Five Misconceptions About Butcher Block Countertops for Kitchens

Improving an outdated or rundown kitchen can be as simple as painting the cabinets a different color or as complex as gutting it and starting over with a clean slate. Then there’s updating one area at a time—such as installing brand-new kitchen countertops. If new countertops are in your future, since there are many options to choose from, some research is probably in order. Consider your current countertop material and overall condition, and try to identify where your existing counters are lacking.

You might want something completely different from what you have now. Have you thought about wooden butcher block countertops? These are a popular countertop option for many reasons. They’re timeless, nice looking and available in a variety of beautiful hardwoods, perfect for installing in most kitchens.

Below is a list of five common misconceptions about installing butcher block countertops in your Midland, MI kitchen.

Myth #1: Butcher blocks are not sanitary

It’s a common misconception that butcher block countertops harbor germs. This idea likely stems from wood being used as a cutting board material, and the fact that wood countertops cannot be “washed” in the traditional sense. But what many people don’t understand is that butcher block countertops that are well cared for are very sanitary, and wood is actually safer to use than plastic, which can harbor microbes like listeria, E-coli and salmonella. If this is a concern of yours, avoid working directly on your butcher block counter, just like you would any other countertop material.

The key to purchasing a wood countertop is picking one that’s finished with a water-resistant coating to keep moisture from seeping into the surface. Some maintenance on your part is required to ensure the surface remains free of bacteria.

Myths #2 and #3: They are not water or heat resistant

To make your wood surface water resistant, coat it with a food-safe mineral oil every six months. Between this and making sure the counters you choose come with a water-resistant finish, water and moisture should not be a problem for your butcher block counters.

Another common misconception is that butcher block countertops aren’t heat resistant. However, hardwood counters are actually more heat resistant than granite and take longer to burn or char than any other countertop material. If heat marks or charring appear, they can be sanded out.

Myths #4 and #5: Butcher blocks require costly maintenance, and they damage easily

A huge advantage of butcher block countertops is that they are relatively easy to repair and maintain. Homeowners can repair small damage on their own by sanding, and resealing the surface once or twice a year helps maintain the original quality and look. The great thing is that, since hardwood countertops are extremely durable, scratches and dings are not as prominent as they would be on other countertop materials.

Visit Nowak Cabinets of Midland today to check out our high-quality Caribou brand butcher block countertops in Midland, MI. We look forward to introducing you to a material that just might become your new favorite!

Categorised in: Countertops

This post was written by Writer