood to prolong its life. Pros Wood countertops will, when treated, repel stains and moisture quite well. They resist nicks and scratches and do not splinter easily. The biggest plus to any wood counter top is its functionality when cooking. You can cut and chop on butcher block with out any fear of damaging the surface. This will not work however if you plan on using a film forming finish. These knives and sharp objects will damage the surface of the wood. Cons One draw back of wood is that it does burn, so be very careful placing hot items on or near the wood surface. Wood countertops are a relatively hygienic way to go in any kitchen, but care is needed in their maintenance. Always wash countertops immediately to prevent cross contamination. Avoid letting the wood crack, this is where bacteria lives. If you place raw meats or poultry on the surface, be sure to wash thoroughly with warm water, soap & a clean cloth. Dry the affected areas and ensure that all juices are cleaned & wiped. Construction/Installation Butcher block countertops are installed using the same process as other solid surface counters. Make sure you find a sealer that matches the grain of your counters and ensure that you apply the desired stain for the look you want. Hiring a professional to install your countertops is always recommended. "Receive a Free Butcher Block Countertop installation quote now!" Environment/Health Since wood countertops are modestly processed and is also a renewable resource, its environmental impact is minimal. Try and ensure that you deal with a sustainable forestry product supplier and use only natural oils if possible. You may also source wood countertops from the Forest stewardship Council and try and find reclaimed wood products from previous building projects. It is also important to keep in mind that these countertops can be a haven for germs and other forms of bacteria. We recommend using individual cutting boards when slicing meat or fish to prevent bacterial absorption into your counter. Otherwise be sure to properly clean and season your counter regularly. Wood presents a more traditional look, not quite as sexy as some other products available in the countertop market today. Its upside is its durability and beauty and the only real draw back is its conservative look, but think sexy librarian, not octogenarian! The Martini Factor Wood countertops are glass ware friendly, possibly preserving much of your valuable entertaining stemware. If treated properly you can use your countertops as serving trays and cheese boards but not recommend for placing hot plates or fondues! See more on oiling your Butcher Block Countertops... See more on maintaining your Butcher Block Countertops...	Site Search
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Kitchen Countertops > Butcher Block Countertops

Varnished Butcherblock Kitchen Butcher block countertops are a great way to add a traditional feel to any kitchen. Usually available in Hard Maple, Oak, Cherry, Birch & Teak (the latter two being better suited for decorative purposes as the softness of the wood reduces its durability). Butcher block is an extremely versatile and durable product. It adds warmth and texture to any space and is quickly becoming a very popular choice in kitchen design today.

Cost

Butcher Block countertops are relatively expensive starting around $50 sq foot.

Color/Design

Wood Countertops are available in a range of natural grains, and color is dependant on several factors. When wood is moist it expands and then as it dries it shrinks, this process shortens the life of your wooden countertops and creates cracks and fissures. These can be unsightly and very non hygienic. In order to prevent this damage from occurring wood countertops require a finish or a seasoning. These finishes will have a direct affect on your resulting color.

Film Forming Finishes - Are finishes that use a varnish or lacquer to seal the wood. With these finishes you can easily correct the changes in the wood and create a color you find desirable.

Penetrating Finishes - Should be used when a more natural finish is desired. You can use a selection of either mineral oils or vegetable oils. These are also known as wood sealers or non drying oils. These sealers will keep your wood counters looking fresh and new for a long time.

Wood countertops can be created out of a solid piece of wood or constructed from 2" wood pieces which are fused together each presenting a unique style of their own.

Durability

If you cook often, we suggest that you go with either a Hard Maple or Oak to maximize the life of your counters. Wood is a naturally porous material so it is advisable that you apply a finish of some sort on your wood to prolong its life.

Pros

Wood countertops will, when treated, repel stains and moisture quite well. They resist nicks and scratches and do not splinter easily. The biggest plus to any wood counter top is its functionality when cooking. You can cut and chop on butcher block with out any fear of damaging the surface. This will not work however if you plan on using a film forming finish. These knives and sharp objects will damage the surface of the wood.

Cons

One draw back of wood is that it does burn, so be very careful placing hot items on or near the wood surface.

Wood countertops are a relatively hygienic way to go in any kitchen, but care is needed in their maintenance. Always wash countertops immediately to prevent cross contamination. Avoid letting the wood crack, this is where bacteria lives. If you place raw meats or poultry on the surface, be sure to wash thoroughly with warm water, soap & a clean cloth. Dry the affected areas and ensure that all juices are cleaned & wiped.

Construction/Installation

Butcher block countertops are installed using the same process as other solid surface counters. Make sure you find a sealer that matches the grain of your counters and ensure that you apply the desired stain for the look you want. Hiring a professional to install your countertops is always recommended. "Receive a Free Butcher Block Countertop installation quote now!"

Environment/Health

Since wood countertops are modestly processed and is also a renewable resource, its environmental impact is minimal. Try and ensure that you deal with a sustainable forestry product supplier and use only natural oils if possible. You may also source wood countertops from the Forest stewardship Council and try and find reclaimed wood products from previous building projects.

It is also important to keep in mind that these countertops can be a haven for germs and other forms of bacteria. We recommend using individual cutting boards when slicing meat or fish to prevent bacterial absorption into your counter. Otherwise be sure to properly clean and season your counter regularly.

Wood presents a more traditional look, not quite as sexy as some other products available in the countertop market today. Its upside is its durability and beauty and the only real draw back is its conservative look, but think sexy librarian, not octogenarian!

The Martini Factor

Wood countertops are glass ware friendly, possibly preserving much of your valuable entertaining stemware. If treated properly you can use your countertops as serving trays and cheese boards but not recommend for placing hot plates or fondues!

See more on oiling your Butcher Block Countertops...

See more on maintaining your Butcher Block Countertops...

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