Asked on Apr 13, 2012

We all know Granite Countertops are definitely "IN" but what do y'all think of butcher block countertops?! "IN" OR "OUT"

Affordable Contracting, Inc.
by Affordable Contracting, Inc.
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q we all know granite countertops are definitely in but what do y all think of, countertops, home decor, kitchen design, Butcher block countertops IN OR OUT
Butcher block countertops?! "IN" OR "OUT"?
  95 answers
  • AK Complete Home Renovations AK Complete Home Renovations on Apr 13, 2012
    I think they will never be "out" - there is always an application for them! In the right style of kitchen, the the farmhouse chic you have pictured, they are a great choice! I prefer them on an island or as an accent as opposed to the main countertops for the space.
  • Sheila D Sheila D on Apr 13, 2012
    Agree, but having had one - they need to be cared for properly to stay pretty
  • Sherrie S Sherrie S on Apr 13, 2012
    Although I prefer granite in my house I really like the look you presented for that home. I don't think there is only one answer to in/out.
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Apr 13, 2012
    It is in.. and it works! I own wood tops and cannot imagine life without them! No cutting boards for me! I wrote a blog about the practicality of them. They are so much easier to care for than what many understand. Wood Works! The benefits of wood counter tops | Designs by BSB https://designsbybsb.com/2010/08/wood-works/
  • Nichter's Home Services Corp Nichter's Home Services Corp on Apr 13, 2012
    I do one in almost every kitchen. The house I am working on right now has black granite around, and then a BB top on the island as shown in your photo
  • Catherine S Catherine S on Apr 13, 2012
    I personally like the warmer, more rustic look of wood.
  • Nichter's Home Services Corp Nichter's Home Services Corp on Apr 13, 2012
    The one pictured looks like one of the good Boos Blocks. There are some very poorly done BB tops that are not worth having - made of shorts and with knots
  • 3po3 3po3 on Apr 13, 2012
    Agree with some of the above. I like the look, but they seem like a lot of work.
  • Tri-Lite Builders ~ Homework Remodels Tri-Lite Builders ~ Homework Remodels on Apr 14, 2012
    Butcher block countertops are timeless, and can work well in many styles of kitchens. We have installed them in many diverse styles of kitchens such as the ones on the following web pages. http://www.homeworkremodels.net/modern-ikea-kitchen.html http://www.homeworkremodels.net/historic-ikea-kitchen.html
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Apr 14, 2012
    We get by with our "extra" large Jatoba cutting board. At 1" thick and 18 x22 or so...it serves us well.
  • Bonnie B Bonnie B on Apr 14, 2012
    Not too crazy about it ~~ but ~~ I'm old enough to have been around when they were popular years ago. I'd rather see an interesting, unique marble or granite application on your island.
  • Sonia R Sonia R on Apr 14, 2012
    IN!! I am SO SICK of GRANITE!!! Soap Stone is awesome too
  • Karen B Karen B on Apr 14, 2012
    I love the butcher block wood much much better, is timeless
  • Linda P Linda P on Apr 14, 2012
    Butcher block countertops are timeless and much less expensive than stone. Probably will never go "out"--my choice! I've had mine for 5 years and they still look new with no extra effort.
  • Brenda B Brenda B on Apr 14, 2012
    Not everyone can afford granite and not everyone likes granite.
  • Carol B Carol B on Apr 14, 2012
    I love the kitchen in the picture. I like the white, but it needs some color as a contrast. Love a deep, rich color with the white and butcher block.
  • Leona G Leona G on Apr 14, 2012
    Granite is beautiful but expensive and is not always right for every kitchen. I say real butcher block is still in and a nice alternative to granite.
  • PAULINE S PAULINE S on Apr 14, 2012
    Had butcher block counter tops put in about 10 years, only just started showing a little wear. But, I plan on putting in silestone, so much easier to take care of then granite or marble.
  • Rosemary N Rosemary N on Apr 14, 2012
    I think they're beautiful, but I'd worry that they'd be hard to care for and to keep stains from.
  • Nichter's Home Services Corp Nichter's Home Services Corp on Apr 14, 2012
    Not always. There are two ways to finish a wood countertop. First is the olden and natural with mineral oil rubbed in regularly. You need not fear using a knife on this. The other is a fil;m finish like polyurethene to give hard top surface separating between the wood and the used. This keeps stains out and wipes as easily as glass or laminate
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Apr 14, 2012
    While maple butcher block counter tops can be competitive with granite, here in Atlanta they are still higher priced. Woods like Walnut, Tigerwood and variations of Cherry are hot sellers here too .. most of which can be 30-70% higher than main stream granite colors. I tried uploading some pictures.. but the uploader is broke! humf.
  • Brian S Brian S on Apr 14, 2012
    granite counter top with butcher block inset in an apropriatly usefull position
  • Patsy B Patsy B on Apr 14, 2012
    I agree with Brian - I just put in Cambria granite with a butcher block inset - the best of both worlds.
  • Lynda F Lynda F on Apr 15, 2012
    right now I have tile on my counter tops and they are hard to clean. I prefer butcher block. The last 2 homes before I moved in this home I bought had the butcher block.
  • Rocco A Rocco A on Apr 15, 2012
    they are not a cutting board =) always remember that
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Apr 15, 2012
    wood tops, not a cutting board? if that is what you meant.. I politely disagree. I have oiled tops and love not having to pull out cutting boards!
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Apr 15, 2012
    Other examples of amazing wood top choices! These are some shots illustrate wood can work for just about any design/style! All projects are by Designs by BSB.
  • Katherine P Katherine P on Apr 15, 2012
    I prefer Quartz counter tops.
  • Bonnie B Bonnie B on Apr 15, 2012
    Becky Sue: Beautiful wood tops! My first post noted that BB tops were out ~~ like the one shown in the photo. Now, on the other hand, your photos are much, much, more interesting design-wise by far. Love! the dark wood one.
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Apr 15, 2012
    Thank you for the kind compliments Bonnie! I personally dont think the first photo posted by Affordable Contracting is out of date really .. the picture may not be giving the big picture. It looks like a beautifully bright cottage style kitchen ... bigger and brighter than my current one, Id trade up for that any day :) I think one of the darker woods that I have shown to mix up the idea would have been too much contrast for this particular space.
  • Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc. Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc. on Apr 15, 2012
    I like wood in the mix and am very tired of granite.
  • Sherrie S Sherrie S on Apr 15, 2012
    Becky Sue, your project is beautiful.
  • Rocco A Rocco A on Apr 15, 2012
    Ya I would not cut on my wood tops only cause they are so pretty without knifemarks all over them not to say that you cant use them for that.
  • Affordable Contracting, Inc. Affordable Contracting, Inc. on Apr 16, 2012
    Thanks for all of the feedback! It seems that there is a good variety of comments -- but most seem to be liking the idea of the alternative to granite. BeckySue -- we LOVE the additional wood countertop pics you have shown! Thanks for sharing and leaving us your opinions! :)
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Apr 16, 2012
    Just remembered another project photo... White Oak with oil! Love Love Love wood! Still looks great even with cut marks IMO :)
  • Anne B Anne B on Apr 16, 2012
    Looks nice but depends what look your going for.
  • Bonnie B Bonnie B on Apr 16, 2012
    Becky Sue: You are quite the Design Genius ~~ ! I really admire your knowledge, creativity and talent. I am less open-minded to wood counter tops than I am wood islands. The reason? I am super fanatical when it comes to perfection and it would destroy me if the wood got marked up or stained or even burned from a hot pan. I do understand that many are true believers that the "used/worn look" of wood enhances its beauty; additionally, the more personality it acquires. Just think of me as a directly opposite kinda gal ~~ !!
  • Bonnie B Bonnie B on Apr 16, 2012
    Lee Anne: I do so agree with you ~~ I'm also tired of stainless steels appliances. I love my black glass Jenn Aire appliances ~~ most dramatic!
  • Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc. Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc. on Apr 16, 2012
    I go stainless all the time for clients who want the latest trend, but for me personaly, always black. I love black... & stainless is cold & industrial to me in my personal space,.
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Apr 16, 2012
    goodness Bonnie B.. thank you. My island top is due for a oiling .. going to post before/after and would love to know if you think it still looks bad :)
  • Bonnie B Bonnie B on Apr 18, 2012
    Becky Sue ~~ can't wait for your pictures! Just a question: If counter tops are oiled and one uses as a "cutting board", how would one successfully sanitize the top before/after use?
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Apr 18, 2012
    treatment has been done.. just need to write it all up and post .. this is blog worthy :) will have it posted by Saturday at the lastest! oiled counter tops: essentially, the oil does most of the work. it repels water and stains. if you read the blog post below, you will learn that studies have shown that wood actually breeds like bacteria than plastic! so daily cleaning? wash cloth with dish soap .. not soaking with water. the water cant hurt it ... it will only break down the oil and equate to oiling it more often than not. I hear a lot .. how often do I need to treat it with oil? Its nearly impossible to answer based on how often you cook, clean .. and how much water comes in contact with the top! Me? I fear nothing with my tops (own a Tigerwood and a Maple top). I oil them .. and they resist nearly everything. Even wine! When I do get a stain? ... green brillo or a copper brillo saves my slip up. Most often when I do get a stain.. Im late in giving it an oil treatment. Hope this answers your question, sorry I dont know how to make it short! :) The rest of the conditions about the treatment of the oil etc will be answered in my blog .. dont hold your breath ok? hehe .. Im crazy busy this week but eager to share the process!
  • Nichter's Home Services Corp Nichter's Home Services Corp on Apr 18, 2012
    Just wiping clean is al that is needed to "sanitize" Many woods contain natural anti-fungal or bacterial properties. About ten years ago a couple of studies demonstrated that wood cutting block surfaces host far fewer germs than modern plastic ones do
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Apr 19, 2012
    Nichtler is right on.. there has been few studies.. below are a couple of links. http://faculty.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/faculty/docliver/Research/cuttingboard.htm http://www.frogojt.com/Cuttingboards.pdf
  • Joan P Joan P on Apr 23, 2012
    As a cook,mom, and grandma I like to have at least one countertop with a block because I do alot of baking, and for some reason some of my family members are too lazy to get a board out !! lol
  • Nichter's Home Services Corp Nichter's Home Services Corp on Apr 23, 2012
    If you knead a lot of dough, I would build your kitchen with a workspace at about 30" for that. We have a separate 30" tall "Baker's table" to work dough on.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Apr 24, 2012
    When working some pastry I whip out my "marble" work surface. It is cooler so my pie doughs stay fluffy by not melting the butter as much.
  • Beth C Beth C on May 01, 2012
    I love butcher block in a white kitchen. I think it is a very good choice, especially for a cottage, coastal, shabby chic look.
  • Hannah M Hannah M on May 04, 2012
    I have some oak wood that holds very sentimental value (came from a tree in my grandparents yard-their house was burned a few years back...) and would love to turn it into a small butcherblock countertop over my dishwasher, as well as some possible keepsakes (maybe a breadboard?) for some family members-I would love some instruction on how to do this, or any other ideas you may have, Becky Sue, or anyone else that could help...Thanks!:)
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on May 04, 2012
    Those are wonderful ideas Hannah! Sorry I am not the go to person on how to DIY with wood counter tops though. I have a trusted manufacturer that I use for all of my projects. You could google search the cabinet and/or woodworking shops in your area to find out what they would charge to make those things with your wood.
  • Nichter's Home Services Corp Nichter's Home Services Corp on May 04, 2012
    Hannah, white oak would be fine, but avoid using red oak where it might be exposed to moiusture
  • Stephanie George Stephanie George on Jan 31, 2013
    I'm remodeling my kitchen next year and I'm very much considering bb countertops.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Feb 01, 2013
    I build and sell extra large wood cutting boards, 20" deep by 24" or more wide. This size will still fit in my sink for rinsing etc. Being really big it lives on the counter full time. The added convenience of one of these is they can be moved, cleaned and repaired easily. I love it that they are big enough to chop just about everything you might need for an entire meal and have room to segregate items and keep working. We have nick named them the "mother board" in reference to many sci fy movies where the large mother ship commands the galaxy.
  • Tracy Tracy on Feb 05, 2013
    If you like them, they're 'in' !
  • Samantha Hall Samantha Hall on Apr 23, 2013
    I just need these lights
  • Donnakay Donnakay on Apr 23, 2013
    yes I like the clean look
  • Candace Geldreich Candace Geldreich on Apr 27, 2013
    I think butcher block is timeless....I love stone also and the look that you get when you mix these two elements is wonderfully warm.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Apr 28, 2013
    I agree that butcher block is timeless! I would NEVER get rid of it for granite or any other surface. I only wish I could have it on all my counters. I am soon one day going to have to face what to redo my tops with and I may actually choose butcher block. I have a small island with it and absolutely adore it!
  • Sharon E Sharon E on Dec 05, 2013
    Butcher block is always in!
  • Carmen Carmen on Jun 05, 2014
    Granite I hate, it is a fad that will soon fade. Expensive,it is high maintenance, must be careful of what you put on top etc. BB is timeless. Hope to remodel our kitchen and at least one counter will be BB.
  • Carol Carol on Jun 05, 2014
    Quartz is what I just used - it will replace granite, but pricey.
  • Sally Roesner Fuhr Sally Roesner Fuhr on Jun 05, 2014
    Consider the weight your cabinets must bear with granite, marble, concrete, etc.
  • Pat Cobb Pat Cobb on Jul 09, 2014
    Timeless. IN!
  • Sherry Sherry on Jul 11, 2014
    Will never go out of "style"...IN
  • JHayes JHayes on Dec 28, 2014
    I like stone countertops but not a fan of granite at all; it's too busy to look at. I do like sandstone but it is cost-prohibitive on my budget. I do love the look of butcher block and have been incorporating it into my kitchen. I like both butcher block and sandstone because it is timeless and durable (when properly maintained for bb).
  • Kerry Kerry on Mar 12, 2015
    👍
  • Deirdre Sullivan Deirdre Sullivan on Mar 12, 2015
    According to this post, butcher block is the third most popular countertop material: http://goo.gl/W2aDyL
  • Kimberli Boston Kimberli Boston on Mar 13, 2015
    Pretty..
  • Gina Gina on Mar 21, 2015
    I like that alot, and have been thinking of doing the same thing, I mean everyone has granite, I want something different and well unique...i think it looks great.
  • Rjack Rjack on Mar 23, 2015
    I made my island with old long leaf pine from an old building. Its like butcher block but the pieces are 6-9'' wide. I love it. Everyone that comes in the house loves it. It doesn't have any type of finish other than mineral oil. I was told to use a 1/2 & 1/2 cleaner of vinegar & peroxide then rub mineral oil on top. All is non-toxic. Works fine. If it gets scratched I just lightly sand it. Should last forever. I'm not a granite person anyway. Do love my Silestone - lots of choices & easy to take care of.
  • Crys Crys on Apr 05, 2015
    In
  • GwenD GwenD on Jun 30, 2015
    what kind i use to replace a kitchen table top, to make it rain proof for outside on my deck?
  • Sherrie Slaboda Sherrie Slaboda on Jul 01, 2015
    I just replaced my old ugly countertops and I chose Quartz for a couple reasons: choice of color and non porous. The non porous part was the most important to me. My countertop is beautiful and totally maintenance free.
  • Deb Laber Deb Laber on Jul 01, 2015
    Definitely in. I wouldn't want a whole kitchen full, but as an accent or special work area it rocks!
  • Sharon La Tour Sharon La Tour on Jul 26, 2015
    IN!!!!!!
  • Lizzy L Lizzy L on Jul 27, 2015
    "Busy" granite is out. Quartz is in. Butcherblock islands are in.
  • Karen Mccollum Karen Mccollum on Sep 01, 2015
    I'm into the new concrete conter tops. I'll be posting my before and after pictures..watch karenmccollumkm@gmail.com
  • Terra Gazelle Terra Gazelle on Sep 21, 2015
    I love the butcher block counters. They can be very modern or cottage/Farm house. I think I would not want them with too much wood..but if the floor is tile I think wood counters would not be too much. I love the depth of some of the granite.some are too busy, but some are not. I also like Quartz..
  • Barb Barb on Jan 30, 2016
    I have read several articles that say granite is out. One of the things they say is in is butcher block. I think it looks great and am considering it myself.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Jan 31, 2016
    I have butcher block on my island and if I were to change out my counters (which I am not inclined to get into at my age...LOL) I would pick butcher block. I LOVE IT! We put on a new, larger top a year or so ago and we sealed it with a wax recommended for it. I use Clorox Kitchen Cleaner to wipe it down. As for what to put in your kitchen...follow your own taste. What is in is out and what is out is in and what is whatever will be the big thing next year...and then gone again...and back in another few years...this I have learned from being in a house 45 years!
  • Candace Boyer Candace Boyer on Jan 31, 2016
    Who cares if it's in or not! Go with what you like. You can't go wrong, they are all beautiful.
  • Dfm Dfm on Mar 17, 2016
    if you are going to stay in the house- do what you prefer....if you are flipping the house- do the latest and greatest. each type of counter top has advantages and disadvantages. it's a personal choice- what disadvantage can you cope with? what ones drive you nuts?
  • JHayes JHayes on Mar 18, 2016
    If you're living in your house and you like it what difference does it make. Decorate and ship your house to your taste. I wasn't sure if I could live the maintenance on a butcher block countertop but after installing one on the cook/prep side of my kitchen I was amazed to see that not only is it beautiful but easy to care for. Now I just to see the pros & cons of installing near my kitchen sink as I'd now like to install on the opposite side of the kitchen. For the record my kitchen, house and decorating style is definitely cottage/country.
  • Lizzy L Lizzy L on Mar 19, 2016
    Actually, unless it's a solid color or looks like marble, granite is out! Butcher block can work in the right space - just don't pair it with brown cabinets. For stone, go with quartz, one of the white marbles, or concrete.
    • See 1 previous
    • Lizzy L Lizzy L on Mar 20, 2016
      Yes, always get what you like, but be aware of trendy looks vs design that stands the test of time. Especially if you ever consider selling.
  • Darlene Somerville Darlene Somerville on Jul 14, 2016
    Butcher Block is gaining popularity in the design world as a unique countertop choice. I have used it on islands but plan to do my next flip property with it for the counter tops as well. You don't have to just stain them wood color & seal, you can stain them gray to make them different. Either way, butcher block is very pretty used as a kitchen counter, enjoy!
  • Carolyn Simmons Carolyn Simmons on Oct 05, 2016
    I think the butcher block counter tops would be beautiful !! Do what makes you happy !! 😉
  • Jean Darnell Jean Darnell on Oct 23, 2016
    I personally don't care for it. I'm looking at an older home to buy and the counters look so dated. What are the alternatives without tearing up the counter?
  • SamSandez SamSandez on Dec 19, 2017
    Although butcher block countertops provide traditional charm, it may easily get scratches. Hence I prefer granite kitchen countertops. It is because you can use granite in any way. Even if you cut something on granite, it won't damage the surface as it is heat and scratch resistant. I have been using charcoal granite kitchen countertop ( https://stoneclone.ca/resurfacing-colors/ ) at home for the past 20 years. Till date, it looks new. It is easy to maintain.

  • Peter Peter on Dec 19, 2017
    As done ther, IN... But keep the surface fresh looking and well oiled as protection.
  • B'Ahava Designs B'Ahava Designs on Dec 19, 2017
    do u really want what’s in or out? I believe that it’s more important to have what u like, depending on how long u plan to be in ur home. If u r concerned re resale value, then it does matter. If, however, u r in ur forever home as I am (23.5 years and counting) what u like is more important.

  • Tammy Tammy on Aug 21, 2018

    I LOVE butcher block and in my book it will always be in style...stone is NOT for everyone. It's too temperater. Butcher block is not.
  • Cramery Cramery on Jul 02, 2019

    Personally, I prefer granite countertops. They have great heat retention so they're great for kitchens. Quite low maintenance too.


  • Kat Kat on Dec 10, 2019

    out
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Dec 21, 2020

    Hi,

    Well the choice is yours, My sister in law had them installed recently, but rues the day, as they have to be oiled constantly to keep them looking nice. For me, I have always gone for a Formica type top as they are so durable and they come in many many finishes. Best wishes.
  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Apr 30, 2022

    yes yes yes ,,,, the bes tdea ever

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