How Much Do Butcher Block Countertops Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,200 - $5,000
Butcher block countertops cost an average of $3,750 for the standard kitchen or $1,200 to $5,000, depending on wood grain and labor costs.
A typical butcher block countertop costs $1,200 to $5,000, depending on size and quality, though you could spend as much as $15,000 on a custom design made from exotic wood. Most people end up spending somewhere between $50 and $150 per square foot, with an average price tag of $3,750.
Butcher block countertops are made up of hardwood strips that are glued together and placed on top of a cabinet to form a countertop. Hard maple is a common material used for butcher block countertops, as well as American Cherry or American Walnut. Overall, butcher block countertops are a warmer alternative to more expensive, colder food prep surfaces like granite or quartz.
- Average
- $3,750
- Low end
- $500
- high end
- $15,000
Butcher Block Countertop Cost per Square Foot
Butcher block countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot, on average—but costs can rise. Custom work often costs anywhere from $200 to $400 per square foot, and homeowners who install high-end wood in a large kitchen could spend more than $10,000.
Either way, the larger the countertop, the more you’ll pay.
| Size | Square Footage | Average Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Island | 10–22 | $500–$3,300 |
| Small Kitchen | 20–30 | $1,000–$4,500 |
| Average Kitchen | 30–40 | $1,500–$6,000 |
| Large Kitchen | 50–60+ | $2,500–$9,000+ |
Butcher Block Countertop Cost Breakdown
Butcher block is a great mid-range material. When compared to the cost of quartz counters or natural stone, it’s relatively affordable, and compared to the cost of Corian® counters or laminate, it’s high-end. In many ways, it is what you make it. Choose a high-end wood and watch the price tag rise. Choose standard options with DIY installation, and you could save hundreds.
Here’s how the cost of butcher block countertops breaks down.
Grain Type
Beyond just the type of wood, you can choose different grain design options. This can dramatically change the aesthetic of your butcher block countertop. Some grains are more decorative and stand out versus a grain that will blend into the features of your kitchen. Each has a different price point.
| Type of Grain | Description | Price Range (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|---|
| End | Checkboard pattern from wood glued together in squares | $75–$350 |
| Edge | Made from long strips of wood cut from the edges of boards | $50–$275 |
| Face | Made from wider strips that make up the face (rather than the edge) of a wooden board | $30–$200 |
| Blended | Strips of varying sizes running the whole length of the countertop, attached in a patchwork-like pattern | $50–$325 |
Raw vs. Finished
Butcher blocks are made of unfinished, raw wood and cost $100 to $650 per block. You can add an edge for $30 to $50, usually straight or bullnose (a curve along the top and bottom of the counter). Finished butcher block surfaces cost between $160 to $1,400 per block and already come with oil on them, with a straight, radius, or bullnose edge.
Labor
Labor costs make up a large portion of the total price of a butcher block countertop. Depending on the detail of the construction, you can expect to spend anywhere from $10 to $100 per square foot on labor. Some detailed custom work can cost as much as $150 per square foot. Most of the time, contractors charge the equivalent of $60 to $100 per hour.
You’ll pay higher labor costs to install an unfinished butcher block if you need your contractor to finish it.
Butcher Block Countertop Cost by Material
Since the cost of wood varies so widely, it has one of the largest impacts on your overall wood countertop cost. Keep in mind that not all wood is durable enough to use as a cutting board. If you plan to use your butcher block countertops as a cutting board, choose a wood that is durable enough to resist scratches but not so hard that it will dull your knives.
| Wood Type | Typical Cost (Per Square Foot) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Red oak | $15–$50 | Common butcher block material, budget-friendly, not the most durable |
| Birch | $25–$75 | Light color with uniform grain, budget-friendly, brightens the look of your kitchen |
| Maple | $40–$80 | Common butcher block material, scratch-resistant, resistant to water damage |
| Acacia | $30–$100 | Antibacterial, moisture resistant, great for kitchens with heavy use |
| Beech | $40–$100 | Straight-grained wood, high abrasion resistance, less porous than other woods |
| Bamboo | $50–$125 | Sustainable, antibacterial, great for modern design aesthetics |
| Teak | $100–$200 | Easy to clean, water-resistant, difficult to work with |
| Cherry | $50–$275 | Warm, rich color, dramatic, unique look, durable |
| Walnut | $75–$300 | Rich, dark color, sustainable, not as long-lasting as other woods |
| Zebrawood | $200–$300 | Striped grain with unique appearance, hard to work with, high cost |
Additional Costs to Consider
Your butcher block countertop installation may incur a few extra costs beyond basic materials and installation. It depends on your unique needs.
Removal of the Existing Countertop
If you’re replacing your existing countertop, you’ll have to remove the old material before you can install the new materials. If it’s not already wrapped into the total cost of the job, your contractor will typically charge $50 to $300 for this service.
Custom Cutouts
Your contractor may need to make cutouts if you plan to install a sink, faucet, outlet, or other appliances on your countertop. Expect to spend $100 to $200 per cutout.
Waterproofing
Since wood is porous, you’ll need to waterproof your butcher block countertop. This costs an additional $5 to $35 per application. Most homeowners can do this job on their own and should reseal their countertops every month with oil—or at least twice a year.
Maintenance
It doesn’t cost much to maintain a butcher block countertop. Most homeowners spend $5 to $50 per year (including cleaning supplies and oils or waxes). Repairs generally cost $250 or less, unless there is significant damage and you need to resurface or replace your countertop.
Butcher Block Backsplash
Butcher block backsplashes typically cost $100 to $500, including installation, in addition to countertops. Your installer will likely include installation costs for this in your overall countertop bill. They may vary depending on what materials and the amount you purchase.
The cost of a butcher block countertop backsplash varies depending on the type and length. A 4-inch maple backsplash that is 2 feet long, is often approximately $25. For a higher quality wood such as cherry, it can be between $50 to $60 for the same size.
Butcher Block Island Top
Installing a butcher block island costs the same as a countertop. A typical installation starts at around $40 per square foot of butcher block. Be ready for additional installation costs if you're installing an island with sinks and outlets, as these often require installation by an electrician before completing the job.
| Additional Cost | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Electrical wiring installation | $500–$2,000 |
| Sink installation | $200–$600 |
| Plumbing | $200–$500 |
Cost to Install Butcher Block Countertops Yourself
If you have remodeling experience, you can install a butcher block countertop yourself. Depending on your countertop, you can typically buy a pre-finished butcher block, which cuts down the workload. Some ultra-handy homeowners prefer to cut, install, and finish an unfinished butcher block because it allows for more customization.
A basic butcher block countertop will run you $100 to $500 if you do the job DIY. This project does take a full day for a pro, so expect it to take at least a weekend to do on your own. You’ll also need to be comfortable measuring and cutting your counter, which requires using a saw (it’s not as hard as cutting granite, but you’ll need to be careful). If any plumbing or electrical work is required, forget the DIY and leave this job to a pro.
DIY Butcher Block Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
You’ll save 30% to 50% of the total cost if you do the job DIY—but only if you do it right. There’s plenty of room for error, which could mean you’ll have to purchase a brand-new countertop. Unless you’re an experienced DIYer, you’ll probably want to call a countertop installer near you.
Pros and Cons of Butcher Block Countertops
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of butcher block countertops before you decide on this material. While this option works well with almost any style of kitchen, it’s not always the right choice. Keep in mind that even if you do go for butcher block, you may not want to use it as a cutting board as knives will scratch the surface. Some people say this adds to the patina, while others believe it ruins the look.
Pros
Affordable compared to higher-end countertops like quartz and natural stone
Easy to clean (use basic household items like vinegar)
There’s a range of hardwood options with different aesthetics
Countertops can last for 20+ years
You can refinish butcher block when it starts to wear down
DIY friendly
Cons
Vulnerable to scratches, knicks, and dents, especially when used as a cutting board
Susceptible to liquid, so you’ll need to seal it often
Not resistant to heat damage from hot pots and pans
Can warp with thermal expansion, especially if it’s not properly installed
Relatively high cost compared to wallet-friendly materials like laminate
How to Save on Butcher Block Countertop Costs
If you’re looking for kitchen countertop ideas on a budget, butcher block is a viable option. You just have to play your cards right. Hardwood can be expensive if you choose exotic woods and custom finishes, but you can keep this project under budget with a few smart choices:
Do some of the work DIY: You’ll save on labor costs if you do basic jobs like removing your old countertops and hauling away the trash. Just make sure not to damage your cabinets.
Choose an affordable wood: Avoid high-end and exotic woods. Opt for affordable materials like mid-grade oak, birch, beech, or maple.
Keep it standard: Avoid fancy countertop edges that require extra labor. Go for the standard square countertop edge.
Maintain your countertop yourself: You’ll need to occasionally sand and oil your countertop. Buffing out scratches on your own will save labor costs and keep your countertops looking new.
Get quotes: Get at least three quotes from a pro to understand your local market. If a price seems dramatically lower than average, it’s often too good to be true.
Frequently Asked Questions
Butcher block countertops are easy to clean. You can use basic household cleaning materials like soap and water. You can even use vinegar or lemon juice and salt. There aren’t many special precautions like other materials. For example, soap tends to streak stainless steel while acid-based cleaners can wear down quartz.
If you want your butcher countertops to last the typical 20 years, you should seal them monthly. Most homeowners use either oil or polyurethane, which helps repel water from the porous material. Keep in mind that if your countertops are in a kitchen, you’ll want to use a food-grade sealant. Tung oil, mineral oil, and beeswax are all popular options.
Most butcher block countertops last around 20 years if they’re properly maintained. This is similar to materials like granite but longer than materials like laminate. You’ll need to regularly reseal your countertops to maintain the life span, ideally once a month. You can also resurface them when you have deep scratches, stains, and dings.
Butcher block countertops are generally more affordable than quartz countertops. The average quartz countertop costs around $4,500, while the average butcher block countertop costs around $3,750. However, high-end butcher blocks with custom features can negate the savings, since certain woods come with a higher per square foot cost.