Essay

Pros and Cons of Butcher Block Counter-tops – Essay Tips

Butcher Block Counter-tops

Butcher block countertops refer to a specific type of wood surface for tables or countertops that are similar to the actual cutting surface once used in butcher shops and meat processing plants. The butcher block is also called chopper block and is typically several inches thick.

Importance of Butcher Block Counter-tops

Due to butcher block unique appearance and strength in the positioning of end or edge grain on the surface, the people more like it to buy. Butcher blocks provide durability and are easily resurfaced through sanding to maintain a smooth, sanitary surface.

Construction of Butcher Block Counter-tops

Butcher blocks are constructed from hundreds of square pieces of wood glued together so that their cut ends to form a strong surface.

Professional butcher blocks are significantly thicker than most blocks sold for use in home kitchens. Edge butcher blocks are made from small planks that have been joined together. The surface of the butcher block is typically finished with nontoxic oil if the surface will be used for food preparation or a cutting surface.

Butcher Blocks vs Cutting Boards

Butcher Block

End grain for butcher block boards are thick are surface area is big enough to cut the meats.

Cutting Boards

They are made by the strip of hardwood rather than block and are thinner than butcher board, and surface area is also less for cutting boards.

Characteristics of Butcher Counter-tops

User Friendly

Creating a large butcher block area make it much more user-friendly.

Multi-Functional

The butcher block countertops have so many uses. This large piece block not only uses for the countertops to make your home beautiful but also in the kitchen for a great spot to prepare dinner.

Colour

Butcher block countertops have different colours that increase the beauty and charm of your countertops in house and many other places.

Things to consider when buying butcher Block Counter-tops:

You Will Have to Take Care of Them

Butcher block countertops require much more maintenance than marble or stone counterparts. You have to treat the surface with mineral oil to protect the natural wood and use sandpaper to sand down and fill scratches that have occurred. This kind of retreating must be done once in the year. If maintained properly, these countertops last for a long time.

Warm-up Your Kitchen

Natural wood warms up space where you are working in a kitchen and make your kitchen feel cosy and comfortable. If you are more into modern look incorporating butcher block can add up an unexpected contrast that is on-trend. It’s a piece of decor that is very beautiful.

There Are Different Styles

The two choices you have when buying a butcher block countertop are end grain or edge grain. While end grain is more expensive, it last longer and generally wears better. Edge grain shows mars more easily.

Be Careful with Water and Heat

Putting butcher block countertops near the sink or your stove can be very risky if you are not careful. When it comes to water wood absorbs the water very quickly, which may lead to mould.

If you spill coffee or tomato sauce, there will be a chance of staining.

Types of Butcher Block Countertops

The various types of butcher block countertops include:

Ash Butcher Block Countertops.
Beech Butcher Block Countertops.
Hickory Butcher Block Countertops.
Maple Butcher Block Countertops etc.

Pros of Butcher Block Counter-tops

Affordable Countertops

Butcher block countertops will cost you only $20 to $60 per square foot in supplies. That beats the cost of most other popular options including stainless steel, glass, concrete, marble and soapstone or limestone.

You can even save more money by choosing an installation.

Suitable Than other Materials

It is more ideal than other material due to its maintenance, durability, easy to clean method and as available at very cheap prices.

This is only the countertop used as a cutting surface. As it doesn’t dull your knives and it has a very soft texture.

Variety

There are many types of butcher block countertops. They are made up of wood that includes many kinds like maple, cherry, oak, teak etc. Stain and finishes complete the look giving each one a customized appearance.

Recycle and Recyclable

Most butcher block countertops are being salvaged and re-purposed for green countertops at a growing rate. Most of butcher block countertops can be recycled.

Excellent Work Surface

The wood of butcher block is easy on knives. The edges on your cutlery will last longer than if working on granite or concrete.

Noise Proof

With butcher block countertops you get to enjoy a quitter kitchen no matter who is creating their latest culinary masterpiece. Wood is significantly softer than stone or tike, that means it can absorb sound instead of creating more.

Cons of Butcher Block Counter-tops

Water Damaged

If the surface is not consistently treated with mineral oil or other protectant damage can occur if the water sits in the countertops.

Refinishing

With time the block butcher countertop will begin to show some wear and tear. The finish may need to reapply. Or the entire surface is sanded or refinished. Expect to refinish butcher block countertops after 10-20 years depending upon the type of use they get.

Scratch and Dent Problems

Since wood is softer than tile, stone and metal, it can be more easily damaged. Some homeowners consider these blemishes as giving character to the counters. Using a separate cutting board will help save your countertop surface.

Require Proper Sealing

If butcher countertop is not sealed properly, it offers a porous surface where gems may hide and multiply.

It Expands or Contracts As Temperature Fluctuates

As it does with water, wood swells and shrinks with changing temperature. Homeowners can expect their butcher block countertops to grow by roughly one-eighth of an inch in summer and contract by the same amount in the winter.

Installation

Make sure that butcher block countertops have adequate ventilation as wood can expand and contract with temperature changes.

Conclusion

Since every countertops have its pros and cons. So it isn’t easy to decide which one is best of all.

If you are thinking to buy butcher block countertops you may consider first its pros and cons.

Amit Kumar

FreeEducator.com blog is managed by Amit Kumar. He and his team come from the Oxford, Stanford and Harvard. At FreeEducator, we strive to create the best admission platform so that international students can go to the best universities - regardless of financial circumstances. By applying with us, international students get unlimited support and unbiased advice to secure the best college offers overseas.