Butcher Block Countertops: What You Should Know Before You Install
Our butcher block countertops garner lots of attention on social media. People always have questions about whether we like them and if they’re a pain in the ass to maintain. It’s that time of the year to care for them, so I thought I’d answer all your questions and share some tips along the way.
Follow along in real-time on our IG highlight about butcher block countertops.
Why We Picked Butcher Block Countertops
Chance installed butcher block countertops in our kitchen about six years ago when he bought the house. Our galley-style kitchen had laminate countertops and he wanted to add something more rustic and cozy to the space. It’s been a while, and Lumber Liquidators has rebranded, however, they still carry the exact kind we bought.
Unfinished Maple 8 ft. Length x 25 in. Wide x 1-1/2 in. Thick Butcher Block Countertop
There are a few kinds of wood that brands use to create butcherblock: maple, oak, walnut, and cherry. You can learn more by reading LL Floorings Butcher Block Buying Guide.
Butcher block countertops in kitchens are so warm and inviting. They make you feel like someone’s going to cook you a delicious meal while you hang out and drink wine in the kitchen.
We ultimately made the decision to install butcher block countertops for two primary reasons: aesthetics and cost. Our kitchen is very small and the former countertops were dark black. The warm wood acts as a crucial design element to our home and helps to brighten up an otherwise dark and uninviting space. They’re also incredibly affordable and very easy to install on your own. At LL Flooring, you can purchase an 8- or 12-foot slab for under $500. Home Advisor notes that butcher block costs, on average about $45 per square foot. In comparison, granite and marble cost, on average, $70 per square foot while quartz is nearly $150 per square foot. These cost savings convinced us to pull the trigger.
TIP: Visit salvage yards to see if they have overstock butcher block slabs. Sometimes it’s thinner than traditional countertops but would work great as a desktop, bartop, or another table.
Unlike other countertops, they really lend themselves to DIYs. They can be sanded and re-stained to change up the color very easily.
How Do They Look After 5+ Years?
I like to preface the look of our countertops with a few things:
We do cut directly on our countertops in some places. This is a benefit of butcher block countertops, however, many people opt not to cut directly on them in an effort to preserve them for longer and stretch the time between maintenance. We have select places we cut on our countertops and find it so much easier when cooking. HOWEVER; it means we get more stains and cut marks and therefore have to maintain them more frequently.
This last time we maintained them, we didn’t do a great job. It was rushed and we ran out of materials. Pair that with the fact that we usually care for them once a quarter, and we haven’t done it in nearly 7 months. Keep this in mind when considering how frequently you’ll need to care for yours.
The rich deep color of the wood is still just as beautiful as the day we installed them. However, the area around the sink needs some love. Again, this will depend on your specific kitchen, but we have a top-mount sink which I personally would not recommend with butcher block countertops. The wood absorbs so much water right there and it’s really difficult to clean and protect the area under the sink’s lip.
How to Maintain Butcher Block Countertops
Materials We Used:
As I mentioned, there are so many variables as to how frequently this needs to be done, but once a quarter is a good goal to shoot for. And the steps are simple but can be a workout.
Clear everything off your countertops
Vacuum any crumbs
Wipe down with a vinegar and lemon juice mixture (or your regular household cleaner)
Use an electric sander to remove stains, cut marks, and other imperfections. Start with 40 grit.
If you notice the sander isn’t working on some of the tougher spots, (this might happen if you cut directly on your countertops/prep food on them) try an electric planer.
Once you’ve sanded out the stains and cut marks, move from 40 to 120 grit.
Finish off sanding with over 300 grit to really smooth everything down.
Lather on mineral oil and allow it to sit on the countertops overnight.
If in the morning, the oil has completely soaked in, apply more until it no longer absorbs and instead sits on top of the countertop. That’s how you know they’re sealed.
Rub in any excess oil and let them dry before putting anything else back on them.
To prolong the time between upkeep, avoid cutting on your countertops or clean them immediately after use to avoid stains. If kept clean, most countertops only need to be oiled monthly and may never need to be sanded.
Conclusion
If I could go back in time, I would still buy our butcher block countertops. They’re cozy and just feel like home, plus they are so easy to install. But if you’re looking for super low maintenance, this probably isn’t your best option.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered
Below are a handful of the questions we get asked over and over again when it comes to butcher block countertops:
Q: Are they kid-friendly?
A: Yes, absolutely. But you will have to care for them over time.
Q: How long will they last if you sand them every year?
A: We’ve sanded ours multiple times a year for 6+ years and there is no visible “shrinking” of the width of the counters.
Q: Why not use a poly finish?
A: You can absolutely use a polyurethane finish, but make sure it’s food-safe, like this one. We chose not to because we do prep food directly on it, and I still don’t love the idea of chemicals, even if they’re food-grade, on our countertops. We also love the ability to sand them down if there are stains or cut marks. Poly does seal the countertop better but would be more work in the long haul to maintain.