butcher block countertops | pros and cons Butcher block is a hardwood that’s bonded together—with a food-safe adhesive—to make strips of true butcher block. Has natural anti-bacterial properties. Requires routine maintenance and proper sealing. Honestly, I wouldn''t get it for all of my counters, as much as I love it, because it''s just too hard to clean. Pros: Here are a few pros and cons of butcher block countertops to help make the decision easier: Pro: Cost-Effective. The Benefits of Laminate Counters. But we haven’t noticed any problems. Both offer unique benefits but come with their own drawbacks. By KC Eisenberg Butcher block and wood solid surface countertops are a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms these days. Butcher Block Countertops. For countertops that are not of standard size or shape this is a convenient choice because the concrete can be fabricated on site using molds. Before I get into the pros and cons, it’s helpful to understand some basics about wood countertops (also known as butcher block counters). Must still use a cutting board to protect surface. And since it is wood, it can sometimes have a mind of it’s own–expansion and contraction with temperature variation, grain raising, etc. Available at a wide range of prices. Compared to other countertop materials, such as granite or marble, wood is very affordable. Butcher Block vs Laminate Counters: Pros and Cons. You will definitely be able to tell that the countertop is made of bamboo and not of another type of wood with this style as the “nodes” or “knuckles” are still visible. Butcher block countertops provide convenience for the homeowner because food can be prepared on the surface of the counter. Cost: $75 to $150 per square foot, installed. Butcher Block Pros and Cons Pros Cons More sustainable than other materials. I don''t have 100% butcher block counters, but I have a single large butcher block that I use as a counter all the time. While you can prepare food on a … They provide good cutting surfaces for knives because they are softer than granite or concrete. Pros & Cons of Bamboo Countertops. There is no need to transfer the food to a cutting board to chop, and everything can easily be wiped. Hardwood, such as oak and maple, are the most common materials for countertops. Due to durability, low cost, and clear grain—maple—is the most common and popular wood used for butcher block. Cons – Crumbs, spills and fingerprints show up very easily plus it scratches and dents easily. Wood Countertops: The Basics. Butcher block and laminate are both common countertop options. Butcher block is another name for the wooden countertop. Pros: Easy to clean Concrete Countertops. It emits farmhouse-style look, perfect for a traditional kitchen. It's a type of bamboo butcher block countertop. Cons: Butcher block countertops do need to be oiled periodically to keep their beautiful appearance intact. One of the biggest benefits of butcher block countertops is their cost-effectiveness. Dents and scratches accumulate over time. But wood needs to be well protected to keep water and wine from staining or damaging it. Laminate countertops have many advantages over butcher block. Butcher block is just a higher maintenance material, and a little more delicate. There are two main factors to consider when you’re shopping for wood countertops, including the … Pros – Affordable, warm look and feel, and naturally anti-bacterial. We’ll explore the pros and cons of both in more detail below. End Grain. Pros – Durable, heat-resistant, and high-end commercial kitchen look. And for good reason: The wood adds warmth, texture, and natural beauty to the space in a way that other materials just can't. Butcher Block.