While butcher block countertops do require routine maintenance, resealing the surface is only required after every 6-12 months depending on the level of use . The same goes for natural stone countertops, which must be resealed over time to maintain the original quality and look.
What is the downside of using butcher block countertops?
Butcher Block Countertop Cons
Stains and Scratches : Harder woods might not suffer from scratches as much as softer woods, but all wood will stain if not cleaned quickly. Some people will use butcher block like a cutting board but their inviting germs, mold and even warping.
Do butcher block countertops hold up?
Placing a sheet of metal over the dishwasher may be necessary to protect against steam. Steel wool or sandpaper, followed by resealing, will remove scratches and stubborn stains. The consensus seems to be that butcher block countertops hold up best when they are given the same care as high quality wood furniture .
How do you maintain a butcher block countertop?
Over time, butcher-block countertops can lose their luster and look dull and dry. Give them a refresh with food-safe mineral oil or butcher-block conditioner (available at home improvement stores). Don’t use a food oil, like olive or vegetable oil, which will oxidize on the surface and start to smell.
Can you use Clorox wipes on butcher block countertops?
Disinfecting. To disinfect your Traditions butcher block after cleaning use Lysol® or Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes . These wipes are available at Lowe’s, and report to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria when used as directed.
Can you put hot pans on butcher block?
Placing hot pots and pans directly on the butcher block surface is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make . It is also one of the most problematic. The hot items can burn and even crack the wood, leaving permanent damage, in most cases.
Is butcher block countertop cheaper than granite?
Lastly, butcher block is an affordable material, generally costing less than granite . If you have a smaller budget, then butcher block is a beautiful option that doesn’t put strain on your bank account.
How thick should butcher block countertops be?
Thickness and Edges.
Wood countertop thickness generally ranges from a three-quarter inch to six inches, and butcher block from two inches to 12 inches . A wide variety of edge options exist.
How often should I oil my butcher block?
5. When determining how often to oil a block, the general rule of thumb is once a day for a week upon purchase; once a week for a month; and once a month forever . The block should be oiled whenever the wood starts to look dry and chalky.
Can you put an undermount sink in butcher block countertops?
Boos Butcher Block Countertops Can Accommodate Undermount and Farm Style Sinks , but They Require Extra Attention. You should know that Boos recommends against this approach* since it leaves cut edges of the countertop exposed to water, and water can seriously damage wood, as you likely know.
What type of sink is best with butcher block?
Undermount sinks are most commonly chosen as the best sink for butcher block countertop because they are stable, easy to install, and fit well into most kitchens.
What type of wood is best for butcher block countertops?
Maple is one of the best and most popular for butcher block counters because it’s hard and has a clear grain. Cherry and red oak offer rich color. Butcher block can also be crafted from bamboo (it works best with end-grain construction) and sustainably farmed exotics such as wenge, zebrawood, and iroko.
Does butcher block hold bacteria?
“ Butcher Blocks Harbor Germs ”
However, according to a study conducted by the Food Research Institute at University of Wisconsin (1993), wooden cutting boards have been shown to be safer than plastic ones when it comes to harboring microbes such as E-Coli, listeria and salmonella.
How often do you have to seal butcher block countertops?
To counteract these unwanted effects, you’ll need to seal your butcher block countertops immediately following installation and on a monthly basis afterward—one bit of maintenance more than non-porous countertop made of glass, stainless steel, quartz, or ceramic tile take.
How do you disinfect a butcher block?
- Step 1: Scrub the Countertop. Remove everything from the countertops. ...
- Step 2: Apply the White Vinegar. Pour white vinegar onto a clean dish towel, and wipe the entire counter down to disinfect it. ...
- Step 3: Apply Salt + Lemon Juice. ...
- Step 4: Wipe Off the Salt.
Can you cut raw meat on butcher block?
Using. Avoid cutting raw meat or poultry directly on a butcher block or wooden cutting board . Instead, place a plastic cutting board on the wooden surface and use the plastic board as the cutting surface. This will protect the wood and prevent it from becoming contaminated.
Can you sand butcher block?
Use a coarse, 60-grit sandpaper or sanding sponge to abrade the discolored wood, but don’t try to get rid of it entirely: Sanding too much in one spot will create a dip. It’s okay to sand across the grain initially, but be sure your final strokes follow the grain .
Can you wax butcher block?
Warm the wax bottle under hot water for a few seconds, then squirt a line of wax around the counters . You don’t need to use too much. Using a paper towel, spread out the wax evenly on the counters. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the wood absorbs the wax.
Can I leave my butcher block unfinished?
Any finish is safe to use on a butcher-block table or countertop that will not be used as a cutting surface . If the surface won’t be cut on, the answer is simple: Any film-forming finish you would normally choose for durability and appearance will be just fine (Photo 1).
What type of countertop is most durable?
Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
What happens if you dont seal butcher block?
Any moisture that is absorbed into the wood and filling the pores is that much less space that is available to the oil . This moisture is going to be absorbed unevenly. This in-turn causes the oil to absorb unevenly, thus leaving the finish splotchy.
How long do wood countertops last?
Properly installed and cared for, wood countertops can last as long as you live in your home. Factory finishes generally come with a warranty. It can range from one year to a lifetime —and may only cover glued-joint separation.
Are wood countertops hard to maintain?
The truth is, wood requires a lot of care . It can be more easily damaged by spills, and not every kind of wood will stand up to kind of abuse that a normal kitchen counter will see. However, if they are given the right amount of tender loving care, a wood countertop can retain its clean look long into its life.
Can you screw into butcher block?
Screwing into the wood without a pilot hole will cause outward pressure and may crack the wood . On the underside of the sub-top, place the washer on the screw and drive the screw into the pilot hole in the butcher block. Be careful not to over tighten. Make sure the washer is large enough to cover the expansion hole.
What is the cost of butcher block countertops?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $100 per square foot or $3,500 on average for materials and installation of your wood butcher block countertop. Materials alone usually run around $20 to $70 per square foot. Butcher block countertops can cost between $2,000 and $5,000 for a 50-square- foot kitchen.
What wood is best for countertops?
Maple is the most common type of wood used in countertops . Its light hues blend well with any color while adding an open feeling to the kitchen. At a moderate price, many find it a good balance between quality and cost. Though not as durable as oak, maple offers a little more variety in slabs than other types of wood.
Can you put wood stain on a butcher block?
There are two types of wood stain especially suited to finish butcher block countertops . An oil-based stain for kitchen countertops is extremely durable and soaks into the wood to form a strong barrier to moisture. This type of interior wood stain or wood finish is also more scratch-resistant than a water-based stain.
