Everything to know if you’re pining for wood counters
Butcher block countertops come from straight cuts of your favorite wood.
These counters are timeless, trendy, and completely customizable.
Noise reduction and durability are benefits of wood countertops.
Expect to pay about $50 to $150 per square foot for butcher block.
If you’re handy, you can install butcher block countertops yourself.
So, you’ve walked into your kitchen, and the weakest link of the room is glaringly obvious—the counters are begging for an upgrade, and you’ve got your eye on some butcher block kitchen countertops. After all, butcher block gives off a warm aesthetic and natural vibe. Plus, it goes with every decor style, from modern farmhouse kitchens to sleek, minimalist cooking spaces. But is it right for you? Here’s what you need to know about butcher block countertop pros and cons before you commit your time and money.
Butcher block kitchen countertops are built from straight cuts of wood fused together to form dense slabs, resulting in a sturdy and durable surface.
They have a timelessly warm aesthetic, work well with any decor style—especially as a farmhouse kitchen idea—are endlessly customizable, and help soften the sounds of a busy family kitchen with their noise-dampening properties. Some people even love them for their ability to double as a cutting board, though most prefer to keep them scratch-free if possible. If treated properly, butcher block countertops can be a long-lasting staple in kitchens, though they do require more upkeep than other countertop materials, meaning more of your time and energy.
Still weighing out your options? Here’s a snapshot of butcher block’s pros and cons to help you kick off your dream kitchen makeover.
Butcher block countertops have many benefits. Here’s what you can enjoy when installing a butcher block countertop in your kitchen.
Butcher block countertops are easy to clean with mild dish soap. However, they require monthly or quarterly sealing to keep them in great shape.
You can choose the wood type and grain to give your countertop any look you want. Each has a different hue, pattern, and style, giving you many options in your kitchen.
Butcher block countertops are known to last as long as 20 years. To make yours last this long, proper cleaning and monthly oiling are essential.
Wood naturally reduces the surrounding noise in a kitchen, such as the whir of appliances or a chatty household.
Butcher block countertops are one of the few countertops you can install yourself without extensive experience. As long as you can measure and cut carefully, you’re in business. Of course, there’s always the option for professional installation, too.
It’s important to look at the downsides of butcher block countertops to ensure they are a good fit for your kitchen.
Depending on the type of wood you choose, scratches and dents may occur easily. Maple is often the most durable, but other options scratch or dent easier.
Maintenance is the key to longevity for butcher block countertops. Whether your countertops are finished or unfinished, regularly oiling them with a food-grade oil (monthly or at least quarterly) is essential.
Butcher block countertops are not heat-resistant. If you put heat directly on the countertop, it will leave a burn mark that you must refinish to remove.
Heat damage from hot pots and utensils can leave unsightly marks and spots on your kitchen counter. Tile, granite, and stainless steel are more heat-resistant than wood or laminate. Prevent heat damage by letting pots cool on the stove and using trivets.
Wood naturally expands in the summer and contracts in the winter. This can lead to cracking if it’s not properly installed to account for these changes.
Wood countertops are susceptible to water damage, which is why oiling them monthly is essential. If you leave butcher block countertops unsealed, they will begin to warp and could grow mold.
Butcher block countertops cost approximately $50 to $150 per square foot—or $3,750 on average—to install. This includes labor and materials and depends on your location, wood and grain type, customization, etc. Compared to other popular countertop materials, such as marble, granite, and quartz, the cost of butcher block countertops is relatively wallet-friendly if you go with red oak or birch.
| Countertop Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Butcher block | $3,750 |
| Granite | $3,250 |
| Marble | $3,000 |
| Stainless steel | $4,500 |
| Quartz | $4,500 |
If you have any DIY skills, you may be considering installing your butcher block countertops yourself. After all, DIY butcher block countertops cost about $20 to $70 per square foot for materials and another $100 or so for tools—saving you money on labor costs. However, while installing the countertops yourself will certainly help keep costs down, it’s typically not recommended. Why? The main reason is that these countertops are heavy, and it’s very hard to move and lift the materials without someone helping you.
DIY installation could also take more than the average time of 10 to 20 hours it takes a professional to get the job done. Another big risk of DIY butcher block countertop installation is making an improper cut to the wood. If this happens, you’ll need to replace the material and start fresh, which will cost you more in the long run than hiring a local countertop pro.
Samantha Velez contributed to this piece.
Butcher block countertops last around 20 years, and even longer in some cases. This largely depends on how often you complete general maintenance tasks, like sanding and resurfacing to remove scorch marks, dings, scratches and other imperfections. You should clean butcher block countertops after every use to make sure they last. Also, the thickness of the specific strips used to build the butcher block impacts longevity. Generally speaking, thicker strips are more durable than thinner strips.
Butcher block countertops are durable, but wood is generally susceptible to extreme heat, so you should avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on a butcher block counter. This will likely cause some aesthetic damage in the form of scorch marks. Instead, invest in some trivets and put your hot cookware on top of them.
You can certainly seal butcher block countertops, but not permanently. Due to the nature of the materials, it will require resurfacing down the line. This is true no matter what you use to seal the countertop, including polyurethane and mineral oil. Polyurethane will last until the countertop is damaged in some way, and mineral oil should be reapplied every two to three months. To maximize the longevity of polyurethane sealer, apply two coats.
