Choosing a butcher block countertop for your new kitchen may seem like the easiest decision you’ll ever have to make. But that decision needs to be based on more than just what is “hip” in your family. A wood butcher block countertop is not only beautiful, but it’s also going to be the most practical kitchen countertop you can find. Before you make your decision, you need to know all about wood kitchen countertops.
You’ve probably seen them used in fancy restaurants and cafes, but a wood kitchen countertop is nothing more than real wood, right? Not necessarily… The term “wood” actually refers to several types of wood that are suitable for kitchen use. Each type has different properties, so you should know which wood type you are dealing with before you buy. It is recommended that you seek the advice of a professional in the field before you even decide to buy any wood kitchen countertop for your home.
Rosewood, which is a reddish brown hard wood, is one of the most popular wood kitchen countertop materials. It has rich color and good strength. While it’s not very dense, it makes up for it with its amazing strength. Because of this characteristic, rosewood is great for countertops that will be exposed to a lot of moisture or steam.
Cedar wood comes in a variety of shades of green. This type of wood is naturally moisture-resistant and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. Because of its resistance to moisture, a cedar wood kitchen countertop makes for a great material for a cooktop that frequently cooks and bakes. Another plus is that it does not scratch or dent.
The durability of bamboo wood makes it a great material for a kitchen countertop. Bamboo is very durable as it can last longer than most other types of wood. Because of its strength, it is also resistant to dents and scratches. Because bamboo comes in a large variety of shades of green, it can fit in with the colors and designs of many kitchens.
Hickory is another wood commonly used in kitchen countertops. It is a naturally durable hardwood. It’s easy to stain and polish and it will last for a long time. However, there are some drawbacks to choosing hickory as a material for a butcher block. Because it is a porous wood, it does absorb a good amount of moisture that may seep into the wood during cooking.
Another wood often used in kitchen countertops is redwood. Like cedar, redwood is a moisture-resistant wood. Like bamboo, it is resistant to stains and scratches. Redwood is a bit more expensive than cedar wood, but it is worth the extra expense for a sturdy butcher block countertop.
Wood is definitely an option when building a butcher-block countertop. However, it should always be considered among your other options first. Wood has its pros and cons, so it is important to weigh your options before deciding on what you want for your new kitchen countertop. There are lots of beautiful woods to choose from, so it shouldn’t be difficult at all to find one that suits your preferences.
Also take note of the quality of the wood. This plays a huge role in how long the peace will last. Most wood kitchen countertops have been treated with preservatives to make them longer-lasting. However, just because they are more durable does not necessarily mean they are cheaply made. You need to do some research on the wood you want to use.
Take a trip to your local home improvement center or hardware store to browse around. Look at the different pieces they have to offer. You may be surprised to see some that are more expensive than others. They may have better-quality construction as well as more features and benefits.
You may even find yourself wanting to build a butcher-block countertop rather than buying one. It can be quite easy to make one on your own. All it takes is some patience, some DIY know-how, and a little creativity.