Butcher block countertops bring the warm beauty of natural wood to your
kitchen. Whether your style is contemporary, traditional, or
rustic, wood countertops will enhance your decor.
Butcher block countertops are usually custom made. They may have
knife slots, integrated drainboards, or various inserts to land hot pots
and pans. When mixed countertop surfaces are used in a kitchen, a
custom butcher block countertop is frequently used on an island as an
accent. Or a piece of butcher block may be used as a small segment
of the countertop for a place to cut and chop without ruining your
knives. If marred by sharp blades, the wood can be sanded and
refinished.
Butcher block countertops are made from strips of wood laminated
together. The wood is laminated as face up, edge up, or end-grain
up. Most butcher block is edge-up laminated. The pieces of
wood are glued and clamped and put under heat and pressure, which makes
the butcher block strong, warp resistant, and water tight.
Sometimes multiple wood types are mixed in stripes side by side to show
different color designs. The result can be striking.
Hard rock maple and red oak are most frequently used for butcher block
countertops in a working kitchen. Walnut, cherry, teak, or other
woods may be used for decorative surfaces where no cutting will
occur. Use a non-toxic, penetrating oil such as food-grade mineral
oil or a professional grade wood sealer designed for food surfaces to
treat butcher block used for food preparation. Oil will have to be
re-applied frequently. Decorative surfaces can be finished with
varnish or urethane.
Wood is a porous material. It can trap food particles, so clean
your butcher block countertop thoroughly after each use. Wood
countertops may warp and discolor if used near a sink or wet area.
They are also not heat resistant. The best solution may be to
combine them with other countertop surfaces. Despite these
drawbacks, you may decide that butcher block is the look for your kitchen; and
with proper care, these countertops offer elegance and
sophistication. Browse through the following manufacturer
sites. Choose a wood type, an edge profile, and a finish; and after
it's installed, your butcher block countertop just might prove to be the real
focal point in your kitchen!
Kneading Bread Dough on a Butcher Block Countertop
Butcher Block Countertop Fabricators
Hardwood Lumber
manufactures solid butcher block countertops in a variety of hardwoods.
They also offer other hardwood products such as stairs and mouldings.
www.Hardwood-Lumber.com
Butcher Block Co
offers a good selection of butcher block counters, carts, islands, and
tables. Shop for kitchen butcher blocks by size, style, and finish.
www.ButcherBlockCo.com
Devos Woodworking
is a Texas-based company that provides butcher block countertops, kitchen
island tops, and bar tops, as well as cutting boards and other custom wood
items. Each piece is custom designed and handcrafted.
www.DevosWoodworking.com
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