butcher block counters

Butcher Block Counters - No-Nonsense Style

Butcher block counters are ideal work surfaces because they are nearly indestructible yet do not dull expensive cutlery or mar cooking utensils.

A butcher block counter also conveys a no-nonsense appearance to kitchens that have them, but, because of the variations in the hue of the wood, fit in beautifully with most kitchen decorating ideas.

Butcher blocks were first produced in the 1880's when manufacturers realized laminated wood cutting surfaces were a solution to problems the meat cutting industry had had for years.

Easy to maintain and clean, durable and, if properly treated, not subject to warping or drying out,  butcher block cutting surfaces have now become the standard in home kitchens everywhere.

Give Your Countertop A New Life, Again And Again

Butcher blocks are blocks of wood, often Hardrock Maple or other tight-grained woods, glued edge or end grain for strength and durability.

While many butcher blocks are fitted on kitchen islands and carts, those are very often end-grain squared blocks.

Counters of butcher block, on the other hand, are usually fastened edge-grain in lengths.

While butcher block surfaces may have the look of being permanent, they can be removed fairly easily and resurfaced by planing and sanding, thereby extending their useful life.

Burn marks and other damage are not the serious matter they would be on other countertop surfaces, and many stains can be removed with a piece of sandpaper.

Countertops made of butcher block require special care, as well, moisture and preparation of meats on the wood can encourage bacteria.

The counter should be cleaned with a bleach or vinegar solution regularly and the surface treated with mineral oil to block moisture and prevent drying out.

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