When it comes to kitchen countertops, butcher block is a popular style. It adds beauty and functionality to your kitchen. Before choosing this type of top, however, you should know butcher block countertops pros and cons.
Butcher Block Countertops Pros and Cons: Pros
Butcher block countertops are stunning and will make your kitchen feel brand-new. Maryland Wood Countertops’ clients love the convenience of being able to prepare food right on their counter. They also love the homey feeling that butcher block brings to their kitchen.
Our clients love the fact that our real hardwood butcher block is anti-microbial. That means you can cut meat on your counter without worrying about bacteria. If you do happen to nick your tops, “usage marks” only enhance their appearance over time.
Need something for your bar area? Butcher block bar tops add a unique and appealing ambiance to your home or business.
Butcher Block Countertops Pros and Cons: Cons
First, let’s address “problems” that may arise after having your countertops for a while:
- Need for re-oiling or refinishing
- Scratch marks and cut marks
- Marks from kitchen accessories
- Water marks
- Burn marks
You can avoid some of these problems by treating your countertops with a little extra care. To begin with, never place a hot pot directly on wood. Always use potholders or trivets. If your countertop should encounter, our professionals can sand away minor burn damage and refinish the wood.
Additionally, always make sure to clean up wet areas, especially around the sink. Also, you should always use coasters for glasses and saucers for coffee and tea. However, if your countertops do develop drink rings, we can remove them the same way we remove burn marks.
Marks from non-skid surfaces on the bottoms of accessories and small appliances can be an occasional problem with wood countertops. Consider relocating these items or putting them away when not in use.
That said, when you have butcher block countertops, scratch and cut marks come with the territory. They’re part of the appeal of this countertop style. To keep your countertops looking their best, you may want to have them re-oiled yearly.
Avoid Future Problems During the Design Process
You have many wood design options for your countertops, including finishes. We primarily use two types of finishes on our wood countertops: a food-safe finish or a waterproof finish. We normally use food safe finish on butcher block.
With our clients, preventing water damage is a major concern. We can finish the area around your sink with waterproof finish. Just remember that you can’t place food directly on wood finished with Waterlox®.
Since bar countertops won’t be used for food prep, we generally use a waterproof finish.
At Maryland Wood Countertops, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about caring for butcher block. Give us a call today at 443-840-7373.
