Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block countertops are an excellent choice in homes where cutting and cooking take place in abundance. Providing the perfect surface for preparing foods, this type of counter is commonly used in a center island or in one specific place rather than the entire kitchen. When the proper care is used with butcher block counters, they can serve their purpose and look good doing it for years to come.

Why Locations Are Limited

While it is not always the case, many people choose to designate one area of their kitchen for butcher block countertops. The remaining surfaces might be covered with granite, slate, corian, formica or so on.

Why do people do this?

Butcher block countertops> are extremely useful and can look beautiful. They do, however, require a little more care than other types of countertops. If they are not well maintained, dryness, splitting and warping can occur. It is simply easier for many people to have one small counter that uses a butcher block surface. When the right touches are made, a butcher block island, for example, can look fantastic along with granite or other surfaces.

Care Tips For Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block countertops are made to withstand direct cutting. In fact, they are used by many as the main cutting surface in a home. Considering this, it is important to remember that they do require proper care and maintenance to look good. Knives and wood, after all, can mix like oil and water.

So, how can a person keep butcher block countertops looking great?

It's fairly simple, but it does require diligence. To properly maintain a butcher block, these tips are worth following:

• Keep the surface clean and dry. After use, butcher block countertops should be cleaned off with warm, soapy water. The top should be well dried following each use.
• Keep the surface oiled. The key to keeping butcher block countertops looking great lies in using the proper oil. Check with the manufacturer for recommendations, but a monthly oiling is not out of the question.
• Avoid heat. Butcher block countertops are designed for cutting, not heating. To avoid damaging the wood, do not set hot pans or pots on top of these counters. Use a hot plate if placement is necessary.
• Follow other manufacturer instructions. Butcher block countertops can vary in their care instructions based on the materials used. Check with the manufacturer for any specific advice for maintenance.

Butcher block countertops are an excellent choice in homes where cooking ease and convenience is desired. It does pay to properly maintain these countertops, however. They can require a little more care than some people are used to.