5 Reasons You Should Choose Wood Countertops
If you are looking for ways to spruce up your kitchen, you have probably been searching for new countertops to complement your traditional or contemporary style. As you browse the Internet, you likely have found quite a few different types of countertops to choose from, including tile, stone, wood, and concrete. For example, you may even have found the modern trend of opting for concrete countertops for a modern, industrial-looking kitchen to be appealing for your modern kitchen.
Why Choose Butcher Block Wood Over Other Countertop Options
All the countertop types mentioned here have their pros and cons. Some of them are quite heat and scratch-proof, yet chip easily. In this article, we'll cover the top 5 reasons why opting for wood will still overall be your best choice. There are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Cost
To start, you will want to evaluate the cost of your countertop. What is the approximate cost for a kitchen countertop installation? It is estimated that butcher block countertops will cost you anywhere between $20 and $60 per square foot upon installation. Compare that with some of the other countertop options available:
- Laminate ($10 to $30 per square foot)
- Stainless Steel ($20 to $150 per square foot)
- Concrete ($25 to $75 per square foot)
- Marble ($25 to $75 per square foot)
- Soapstone ($25 to $75 per square foot)
- Limestone ($20 to $75 per square foot)
- Glass ($25 to $100 per square foot)
- Granite ($35 to $200 per square foot)
High-quality wood countertops can also still be expensive, and some woods like walnut have a higher price tag. However, maintenance is not as complicated since butcher block countertops do not need to be replaced as frequently as a countertop style like concrete does, for example. Wood is highly durable, which contributes to a longer life span.
The cheaper laminate countertop will cost you around $10 to $30 per square foot for installation. While it is a good countertop choice that is available in a wide variety of styles and colors, it isn’t the best choice when it comes to durability.
2. Maintenance
Some countertop types, once installed, require very little maintenance. For example, quartz and granite require relatively low maintenance, but their expense makes a lower-price countertop like butcher block a better option.
Concrete countertops require sealing upon their initial installation. Following that, they need to be resealed every few years. In addition, you'll also need to wipe away any spills to ensure liquids don't damage the sealant and leave the concrete vulnerable to stains.
Wood countertops, by contrast, do require reoccurring mineral-oil applications, however, this is relatively inexpensive and easy to do. So long as the homeowner consistently maintains their wood countertops with mineral-oil, you will be able to enjoy your countertop for many years to come.
3. Functionality
Butcher blocks, as their name implies, can handle cutting directly on their surface. Other countertops you may cut directly on include quartz and granite. (Using a cutting board will help to extend the life of your countertops, however).
While a quality finished wood butcher block can handle cutting, you can't cut directly on a concrete, marble, or limestone countertop's surface. For example, cutting on a concrete countertop may damage the sealant and expose the countertop.
Also, some types of countertops like granite and concrete are quite heavy. As a result, you'll need to factor in their weight for when you install (or have a professional install) a large slab of stone on your countertop. By contrast, wood countertops are quite a bit lighter.
4. Aesthetics
If you are looking for countertops for an industrial loft, concrete countertops may be a good fit. However, for a homey kitchen, they're not going to be as good a choice because of their very cold, industrial feel. This is true particularly if you have stainless steel appliances in your kitchen. Other types of countertops such as tile and stone also bring a colder look and feel to kitchen and dining areas of your home. Read more information here about 3 ideas for how to enhance your kitchen with butcher block.
Contrast this with warm brown colorations that a hard maple, red oak, walnut, or hickory butcher block countertop provide and you'll get an appealing look and feel for most styles of kitchen. Wood is quite versatile and works with many styles, including:
- Traditional
- Country
- French Country
- Modern
- Old World
- Mediterranean
- Transitional
- Eclectic
For example, if you like a warm or “country” feel for your residential kitchen, butcher block countertops are going to be one of the best options available to you.
5. Durability
Some types of countertops aren't very durable, since they are prone to staining, chipping, and showing wear and tear quite easily. Some countertops must be sealed to prevent deterioration and looking run-down over time.
When it comes to butcher block wood countertops, they are durable and age well if cared for. Even scuffs, scratches, and dents can bring character and aesthetic appeal to an aging wood countertop. In addition, some wood countertops even deepen in coloration over the years, providing a richer look and feel to your kitchen and dining areas. Learn more about caring for your butcher block with our conditioner instructions and mineral oil and organic beeswax pages.
For an even longer life, we do recommend using a cutting board to avoid dings and scratches. You can expect to refinish a wood countertop between 10 and 20 years depending on how much you use your butcher block countertop for cutting and preparing food. Regarding food preparation, butcher block countertops are also naturally anti-bacterial, which makes them a plus.
Wood Countertops: In Summary
In the end, your choice of countertop or desktop is completely up to you and will depend on the style of kitchen you opt for. Keep in mind that a wood countertop will require refinishing and may be subject to issues with scratching and denting.
Aside from that, however, butcher block countertops are a relatively affordable option that when cared for, will last you a long time. (Here is some helpful info on how to clean butcher block countertops.) Their relatively low cost, aesthetic appeal, durability, and natural anti-bacterial properties are just some of the reasons why homeowners opt for butcher block in their kitchen.
Custom Order Your Butcher Block!
At Forever Joint Tops, we custom design your butcher block countertops, helping you achieve the kitchen of your dreams! You can choose to customize or shop current in-stock butcher block options. We can custom design bar tops, desktops, and kitchen islands also. Order your butcher block here.
With our wood countertops, you can expect quality, durability, and long-lasting products that last for many years (and even longer when well-cared for). Contact us at 608-566-6903 for a quote today for your wood butcher block. Learn more here about the different wood types and choose the best one for your kitchen. Here also is a guide to butcher block installation to help you get started on your dream kitchen!
