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Butcher Block Countertops

Wood countertops are a popular choice for kitchens today. Since wood is one of the cleanest and safest kitchen counter materials available, butcher block countertops are practical as well as naturally beautiful. 
 
Development and manufacture of modern butcher block countertops began in the 1880s. It was originally developed as a more stable and sanitary work area for meat cutting in butcher shops and called sanitary meat block. Because of the proven durability of this solid wood surface, butcher block remains a traditional choice today for many kitchen items including countertops, chopping blocks, cutting boards, carts, and islands. 
 
Butcher block countertops are a great way to add beauty and warmth to a new or remodeled kitchen. Wood is a neutral counter material that blends well with any color or decorating scheme and makes an excellent work surface for several reasons. 
 
Butcher block is solid.  It has the durability and hardness to withstand just about any type of force. Another benefit to the solid surface is the fact that it is made of tight grained wood with very small pores, making it difficult for bacteria to hide and grow. 
 
Affordability is another reason that butcher block kitchen counter tops are so widely used. As the least expensive natural material, butcher block is a great alternative to granite, marble, and other stones. 
 
Butcher block is unique. Since it is natural, there are no two pieces alike. Each has its own distinct grains and patterns. 
 
As mentioned above, butcher block counters are very versatile when it comes to decorating styles. Cottage casual, French country, traditional English, American farmhouse, modern and contemporary kitchens all look great with wood countertops. 
 
Butcher block countertop care is simple. Everyday cleaning includes washing with mild soap and water after use. Occasionally oiling the surface if it is unvarnished wood will keep your countertop looking new for years to come.   
 
Several types of woods are used for making butcher block countertops. The choices include maple, hickory, red and white oak, cherry, eucalyptus ( a dark exotic wood similar to cherry), walnut, ash, beech, birch and teak. Northern hard maple is the type of wood most traditionally used, but others may be chosen for different colors and grains. Character and clear versions are available for many of the woods as well as mixed varieties, such as maple with cherry. 
 
Instead of replacing current kitchen countertops, many homeowners choose to use a wood surface in their kitchen another way. If more space is needed, it is easy and looks great to add a butcher block kitchen island, even if existing counters are made of a different material. Movable islands, such as butcher block kitchen carts, are another option to create a versatile food preparation area in your kitchen that can be moved away from the area if needed. If the kitchen is small and does not have an open area in the middle, another option is butcher block cutting boards, such as the popular John Boos chopping block. 
 
Butcher block also works great for storage. Many knife holders, including the miracle blade butcher block, are a great way to effectively and decoratively store and display your cutting utensils.
 
In addition to butcher block countertops, cutting surfaces, and storage, this beautiful wood surface has even made its way into the dining areas of a home. Butcher block tables have become a popular addition to dining rooms, eat in kitchens, and breakfast nooks.
 
Many butcher block manufacturers sell multiple products such as the popular John Boos Butcher Block. 
 
Video 1: How butcher block countertops are made and the options available. 

Video 2: Maple butcher block

Video 3: Do it yourself (diy) butcher block tops

Video 4: Handmade butcher block

Video 5: Custom made butcher block table

 

butcher block countertops - Google News
Google News

Bally Block Saves Time Using NOVAtime Workforce Management Solutions - PR Web...

Bally Block Saves Time Using NOVAtime Workforce Management Solutions
PR Web (press release)
Their wood-welded butcher block line includes kitchen countertops, wood countertops, kitchen islands, kitchen carts, wood cutting boards, dining tables and ...


Offering fast fixes for foreclosed houses - NorthJersey.com

Offering fast fixes for foreclosed houses
NorthJersey.com
In an average kitchen, a new laminate countertop starts at around $1000, with granite or quartz ranging from $3000 to $6000. Butcher-block countertops are ...


In Top Form - Kitchen and Bath Design News

Kitchen and Bath Design News

In Top Form
Kitchen and Bath Design News
?It also lowers the butcher block a bit, making it easier to chop on.? While aesthetics are usually the first consideration when clients look at countertop ...

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Finding the Perfect Green Countertop - Jetson Green (blog)

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Jetson Green (blog)
Windfall Lumber - butcher block countertop made from reclaimed Douglas Fir and sustainably harvested woods. When pricing information is discussed above, ...


Cutting boards made for tall cooks - CNET

CNET

Cutting boards made for tall cooks
CNET
If your counters are a little too tall for comfort, AWP Butcher Block also offers custom kitchen carts and islands at just the right height, as well as for ...


Home Front - Washington Post

Home Front
Washington Post
Butcher Block Countertops: Can be a pain to take care of with spills and nicks from knifes etc. Sand paper and mineral oil should be kept handy. ...


Home Front: Kitchen redo - Washington Post

Home Front: Kitchen redo
Washington Post
Cork flooring: I love the wood counter tops-- installed one myself using a big piece of butcherblock countertop from Ikea. I've been thinking of getting a ...


Northwest oasis - Corpus Christi Caller Times

Northwest oasis
Corpus Christi Caller Times
The kitchen has counters of custom-made Mexican tile. Brothers Pablo and Eddie Contreras made the butcher block island with five types of wood. ...


House of dreams - Montreal Gazette

House of dreams
Montreal Gazette
Here, a back-splash of glazed beige subway tiles complements the black granite counters and pine butcher block. "This really is a dream kitchen for Andrew," ...


My New Home: Lost, found in Midtown - Memphis Commercial Appeal

My New Home: Lost, found in Midtown
Memphis Commercial Appeal
The kitchen received fresh paint, new cabinet hardware, updated lighting, a new sink and butcher block countertops. Built-ins, like this one in the ...