BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOPS
Are you looking for a durable and unique countertop material to complete your kitchen renovation? Butcher block is the answer. This beautiful wood product can be used in rustic-inspired kitchens to add that old-fashioned farm feel or can even be used in sleek, modern kitchens to offset metal surfaces and appliances. At PF Custom Countertops, we can create and size custom butcher block countertops for your Edmonton home. We are one of the leading countertop manufacturers for the Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park and Fort Saskatchewan areas. All of our countertops are produced locally. Give us a call today to get started on your custom countertops.
What is Butcher Block?
Butcher block countertops are made from straight cuts of wood that are then glued together into a thick slab. The material and construction of these countertops make them a very stable and sturdy working surface for your kitchen. Butcher block can be constructed from nearly any type of wood. While maple is the most popular due to its sturdiness and clear grain, cherry and red oak are also used for their rich colour. There are three main styles of butcher block to choose from. These include:
Edge Grain
Edge grain is one of the most popular styles due to its strength and lower cost. This type of countertop is made by placing the long boards on their sides and joining them together so that the long narrow edges form the surface. You can choose for the boards to be continuous lengths of wood that feature no joints or for the boards to be random lengths that are then finger-jointed.
Face Grain
This style is created by placing the boards flat, so that their full widths form the working surface. While the face grain style is beautiful, it is not as sturdy as edge grain and can easily show marks when used for chopping or cutting, making it less suitable for a kitchen environment.
End Grain
The end grain style is constructed from small rectangular blocks which are arranged with their ends facing up to form the surface. End grain is the strongest and sturdiest style, making it a great option for kitchens.
Caring for Your Butcher Block Countertop
Wood countertops do require a few maintenance tasks to keep their beauty over time. Unlike some other countertop materials, wood is a porous material, so it has to be sealed properly. Without sealing, germs are able to easily get into the material through the surface. Once inside, germs will continue to grow, making your countertop unsafe and destroying its beauty. Once your countertop is installed, you will want to have it sealed and you should maintain the surface with mineral oil or another protectant. Countertops will also have to be refinished after 10 to 20 years of use depending on how heavily they are used by your family.
You must also not allow moisture to sit on the surface of your wood countertop for an extended period of time. Spills and other moisture should be cleaned up and dried from the surface quickly. Otherwise you could notice water damage, which will make the surface more susceptible to germs.
Because wood is a soft material, you may notice dents, dings or scratches developing over time. While some may not like this look, many choose wood countertops for this exact reason, as they like the appearance of the rustic patina wood acquires over years of use.
Benefits of Butcher Block
Wood countertops are an excellent option for kitchens as they make a strong and sturdy work surface. If you choose, you can cut food directly on the countertop as many of the styles will disguise small scratches and cuts. The soft material of wood is also much easier on the blades of your knives than granite or stone would be.
Butcher block countertops can bring warmth to your kitchen, not just in the warm tones and appearance of the wood. The surface is much warmer to the touch than that of granite, tile or stone. If you are planning to use the countertop as an island that people can sit around or eat at, wood is a great option since placing your arm on a cold granite countertop can be quite a shock.
Contact Us Today
If you would like to learn more about our wood countertop options in Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan or surrounding areas, please feel free to give us a call. Our team can help you choose the correct option to suit your style.