- Remodeling or building a kitchen is a big job that comes with many decisions, such as what type of counters to choose. Wood can be a beautiful option for your kitchen counters; it is durable, warm, and natural. But before you decide what type of countertop is best for you, you should understand the benefits and drawbacks of using wood.
- One of the nicest things about wood countertops, or butcher block, is that you can chop and prepare food right on the counter. Cutting food on a wood surface is much easier on your cutlery, prolonging the life of your knives.
- Wood countertops add a tremendous amount of warmth to your kitchen. The look of butcher block is very natural and can contribute to a more comfortable, relaxed atmosphere in the kitchen than stone, laminate, or stainless steel. Wood is reminiscent of bygone eras, and can be a good choice when remodeling an older home.
- Wood is very durable, but a nick or scratch is inevitable on any countertop. However, they can usually be sanded out of a butcher block surface fairly easily. It is easier and more cost effective to sand the surface of the counter and refinish it than to replace the entire counter top.
- One down side to wood counter tops, is that they are susceptible to damage from liquid. Exposure to liquids must be kept to a minimum and cleaned up immediately. Liquids can cause discoloration of the wood and over time can warp the wood and loosen the glue holding the boards together.
- Wood countertops are not heat resistant. Setting a hot pan onto the butcher block can scorch it. You need to remember that wood is flammable, and take care with hot items or open flames.
- Butcher block must be cared for regularly. Wood surfaces must be cleaned quickly after food preparation, dried thoroughly, and seasoned regularly by rubbing mineral oil into the wood. Some people use olive oil to season their counters, but be aware that this can darken the wood.
Food Preparation
Warnth and Comfort
Scratches
Liquid Damage
Burn Damage
Maintenance
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