You can even find ones made from reclaimed wood. We mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. Due to the upkeep and distinct design, wood countertops can hurt your homes resale value. Not all wood is created equal. If you treat your wood countertop as a table rather than a true counter for food prep, you can reduce the work of protecting the surface by using another type of finish. Butcher block will also need to acclimate to your home before you install it to prevent future warping. A properly finished wooden countertop is something that begs to be touched, to be ogled. Andrew is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Prudent Reviews. Cut a lemon in half and scrub it over the salt to lift the stain. If you want the best food safe protection for your countertop buy a penetrating sealer. Edge grain countertops are when the boards are laid parallel on their edges and joined together with the edges facing up. Natural wood can take a surprising amount of heat. Its hard to describe beyond that: it just looks so darn cool. First, wood countertops require regular sealing and oiling to protect against stains, scratches, and moisture damage. Average Cast Iron Bathtub Weight (With 15 Examples), Best Type of Roller for Painting Cabinets (Quick Guide), Why Are Kitchen Cabinets So Expensive? Finger-jointed tops are a less expensive solution but also one of the least preferred by industry standards. Take a look at Google Search Trends, and youll see that searches for the term wood countertops have been steadily increasing since 2009. If you have a tougher stain, try putting salt on the spot and rubbing a lemon over the salt. Image Attribution. If wooden countertops arent your preference, check out our guide on other kitchen countertop options to find the right one for you. You have four options, and which one you choose depends on how you plan to use the counter. Its not the first material that jumps to mind when thinking about countertops, but that is a bonus for some. You can hire a company to install your wooden countertops, or you can do so yourself. A Mercedes is expensive compared to a Hyundai, but that doesnt make a Hyundai cheap either. For a less expensive option, there are wood tops made with particleboard cores and hardwood veneers, such as those sold by retailers like IKEA. Depending on the type of wood species and the sealant youre using (usually tung oil or mineral oil), youll likely need to reapply it two to three times a year. The quotes are free, and theres no obligation to buy. Image Attribution. There are commercial food-safe tung oil finishes, some color-infused, that can be effective and only need to be reapplied about every six months. Butcher block will last longer than laminate countertops but need monthly resealing to have a long lifespan. The basic style options include flat grain, end grain, and edge grain. No rings, no burns. Wood countertops arent for everyone. I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros. You might need to shim spots on the cabinets so the butcher block rests properly. With the help of my husband Scott as a volunteer This compensation comes from two main sources. But hey, if you like wood, go for it! Moisture can damage wood countertops, especially around the sink area. If you choose a generic sealer like mineral or tung oil, follow the advice of the countertop installer because they will be more familiar with how your particular wood species responds to the climate in your area. Use the links below to navigate this article: Before I get into the pros and cons, its helpful to understand some basics about wood countertops (also known as butcher block counters). To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. How to Remove Paint From Countertops: A Step-by-Step Guide. Wood can complement many design styles, and it can be used very creatively because of how easy it is to shape. And lighter wood goes nicely with blue, black, and other dark-colored cabinets. It seems more and more people want to incorporate wood into their Ottawa kitchen renovations, choosing it over the more popular choices of granite or engineered stones like Corian. If you want to discuss going with a wooden kitchen look, call the countertop experts at Laurysen Kitchens, and well be able to answer your questions. A butcher block countertop can be constructed in different ways. Its a year later and I now never use anything to put my pots and pans on. While it does offer a higher degree of protection than oil or an oil/wax combo, its much more expensive and can take a week to fully cure. They are more expensive than corian or granite countertops but much less than high end stones. In this article, I provide a complete and unbiased breakdown of the pros and cons of wood countertops. Maple butcher block can cost around $80 per square foot while cherry butcher block can be $150 per square foot and bamboo runs around $72 per square foot. Others will fall in love with their wood countertop, turning the chore that was caring for the wood into a pleasure. White oak, while missing the unmistakeable color of red oak, is nearly as hard as maple but has a much more interesting grain pattern. Where you will likely run into problems is with direct heat over long periods. He has been featured on HGTVs Super Scapes, Curb Appeal the Block, Elbow Room, DIY Network's House Crashers, "This Old House," and OWN Network's Emmy award winning show, Home Made Simple. Jonathan is also a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. When the countertop arrives, youll need to oil the wood. The type of wood impacts the overall look (color and graining) and durability (hardness). While it certainly is not for everyone, those who love it do so with a passion. End Grain: Its so important to clean up food messes immediately and stay on top of resealing the countertops. Properly sealed wood is no more bacteria friendly than tile or granite. Their showrooms make it easy for you to see exactly what youre getting for your money. When hes not testing the latest home products, hes spending time with his family, cooking, and doing house projects. Quartz isnt 100% natural like wood is. Quality custom butcher block countertops cost at least $70 per square foot. You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. You could use polyurethane to seal the surface, but that takes away the surfaces all-natural appeal. Goodness, wood looks good. Wood will expand in summer and contract in winter, so you need to account for that when installing a butcher block. And, if you dont feel like dealing with permanent stains or tired-looking countertops, its possible to sand down and refinish butcher block and wood surfaces. Generally, you can expect wooden countertops to fall in the range of $60 to $100 per square foot, including installation. But is it the right material for your home? Image Attribution. Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. Theyll be able to direct you to fabricators in the area if you want a custom countertop. Hes studied consumer buying behavior for 10+ years and has managed marketing campaigns for over a dozen Fortune 500 brands. Image Attribution. Its a small thing, but it makes a big difference. There are two main factors to consider when youre shopping for wood countertops, including the species of wood and construction. For some, that kind of regimen is worth it. Because they were so thick coupled with the fact that end grain is the most durable type of wood countertop construction, they would literally last generations. The labor cost to install butcher block is between $50 and $70 per square foot. Other finishes, such as urethanes and lacquers, are not food-grade finishes. Toll Free: 1-866-836-5353. If there is an IKEA or a Lumber Liquidator store in your area I would also head to both of those to see what they have in stock and what they can order for you. Typical wood veneers are only 18 of an inch thick and can only be sanded and refinished a handful of times at most. If you want an inexpensive standard size wood countertop IKEA is a decent place to start. Butcher block wont fade as a fad so consider it a one-time investment. Unlike with stone, you can cut food directly on wood countertops. Its a bit of a DIY project, but you can bring your countertops back to life quite easily! Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. If youre looking for the most durable countertop material, wood is not the best option. All you need to do is sand with a fine-grit sandpaper, like 220-grit, to remove stains and reseal. Image Attribution. Take a look at our cabinets for inspiration! Burn spots show up easily. While not quite as hard as maple, its more than strong enough for your kitchen work surface. This grain type is an excellent choice for prep areas because the natural pattern is gentle on sharp knives. If you decide to install wood countertops, youll need to remain vigilant about keeping them dry. Wood countertops provide a warm and rustic look, perfect if youre going for the farmhouse aesthetic. If youre looking to keep up with the popular interior design trends, wood countertops are an excellent choice. Different species of wood have very different grain patterns, colors, and Janka scores (a scientific measurement of hardness) so lets have a quick look at the three most popular species and go over their benefits. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Are you sure you want to rest your choices? They want their kitchen to stand out, and what stands out more than a beautifully finished wooden countertop? The information provided on this website is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for professional advice. If youre remodeling a home to sell, it may be a drawback for your potential buyers. If the link is blue, click it and youll be taken to the portion of this page with more information. (And Ways to Save). Scrape off food or sticky residue with a spatula or pastry scraper. Beyond exploring the pros and cons, you may wish to compare wood with other countertop materials, like granite or quartz. While wood does have antibacterial properties, there is still the potential for mold or bacteria to grow in dents and scratches that havent been sealed properly. The process involves mixing quartzite with minerals and binding them together with resin. They are extremely labor intensive to make and to make them a lot of small scrap pieces get thrown away in the process. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Looking for a new kitchen? Wood needs to be treated well. Wood, of course, is not indestructible and needs periodic conditioning and care. If you want to add pops of colour to your kitchen, granite offers more options than wood. But with wood, fragile items are much safer. My name is Jessica and Im the owner of Architypes. Youll find face grain wood counters mostly in high end homes. We really like wood. How often it needs resurfacing depends upon the amount of wear and tear the countertop takes, but some recommend resurfacing every 10 years. BOOK A FREE COUNTERTOP CONSULTATION WITH LAURYSEN TODAY. They all look and perform very differently so Ill quickly guide you through each in a bit more detail in just a second. Flat Grain: At $10 per square foot you get wood veneer over particleboard, the typical cheap butcher block sold at IKEA. With so many wood types and colour variations, the possibilities are endless. Quartz Countertops: What to Know Before You Buy, Soapstone Countertop: What to Know Before You Buy, Solid Surface Countertop Basics to Know Before You Buy, Pros and Cons of Kitchen Countertop Materials, How to Keep a Butcher Block Clean and Looking Beautiful, 16 Modern Kitchens With Butcher Block Countertops, 20 Options for Kitchen Countertops: Pros and Cons, Learn the Pros and Cons of Popular Bathroom Countertop Materials, The Best Kitchen Islands for Stylish Storage, Laminate Countertops: What to Know Before You Buy, 8 Ways to Cover Kitchen or Bath Countertops, Help Wood Furniture Look Brand-New (and Last Longer) With These Tips, How to Repair or Restore a Solid Surface Sink. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Because you need to maintain your countertops, reseal and oil them regularly, the lifetime maintenance costs are higher than other materials. Just beware of its limitations and dont treat it as a cutting board. The picture to the right (or below if youre on your phone) labels the different faces of the board to help you visualize grain direction. I recommend investing in a couple trivets and any time that you are the least bit concerned about potential heat damage, use one. Overall they arent a lot of work to maintain, but if youre comparing them to quartz, which is maintainance free, then yes they are a lot of work. Over the past few years, weve continued to see interest in butcher block countertops and other wooden countertops. Instead of using wood for the entire kitchen, people are mixing stone with wood. Cleaning butcher block countertops is no different from any other kitchen work surface. Wood countertopshave a place in the green-building movement since it is an organic material. Heres what to do to keep them looking their best. Over time theyll dry out the wood and make it easier for permanent stains to settle in. Doing this once a month will help kill bacteria and brighten the surface of the countertop too. If you want to refinish the entire surface use a random orbital sander coupled with fine sandpaper, remove any dust with a whisk broom, wipe it down with a tack cloth to remove the small pieces you cant see, and finish it off with a fresh coat of mineral oil or your favorite wax. Wood also contains antimicrobial compounds so when you choose wooden countertops, youre choosing a more hygienic kitchen. Editors Note: The higher the Janka score the harder the wood is. If thats an acceptable compromise to you than feel free to chop food directly on the surface or even use a cleaver. Connect with Andrew viaemail,LinkedIn, or thePrudent Reviews YouTube channel. Edge Grain: End grain butcher block is commonly used and usually very budget-friendly. So, if you want to avoid synthetic materials like laminate and quartz (quartz contains up to 7% synthetic resins), wood is a great choice. Prices range from as low as $10 per square foot up to $200. The wood used in countertop making generally has a much higher Janka rating. Competition has caused granite to become surpringly cheap and you cant get a better bang for your buck than with laminate counters. Keep in mind that if your wood is treated, this may limit these antibacterial properties. Flat grain, also known as face grain, plank grain or wide plank, is constructed by glueing wide wood boards together along the edges. Frequent re-oiling will be necessary in this case. And there is nothing that can replace the warmth that wood tones evoke. If you cut for a sink or fixtures into your finger-jointed top, you might expose the unsightly joints, and there is no way to hide them. Wood countertops have several advantages, including their appearance, durability, and price. Others may want a counter they can forget about. Soapstone vs. Quartz Countertops: 13 Key Differences. Germs like salmonella and the norovirus arent going to take root in your kitchen work surface and make you sick unless you neglect them. These organic oils will evetually spoil, so stick to mineral oil or one of these alternatives: an oil/wax combo made specifically for butcher block, a penetrating sealer, tung oil based products like Waterlox, or polyurethane. Harder woods and butcher block counters, which are created by glueing wood boards together for strength and stability, are more durable. This data is not surprising considering that wood countertops fit right in with the rustic meets modern look that has become popular in recent years. Luckily, if you do see a few minor scratches or cracks, wood can be sanded so these issues can be easily fixed. The many different wood species and construction types provide a variety of design options. Both are tough and durable surfaces, but granite is stone, so it can chip and break. If you live in a region that gets extremely cold, make sure the kitchen is always kept warm. 2022 Laurysen Kitchens. In that same period, search interest for granite countertops has leveled off. Several types of woods, like maple, cherry, walnut and oak can be used for butcher block countertops fashioned in different styles. The drawback here is that mineral oil finishes need to be reapplied every month in order to maintain effectiveness. To start saving today put your email in the box below and press the green button. Mop up spills immediately with a damp rag or paper towel and never let accidents linger longer than necessary. Can I Have Light Kitchen Cabinets With Dark Floors? Face grain countertops are when wood boards are laid flat with the widest part facing up. This is one of the biggest conerns, but by keeping them clean and occassionally disinfecting them youll have perfectly hygienic countertops. Each wood type will take stains differently, too. When your done washing the dishes or cooking you should wipe down the edges any any areas that water splashed on. I recommend Rubio Monocoat 2C because its VOC free and safe for food contact, however I would use a cutting board thats been treated only with mineral oil instead of cutting directly on the surface of any wood thats been treated with a penetrating sealer. This means that wood counters shouldnt be used as your primary cutting surface; most of the time, youll still want to use a cutting board for food preparation. 14 Pros & Cons of Kitchen Island Cooktops: Are They a Good Idea? Wood does require work, but some will say that work is worth it for the beauty. This maple countertop has a built-in TV. But butcher block remains more versatile than that because it can come in a variety of woods, designs and colors. End grain countertops are made of small squares lined vertically with the ends facing up (think: checkerboard). Along with fixing minor scratches, wood countertops are relatively easy to maintain if they are protected with a finish. For stain removal, sprinkle salt over the stain. If you are planning on installing a sink into the wood countertop, it's crucial to finish it with a water-resistant finish or use a different surface immediately surrounding sink areas and other water fixtures.