Pros and Cons of Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block countertops aren’t for everyone. But us? We love them! We installed a butcher block countertop on top of our kitchen island in our second house, and we’ve used butcher block on two sets of built-ins, and in two laundry rooms.

If you’re considering installing butcher block countertops as part of your kitchen remodel or refresh, we’re about to break down all of the good and bad to help you inform your decision!

What Are Butcher Block Countertops?

Butcher block countertops are made by stacking strips of wood on their sides and gluing them together then refining to create a thick, sturdy slab. Imagine a cutting board, but much thicker. Butcher block countertops usually come in hardwoods like maple, oak, or walnut.

They’re functional and gorgeous because the natural wood grain adds a warmth to your kitchen. It somehow feels both modern and old school, ya know?

What’s so good about them?

First of all, they’re stunning. It is a little bit of a personal opinion, but there’s something so classic and homey about them. Next, you can cut right on them like a cutting board if you want to, which gives them a few durability points over other daintier countertop materials. And maybe the best point: They’re super budget-friendly. You won’t be dropping $10,000 on a butcher block countertop but you’ll still get a durable, beautiful kitchen counter option.

What’s not so good about them?

The first con of butcher block countertops is their upkeep. They definitely require some maintenance compared to some others. First of all, they’re thirsty – you’ll need to oil them regularly to prevent drying and cracking and keeping them looking nice. Because they’re made of wood, they can also be scratched and scuffed relatively easily, and you can get the dreaded water stain rings on them. On the flip side of that, though, you can sand and re-stain them over and over to keep it refreshed if you do get a big scratch on there.

How to Maintain Butcher Block Countertops

Let’s dive more into that last point. Butcher block countertops need to be maintained fairly regularly. Every month or two, you’ll need to re-oil them to keep them protected and hydrated. Here’s how:

• Take everything off the counter and wipe them down with a damp cloth
• Scrape away anything stuck on the countertop and if there are any significant stains, sand those spots down with 180 and then 220 grit sandpaper.
• Re-stain the countertop if needed, and when that’s dry, pour a food safe oil all over the surface and rub in with a lint-free cloth.
• Note that it could take as long as overnight for that oil to absorb so wait a little while to put everything back on the countertops.

This level of maintenance could be a turn-off for those thinking about butcher block countertops, but to us it’s both a pro and a con. It’s a con in that it’s yet another thing to remember, but a pro in that it’s a pretty easy fix to keep it looking fresh as opposed to other materials that if you stain ’em, they’re stuck like that.

 

How to Install Butcher Block Countertops

Installing butcher block countertops is also easy in the way that you don’t need a team of contractors to descend on your home like happens with quartz or others.

First of all, you want to get your measurements right and make sure your cabinets are level and sturdy. If the butcher block needs to be cut, use a circular saw with a fine-toothed blade for clean cuts (a saw guide can be really handy to keep everything straight, too!)

Next, sand it smooth starting with at least 120 grit up working your way up to 220 grit and stain it or seal it however you prefer. Put it in place on the cabinets, making sure it overhangs evenly on each side and use screws going from underneath inside the cabinet into the bottom of the butcher block to secure it in place. We’ve found that screws does the job just fine, but if you want extra security, you could add a line of adhesive along the top of the cabinets before securing, too.

Lastly, make sure you’ve added the food safe oil if you plan to use it like a cutting board!

Where Can You Use Butcher Block Countertops

Kitchens aren’t the only room for a butcher block countertop – you can use them almost anywhere! We had a temporary butcher block countertop in our small bathroom as part of our budget bathroom makeover, before we eventually replaced it with a nicer vanity when selling the house. Note: We sealed this one really well with a strong sealer for a bathroom space.

We’ve also used them in laundries and on built-in bookcases, but you could use them as an office desk or in craft rooms, too.

Butcher Block Countertop FAQs

Alright, let’s tackle some other questions that might be swirling around in your head about butcher block countertops.

Can I cut directly on my butcher block countertop?

Well, you can, but should you? While butcher block is tough, frequent cutting can leave marks. If you’re keen on that authentic butcher block look, go for it! Otherwise, stick to cutting boards to keep your counters looking fresh.

How do I know when I need to oil my butcher block?

Think of it like moisturizing your skin – do it when things look a bit dry. For most folks, that’s about once a month, but it depends on use. If water stops beading up on the surface, it’s time for some TLC!

Are butcher block countertops sanitary?

With proper care, absolutely! The natural antimicrobial properties of wood can actually make them more sanitary than plastic cutting boards. Just keep them clean and well-sealed, and you’re golden.

Can I install butcher block countertops myself?

If you’re handy with tools and have a free weekend, sure! If you’re not confident, there’s no shame in calling in the pros. Better safe than sorry when it comes to your kitchen! We always say, the biggest thing in DIY is knowing your limits but considering it’s just a few screws (and heavy) it’s pretty beginner-friendly!

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