Butcher-Block Countertops

A tell-all of the good, the natural, the beautiful…

Kitchens continue to trend as a living space that also serves as our culinary preparation place. Adding a butcher-block top or wood top element can add warmth and texture, as well as provide an easy spot to prep food or even lay-out a cheese board while entertaining. 

There are many options for and uses for adding a wood top. The type of top you select should first consider the function. If you intend on using this for a side board, it may be best to get one with a finished surface that doesn’t require maintenance and the hardness of the wood species is also less relevant.

If you are going all “Top Chef” on your top… an edge grain butcher bock that gets oiled weekly would be the best choice for you… these are the design team’s favorite for their utility and their beauty. Choosing the wood species that fits the space and end-use does offer a lot of choices from the traditional maple used in the butcher shop to cherry, walnut and oak. 

What are the Pros and Cons of using wood countertops?

Pros: Reduce the time spent washing and storing cutting boards, adds warmth and beauty, adds texture and architecture for relief to large flat surfaces.

Cons: Working tops require maintenance… oil weekly-monthly, finished tops are subject to scratches (and may not be the best choice for small children with type-A parents).