Planning to redesign your kitchen with butcher block countertops? A perfect combination of functionality and individuality can be found with this particular style of wood kitchen countertop. While they’re inexpensive and easy to install, the one drawback to doing this is finding a matching wood species for your butcher block countertop. For most homeowners this isn’t a problem, but for those who pride themselves on collecting things, such as old furniture, it may be a matter of concern. Fortunately, there are some excellent substitute woods available.
Oak or maple are two great choices when going with a butcher block kitchen countertop, as is spruce or ash. One thing to consider with these woods is the fact that each one has its own distinct characteristics, unique colors, and patterns that can’t all be replicated. You’ll need to collect samples to make an informed decision. These woods may not be the best choice if you want to imitate a specific type of farmhouse sink, for example.
If you don’t want to buy new wood for your butcher block countertop, you can look to recycle. The pulp from a white oak tree can be used to create a new wood kitchen countertop, or an antique decayed piece of wood can also serve as a great option. This type of material is very resilient, durable, and strong-and can often offer up the same durability as other woods without the high cost. Decaying wood can add character as well as an aged look. Check out any number of books or online forums for more information on this topic.
If you want to mimic a traditional farmhouse sink with your wood kitchen countertop, consider using teak wood. Teak wood has a gorgeous grain and natural oils that make it perfect for use in kitchen countertops. Though it’s expensive, it’s worth it for what you get.
Of course, there’s always another type of wood available for use in your kitchen countertop project: MDF or medium-density fiberboard. Like teak, it’s beautiful and durable-and offers an authentic, rural feel. Like wood, it can be finished in a variety of dark shades to mimic a traditional farmhouse sink. It can be glued onto the countertop using MDF or screwed directly into place.
These woods are not only available in a wide range of colors and finishes, they’re also relatively inexpensive. (Butcharis trees produce butters that are rich and warm.) Plus, if your contractor is using MDF or hardwoods, it’s possible to have them custom-finish and sanded at home, saving you money on the labor costs involved. They’re also easy to work with, which makes butchering them that much easier.
But what if you don’t want a farmhouse sink? Don’t worry; there are other options. The best wood for a butcher block countertop is redwood, because it adds a great deal of density and strength to the wood. It also tends to be a bit more expensive than other types of wood. However, redwood is probably the most long-lasting of all wood options, so even if your contractor uses cedar wood, it might not be an issue.
Redwood also tends to be easier to stain and to customize than some other wood options. So if you’re looking for a butcher block countertop, redwood is probably the way to go. Another option is redwood veneer, which look similar and can be purchased in a wide variety of stains, but will be more expensive than wood veneer of any type. If you’re going for something more unique, consider some of the other options available, such as cedar, butchers block, or wood veneer.