Wood and stone fight it out for the worksurface top spot
Wooden butcher block countertops are an ideal fit for a cozy farmhouse aesthetic.
Stone countertops suit classic or contemporary high-end makeovers.
Butcher block countertops are easy to install and repair, while stone countertops are durable and heat resistant.
The cost of stone counters depends on the material you choose, but butcher block countertops cost an average of $3,750.
When designing your dream kitchen, the worksurfaces you select play a big part in the overall feel and functionality. Wood and stone are two timeless, natural, and durable countertop options. But which one is best for your design? We’ve broken down the key differences between butcher block and stone countertops to take the stress out of the selection process.
Thick butcher block countertops provide a warm aesthetic ideal for farmhouse-style kitchens. However, they require a lot of maintenance, are prone to scratching, and you can’t put hot pans on them without protection. Stone countertops bring elegance to contemporary or classic kitchen designs. There are many stone countertop types, and the traits and costs depend on your selection. However, they’re often highly durable and heat-resistant.
Butcher block countertops are made from straight cuts of hardwood bonded together to form a thick, seamless surface. Originally used in butcher shops for cutting meat, they are now a popular home worksurface. They come in various wood types, thicknesses, colors, and patchwork grain patterns. Sealed wood provides more moisture resistance and durability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Warm aesthetic | Less durable |
| Noise-reducing | High maintenance |
| Easy to install | Not heat-resistant |
Best for:
Farmhouse kitchens with a warm, rustic aesthetic
DIY-friendly countertop upgrades
There are many reasons to choose butcher block over stone countertops, one of the biggest being their warm aesthetic. When you dream of a cozy, inviting kitchen, nothing creates that mood more than wood. Wood also absorbs sounds, helping to mute noisy appliances or clattering crockery on countertops, adding to that calm, welcoming atmosphere.
Butcher block countertops will appeal to eco-friendly homeowners looking for sustainable surfaces. Wood is a renewable, low-energy production material. It’s also attractive if you’re DIY savvy and want to save by installing butcher block countertops yourself. It’s lighter and easier to cut than stone countertops.
Butcher block countertops won’t be the best fit in every scenario. While some hardwoods, such as maple, are more durable than others, butcher block isn’t scratch-proof. Plus, this porous material is susceptible to warping and cracking due to water damage and natural expansion and contraction. Regular butcher block refinishing is required to prevent water damage and bacteria buildup, which can reduce the surface’s life span. Scratches also need sanding out.
If you’re a clumsy cook, constantly putting hot pans or casserole dishes directly on the surface rather than on a protective trivet, you could end up with unsightly burn marks on non-heat-resistant wood countertops.
Stone countertops are made from a unique slab of natural stone mined from quarries. Sometimes resins or other additives are mixed in, and the stone is polished and sometimes sealed to produce an even, moisture- and stain-resistant surface.
There is a wide selection of stone surface types, including limestone, slate, and soapstone countertops, varying in appearance, cost, and durability. Below, we look at how butcher block compares to stone countertops and, more specifically, the most popular options: granite, marble, and quartz countertops.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly durable | Expensive |
| Unique appearance | Challenging to install |
| Heat resistant | Tricky to repair |
Best for:
Homeowners looking for a good return on investment
Contemporary or high-end kitchen makeovers
With the right maintenance, stone countertops can last a lifetime, offering an excellent return on investment. When you compare engineered stone to natural stone, it’s even more durable. Choose quartz (a mix of stone and resin) over natural granite or marble for the longest life span.
Every granite or marble slab has its own unique shade and speckles or veining, making it perfect for those who want a one-of-a-kind surface. And there’s no need to worry about hot pans leaving scorch marks on these heat-resistant surfaces.
Cutting granite countertops or another stone is tricky, and the slabs are heavy. Plus, while stone countertops are tough when installed, they can easily crack if you drop them during the process—and you’ll have to pay for a whole new slab if you damage it. It’s better to leave installation and tricky repairs to a local countertop installer.
It’s no wonder butcher block and stone countertops are popular; both have a lot going for them.
Butcher block and stone countertops are both beautiful, but which one looks best depends on the aesthetic you’re aiming for. Luxurious natural stone is often the top choice for classy, cool, contemporary kitchens, while butcher block works well in cozy, rustic farmhouse kitchen designs.
Stone countertops are the clear winner in terms of durability. While butcher block can last at least a couple of decades with the right maintenance, it can crack and warp over time. Some stone is more durable than others, but it’s scratch-resistant and hard-wearing. With the right care, you might never need to replace your countertops again. This is especially true of quartz, the toughest of them all.
It’s possible to spend about the same amount on butcher block and stone countertops, but butcher block is often less expensive. The average cost of butcher block countertops is $3,750, and the average cost of quartz countertops is $4,500. It all comes down to the specific material you choose. The least expensive wood, red oak, costs $15 to $50 per square foot, bamboo costs $50 to $125, and standard granite costs $40 to $60.
DIY butcher block installation is more doable. Stone countertops are heavy, awkward to transport and lift, and tricky to cut, and it’s almost always better to leave fitting to a pro. Butcher block is still heavy, but you’re less likely to damage it when cutting (and more likely to have the tools to do it) or maneuvering it.
Wood is less durable, so you’ll likely need to complete repairs on butcher block at some point. However, the cost to repair countertops made from wood is typically less than those made from stone, and DIY repairs are more straightforward. While very resistant to damage, certain stone countertops cannot be easily repaired and require an entire—expensive—replacement.
Quartz countertops are non-porous and very low-maintenance. You might need to seal granite countertops or marble annually, but they’re easy to clean. However, butcher block is the most high-maintenance, requiring monthly oil application and frequent sealing.
Both butcher block and stone countertops come in a wide range of shades and patterns. You can stain butcher block to achieve a certain color, and the cut of the grain can produce different effects. Marble and granite have unique patternations but are limited to the stone’s natural shades. Meanwhile, manufactured quartz comes in many colors and patterns to fit your design dreams.
