Thinking about butcher block countertops? Here’s my experience with them after six months, from the initial maintenance to everyday use and care.
My husband and I bought our first house over six months ago, at the end of August, 2015. It was custom-built just two years earlier. One of my favorite features in the house was the butcher block countertops.
Butcher block is becoming a popular trend in kitchens, but what is it actually like to have it in your home? I’m sharing my experience today.
Cost and Installation
Since the countertops were already installed when we purchased the house, I don’t know the overall cost or the process of installing the countertops. I do know that the countertops in my home were purchased from Ikea. You can see the prices and find installation instructions on their website.
Maintenance and Upkeep
When we bought the house, it was obvious that the previous tenant hadn’t taken very good care of the countertops. There were many stains and burn marks from placing hot pots and pans on the counter.
Before moving in, we refinished the countertops. This is a very dusty project, so it’s best to do it before moving in if you are able to!
We started by sanding down the countertops using a power sander. This got rid of all the stains and burn marks! Next, we added a clear coat to seal the wood and let it dry for about 24 hours before putting anything on the counter.
Everyday Use and Care
We’ve had our house for a little over 6 months now and I am still loving the countertops! I am careful to avoid putting hot pots and pans directly on the counter, and I wipe up any drips or spills right away.
A lot of people ask me if you can cut foods directly on the countertop. When we were refinishing the countertops, there were a lot of marks and cuts from where the previous tenant had done that. We thought it looked beat up, so we decided not to do this ourselves.
Cleaning is so easy! You can’t use most cleaning products on the wood, but it’s easy to sanitize with vinegar. Just spray with vinegar and let sit for a few minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you don’t want to let drips or puddles of water sit on the countertops. One area I always have to be careful of is around the sink. After doing dishes I always make sure to wipe down the area with a towel.
Would I Do It Again?
In a future home, would I install butcher block countertops? I definitely would! I love the look of the countertops, and after six months of use they have held up well and are easy to clean and care for. And you know I get a lot of use out of my kitchen as a food blogger!
Another countertop look I love is granite, but I think that butcher block has it’s advantages depending on the budget and the style you are going for. It’s much more affordable than granite and definitely provides a difference look for the kitchen. For my current house, I think it’s the perfect option!
What do you think of butcher block countertops? Would you want it in your house?
Kristyn | Dash of Herbs says
I love these – and they were from Ikea. Win! We are in the process of buying a house, so who knows what kind of countertops we will end up with. I do love the mix of granite and butcher block. My sister has granite counters along the wall and under the cabinets and then a thick butcher block top on their island.
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
I don’t think I’ve ever seen butcher block and granite mixed. That could turn out so good! And it wouldn’t be as expensive as doing granite throughout the kitchen.
Holly says
This is exactly the post I needed to read! I (Holly) am starting to
think through updating my kitchen and I’m seriously considering butcher
block counters.
Holly @ Creatively Living Blog
Holly says
and what color did you get from IKEA? Thanks!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
You will love butcher block counters! I hope this post gave you an idea of what it’s like to live with them. Since the butcher block was already installed when we moved in, I am not positive which color they are. However, I’d guess it’s the KARLBY Countertop in Oak. Here’s the link: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50267978/
Gennie says
I really like these! I hadn’t even thought of having butcher block countertops, but I would definitely like to!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
I love the look of the butcher block! They are not as expensive as other countertop options, plus they are easy to maintain.
Abby says
I wanted butcher block counters in the kitchen of the house we built. I was nervous about them, but I didn’t get very far in the research process because my husband didn’t care for the look. In the end, I love the white-on-white look we have with granite, but I still love butcher block!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
Fortunately for me, the decision was already made since these countertops were in the house when I bought it! I had always liked the look of butcher block, but I like granite too so I would have had to decide otherwise! But now that I have lived with butcher block I love it! I’d definitely do it again in the future.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
Those are beautiful counter tops! I remember growing up and having an island with a butcher block counter top, and never really thought about getting a whole kitchen counter done in it. Love! <3
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
I think it’s a pretty recent trend for kitchens. I had been noticing it on Pinterest for awhile and loved it, so it was one of the selling points of this house for me.
lydiaf1963 says
Have one counter that’s butcher block and the other is tile. We do cut stuff on it. I don’t mind the marks and I’m particular about keeping it clean and oiled. That being said, at some point we’re probably going to have to do a little sanding.
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
I’m hearing a lot about butcher block paired with other surfaces. Cutting on the butcher block is definitely a personal preference. I’m hoping I don’t have to sand mine down as often, though. It made such a mess!
Nicki Lewis says
Had never seen these before. Pretty cool. I would probably use depending on house I was doing like you said. Currently I have granite and have always been partial to them
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
I love the look of granite, too. But butcher block usually is a more affordable option depending on the house!