Butcher Block Countertops Pros And Cons

Is your kitchen countertop proving inadequate for your gourmet affairs? Is it a situation that your enthusiasm for cooking fizzes out when you see that clutter on the counter and you ultimately end up ordering a pizza? Well, then if that is the situation, perhaps you would consider a butcher block counter top installation in your kitchen. Butcher block is a kind of assembled wood, that is used as table tops, cutting boards and as chopping surfaces. It is mostly prepared of sugar maple and gets the name on account of the fact that these kitchen countertops were found in butcher shops previously. In the contemporary period, it has become a popular household thing. Just as these are popular because of its advantages, there are some drawbacks to counter tops as well. Thus, if you are planning on having a butcher block countertop, the following pointers on butcher block counter tops pros and cons might help you take a good decision. Read more on kitchen countertop ideas.

Butcher Block Counter Tops- Advantages

Thou Shalt Help the Environment: To use reclaimed lumber for your countertop definitely is an environmentally conscious endeavor. It also is a symbol of the aesthetic sense a person has. But as usual there is a contradiction to it, which we will check out in the disadvantages. Wood is one of the safest options to have as a countertop, as it is naturally endowed with anti bacterial properties.

Designed for Beauty: As compared to granite and any other stone top, wood gives a more inviting appearance. Wood is warm and not as cold as any stone. Neither is wood sterile like stainless steel. They add that rustic touch and a different aesthetic dimension to the kitchen than the same old granite and marble.

Making the Cut: Butcher block counter tops are great for using as cutting surfaces. It has the necessary expanse and sturdiness to endure chopping and cutting. Wood is known to be strong, isn't it? Here, the anti bacterial nature of wood comes in handy. While thinking about butcher block countertops pros and cons, this is a significant point.

The 'Buck' Stops: Amongst countertops, butcher blocks are probably the cheapest in price. This is more so when the prices of a butcher block countertop are compared with granite. Installing Maple wood butcher blocks come at half the cost of that of granite countertops.

Maintenance: It is not a major hassle if you make it a point to keep the butcher block top always clean. In fact it is not even that hard to clean the surface. Just plain sanding is enough to remove any signs of rough usage like dents, burn marks and so on. Thus, butcher block countertops care is not a major issue.

These were the advantages in the description about butcher block countertops pros and cons. Thus giving you the flip side of these type of counter tops.

Butcher Block Counter Tops- Disadvantages

Going Dent'al: No no, this is nothing related to the teeth. It is just about the dents and scratches to which butcher block is very prone to. This happens especially during cutting and chopping even though it is a convenient surface for doing these things.

Clean It Up: Cleaning and maintenance is not a major problem, however, you have to take a lot of care while cleaning it. Furthermore, it has to be periodically cleaned without fail. It needs more maintenance than granite or marble.

The Butcher Buck: Well, we said it is cheap, but only if its maple. That too, because it is easily and commonly available. Think of a butcher block countertop made of teak or similar hardwood, you are bound to have a dent in your pocket if not on your counter top!

Dial 'D' For Design: even though the design of a butcher block counter table gives a nice feel to the kitchen, there is the other side to it. The material and design is such that it gives away all the evidence of rough usage- cutting, chopping, scratches, burn marks and so on.

Really Good for Environment?: The good side was that reclaimed lumber supports the environmental cause. But according to some, the fact that wood is cut and used and that too like exotic hardwood, does not augur well for the environment.Read more on:

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That's it, these are the primary things you would want to check out with regards to butcher block countertops pros and cons. Considering its good and bad points, which seem in equal measure, it might not be a very bad choice. If you are concerned about environment, you might as well go for maple rather than teak, what say?

After all, there is nothing like a nice wood counter top to make your house look perfect! I close my counter of words here!