Why Butcher Block Worktops are so Popular?
Last Updated on June 20, 2023
Here is what you need to know
Despite new kitchen worktops being introduced every day, when it comes to replacement kitchen worktops – butcher block worktops are still one of the most popular choices available. They are known for many as wooden worktops – radiating positive energy, which is known to bind the whole family together.
Butcher block worktops in today’s time
Nowadays, butcher block worktops are more commonly available in wider (i.e. 40mm) stave configurations compared to the past, and in reality, this is the only minor aspect that has changed. The majority of them come in 40mm stave width these days, as they are the most popular and the classical style of 20mm stave configurations is not as demanded. Of course, households looking for narrow-staved replacement kitchen worktops to match the existing style of their worktops, can still easily such.
Narrow staved vs Wider staved butcher block countertops, which one is more popular?
Nowadays butcher block worktops are widely available in wider stave configurations as they became more popular over time, as the natural beauty of the wood is better reflected in the larger blocks. 40mm stave width is also known as standard stave width, while stave width ranging between 20-30mm is considered as narrow staved butcher block countertops. Butcher block worktops with a stave width above 70mm are called wider staved or deluxe and they are also a popular choice.
Recently the wider staved or deluxe range butcher block worktops are increasing in popularity, however, standard staved worktops have firmly remained to be the most popular choice.
Which stave configuration is the cheapest then?
Of all the available options, narrow staved butcher block countertop is the cheapest option, it is marginally cheaper than the standard – 40mm staved version. The lower raw material cost for narrower block worktops is the main reason for the price difference. In terms of technical characteristics, both types of countertops are of similar qualities.
Stave width is directly correlated with the price of these products, as wider stave raw material tends to be more expensive and difficult to kiln dry.
Which wood type is the most popular?
Hardwood butcher block worktops have significantly increased their popularity over softwood worktops, thanks to their more hardwearing and durable nature.
Oak butcher block worktop, on the other hand, is the most popular choice among all hardwood options. Oak worktops have always been the most popular, as oak material has a deep cultural connection with British homeowners.
Beech worktop is another popular choice that is well-known for its durable nature and relatively inexpensive price tag. However, its relatively cheap price tag is by no means a reflection of its quality, but rather it is a result of cheaper raw material, as beech is widely spread across European hardwood forests.
Walnut butcher block worktop, on the other hand, is another popular choice, known for its beautiful nature and deep grain colour. However, given its expensive price, this product is less popular when compared to beech and oak worktops. The cost of walnut worktops is expected to increase in time given the current limited supply of European walnut timber material.
Other wood species such as iroko, ash, sapeli and black ash are also popular among homeowners looking for a non-traditional look to their new kitchen worktops.
How versatile are the butcher block worktops?
Butcher block worktops are highly versatile, they can be combined with other types of countertops within the same kitchen. Butcher block kitchen worktops may be present in more affordable kitchen specs (i.e. beech worktops), but they can also be used as kitchen island worktops or breakfast bar worktops and be the centrepiece in luxurious kitchens (i.e. full stave oak worktops). Therefore, there is always a space for a wooden countertop in every kitchen.
Are butcher block worktops DIY-Friendly?
Butcher block worktops are highly DIY friendly – they can be sanded, cut and installed even by a keen DIY-er, which can result in savings for households and reduce the overall project cost. Besides, households can make good use of all the worktop offcuts as they can be easily converted into valuable additions – such as coffee tables, shelves, chopping boards and TV-stand. In other words, households can take a maximum of every pound invested when opting for butcher block worktops.
How easy to maintain are butcher block worktops?
Every good thing comes with its price tag, the same can be said for butcher block worktops. The fact that these countertops require maintenance can be considered as a drawback among households – as the worktop has to be oiled if the surface cannot pass the water-drop test (the waterdrop staying still on top of the surface of the countertop). However, the oiling aspect is quite easy and straightforward and does not require any particular skills.
Are butcher block worktops repairable?
The ability of the butcher block worktops to be repaired is another very important reason for being so popular. Even if the countertop gets scratched, rectifying is very easy. The damaged spot has to be simply lightly sanded, and then another coat of oil has to be applied, once the oil is cured, applying another coat is important. Applying oil, before going to bed is the recommended way of application as the oil will soak into the wood itself while providing sufficient time for the hard wax to stay still on the surface of the worktop and cure. Remember, the waterdrop test is the real indicator if you should apply another thin coat of oil.
For more details on how to oil and when to re-oil a wooden worktop or if you need help with fixing a scratch please refer to our Maintenance and Reoiling guides.
How long do butcher block countertops last?
Wood is a hygienic and extremely durable material that if well-looked after can last for many years, whilst preserving its “day one” look, but then having a deeper colour and texture – just like a red wine – getting better with age.
How cheap are the butcher block countertops?
Compared to other countertops such as granite, quartz and marble, butcher block worktops are more economical and affordable. With some cheaper worktop varieties (i.e. beech) having a price – starting from a little over 130 GBP for a 3M blank. They might still be a bit more expensive choice to laminate worktops, however, they are still affordable and perceived positively among households. Butcher block worktops, on the other hand, are cheaper when compared to granite, marble, quartz worktops – but still very much desired among households.
Butcher block worktop has always been the centrepiece among household kitchens, with new types of countertops emerging, its popularity does not seem to have diminished. Butcher block countertops are still taking a very central place even among very high-end kitchens – as kitchen island worktops, which shows the strength of the cultural connection of British households towards wood material.
If you have any questions about anything worktop related, please do not hesitate to
get in touch with us!
You can find us at 01727260688 or [email protected]
https://houseofworktops.co.uk/
Enjoy your kitchen and wood worktops!
For additional topics please check the links below:
1) How to Oil Your Worktops with Osmo?
2) How to apply Danish Oil on your worktop?
3) How to repair a scratch on a Wooden Worktop?
4) A comprehensive comparison of all Wood Worktop Oils.
5) Kitchen Worktop Height: Everything You Need To Know
7) How to Store Wood Worktops?
8) Worktop Installation Guide
9) Care & Maintenance Guide for Wood Worktops