Wood for butcher block top?

My husband and I have built a 2.5 x 4 ft. rolling island for the kitchen...but it is lacking one thing...the top. I want a butcher block top for it. What type of wood is best for this? Thanks in advance!
  3 answers
  • Ang8204097 Ang8204097 on May 26, 2017

    We bought a length of wood butcher block counter top from IKEA. We cut it to fit our island. It's perfect! Our friend used the other half for a project, so we split the cost in half.

  • Stephen Scott Johnson Stephen Scott Johnson on May 30, 2017

    When I make cutting boards, I like to use closed-grain hardwoods. They tend to last longer and less likely to take in much moisture. Also consider how you orient the wood grain. Many cutting boards are simply side or face grain. Others like the end grain orientation because they tend to last even longer. The woods I prefer for cutting boards: maple, cherry, and walnut. I believe that American Sycamore is also a traditional wood used for butcher blocks.

  • Kelley Bridges Lowe Kelley Bridges Lowe on May 30, 2017

    Thank you both! Great info, and now the hubby and I know where to look at the options :)