Natural Stone vs. Butcher Block: Why You Should Skip the Butcher Block Fad
Butcher block is trending in the world of kitchen design. There are lots of reasons to love the look of this countertop style: its natural appearance, the variety of colors and wood grains, the classic kitchen look. Butcher block is visually versatile, and it fits easily in both modern and traditional kitchens.
That said, there are a few reasons you should steer clear of butcher block during your kitchen renovation. Be aware of these butcher block drawbacks before you install it in your space. It’s also important to keep other common mishaps homeowners make on your radar. See common remodel mistakes homeowners often make here.
Butcher Block is Less Durable Than Natural Stone
Butcher block doesn’t hold up to natural stone when it comes to longevity and durability. This type of countertop is especially prone to dents, scrapes, water marks, etc. It’s less forgiving than its granite or quartz counterparts. One mistake — like leaving a water glass on the countertop for too long or accidentally setting down a hot dish — may leave lasting damage.
Even a well-cared-for butcher block countertop will only have a lifespan of 5-10 years, while a natural stone countertop can look as beautiful after several decades as it does when you install it. If you want to create a timeless kitchen, consider installing a natural stone countertop in place of butcher block.
Butcher Block Requires Diligent Care
To properly care for butcher block, you need to follow a specific maintenance routine:
Make sure to immediately clean it if you spill any food or drink.
Keep a gentle cleaning agent handy at all times to mop up any spills and to clean the butcher block weekly.
If food or debris builds up on your butcher block, you will need to use a dough scraper to clean it.
Oil the wood with specific oil monthly, forever, to help the wood retain moisture over time.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance material for your countertops, butcher block probably isn’t the best option for your kitchen renovation.
Butcher Block is Not a Cutting Board
Some homeowners romanticize the idea of using a butcher block countertop as a large cutting board — for instance, using it to roll dough, chop vegetables, etc. Don’t get ahead of yourself, though. A butcher block countertop might look like a cutting board, but you should NOT use it like one. Butcher block easily accumulates markings from knives and other cooking tools — much more often than granite or other natural stones.
You still need to use a cutting board over butcher block, just like you would with any other countertop. Always protect your countertop (of any material) with a sturdy cutting board to prevent permanent damage.
Not all Butcher Block is Created Equal
Many homeowners are drawn in by the appearance of butcher block, but the truth is, not all butcher block is equally valuable. Prices can range widely depending on the type of wood used, the thickness, the sealant, etc. A wide variety of wood types are used to make butcher block, including maple, cherry, red oak, bamboo (which is technically not even wood!), walnut, and others. All of these types of wood have different hardness and durability.
In addition, some types of butcher might be sealed better than others. This type of material requires proper sealing in order to avoid immediate damage during use. If you’re set on purchasing butcher block, make sure to get all the details about the wood and sealant from the vendor first.
Consider Using Butcher Block as an Accent
Still set on the idea of using butcher block in your kitchen? Consider using it as an accent, rather than your primary countertop. Use butcher block for an island, a breakfast bar, or any other part of your kitchen that doesn’t see day-to-day work. It combines well with other types of stone countertops, including quartz, granite, soapstone, and marble.
Just be sure to steer clear of using butcher block near your sink, stove, or oven, or any other part of your kitchen that gets a lot of action. For those areas, choose a sturdier natural stone material that won’t be permanently damaged from wet or hot pans.
The Key Advantages of Natural Stone
Like butcher block, stone has a natural look that fits well in several types of kitchen designs. Natural stone countertops come in a variety of beautiful shades and textures — it’s hard to find a kitchen that doesn’t look great with a stone countertop.
At Alpha Surfaces, we specialize in crafting custom natural stone countertops for all different types of kitchens (and bathrooms, too). To learn more about the types of countertops we offer, visit this summary of our favorite surfaces. You can also schedule a countertop design meeting to talk to us about your design ideas and get started on a renovation. We’re looking forward to helping you choose the perfect countertop for your space!