Butcher Block Countertops
There are two alternate finishes that can be applied to butcher counter tops. The mineral oil finish is the one used for cutting surfaces. The oil conditions the wood so it won’t dry out, warp, or crack. Every time you wash the hob you will remove part of the oil. Therefore, you should reapply this non-toxic material every 6 weeks or so.
Mineral oil is not waterproof, so if the top gets wet, the grain could lift and make the wood feel rough. So having sinks in butcher countertops is not a good idea. The area around the sink will eventually discolor and darken. The cut marks from the knives are easily sanded down, but then you need to re-oil.
Another finish used on wooden countertops is the “varnique” finish. This is a baked on satin polyurethane finish. It is safe for food contact and has a low gloss, which most people are happy with.
You should not cut on butcher countertops with this finish because cutting will remove the protection, leaving the wood exposed to water and other household liquids. It is extremely difficult to fix the cuts in this finish so that you don’t notice them.
However, if you’re not cutting in this finish, the advantage is that it’s virtually carefree. It’s waterproof so it can cut through a sink. And you can spill grape juice or red wine on it, wipe it clean and not have a stain.
In kitchens that combine stone and butcher block countertops, homeowners often want to make some cuts into the wood surface, so they want the oil finish. If you just want it for looks, go with the varnish.
Various companies offer butcher block countertops in many species of wood, at varying price points. Hard maple (also known as sugar maple) is the best choice for cutting because it has the tightest grain and is the hardest of the suitable woods. Lower grades of maple include: western maple, soft maple, and Chinese maple. These are all softwoods and are not good surfaces that will take a lot of abuse.
Cherry and walnut are softer than hard maple, but very beautiful and more expensive. Red oak is a very rough and grainy option, but it is one of the least expensive options for wood countertops.
It may seem like some companies are practically giving away their butcher block countertops. This is because they pick random pieces of whatever wood they have with their fingers and call it a butcher block.
Mixed lumbers can have serious problems over time and you should stay away from them. So don’t be like most people who only look at the price.
Thickness is another consideration when buying butcher blocks. The standard is 1 1/2″; thinner than that is not a good idea. This thickness is thin up to 42″ long. Once it gets longer, it should go to 1 3/4″ to prevent future warping.
Thicker is not necessary under any circumstances, but some people just like the look of thicker tops. If this is the case for you, think about getting a 1 3/4″ top and building up the rim. This will probably save you a lot of money.
At 2 1/4″ thick (which is the next standard after 1 3/4″), the price doubles and can almost triple at 3″ thick. There is no price per square foot for stone countertops. butcher so don’t even ask.Have your size,shape,type of wood,thickness,finish and trim ready for a quote.You have to quote each piece because all of those elements affect the price.
Good luck.
