The Beauty of Butcher Block

The kitchen is often lauded as the heart of the home, and with kitchen counters literally holding the weight of the space, they carry the heavy expectations of landing a perfect 10 in both aesthetics and functionality. Depending on your needs or decor style, there are myriad options when it comes to countertops — but there’s nothing that stands the test of time quite like the natural grain of butcher block counters. Whether your style leans rustic or more modern, butcher block effortlessly translates into any style, and breathes life and warmth into any kitchen.

Butcher block counters from LL Flooring are a great option in terms of style, function, and budget. Here, we’ve got a rundown of all the benefits, as well as a few unique challenges, of butcher block.

Timeless Comfort

Tying wood into your design elements imparts a natural warmth and comfort to any space, while still exuding timeless sophistication that — if history is any indication — is unlikely to go out of style anytime soon. Homes are meant to be comfortable, and the kitchen is no exception. With the addition of butcher block countertops like LL’s Unfinished White Oak Island top, or a lighter option such as the Williamsburg Maple Island Top, your space can go from sterile to welcoming in no time. The natural grain of wood plays off of any kind of lighting or color scheme, and it creates a great jumping-off point to experiment elsewhere with color and texture.

The Price is Right

Countertops can gobble up a huge portion of any kitchen renovation budget, so it’s important to shop around and explore all your options to make sure you get the most bang for your buck. With other natural countertop materials like granite often priced well into the thousands of dollars, butcher block counters are a great option for both your wallet and overall design. And if you don’t want to pull the trigger on butcher block for your entire kitchen, it can look great as an island centerpiece and coordinate with other natural materials like marble or granite. With just a little extra time and care, butcher block counters can maintain their beauty for a long time to come.

Maple Butcher Block Island Top

Things to Know

With wood being a naturally porous material, there is a bit of work and care that goes into maintaining butcher block counters. To keep them clean and to prevent stains, butcher block should be cleaned after use and spills should be cleaned immediately— first use water and dish soap to clean up any messes, then sanitize with a simple solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. It’s great motivation to keep a clean kitchen, and the regular practice will keep your countertops looking good as new.

Unlike other materials that are more heat-resistant, it’s best not to set any hot pots or pans directly on butcher block. But, accidents sometimes happen, and if you do get scorch marks, you have the option to simply sand them off and reseal with a butcher block solution.

Will butcher block be your next kitchen renovation inspiration? Or what ideas do you have cooking? Tell us — and tag us — on Facebook or Instagram at @LLFlooringOfficial and use #LLStyle.

Thinking about one of the affordable Williamsburg Butcher Block Co. counters? Get an idea of the installation project with the helpful video below.