Countertops And Cabinets

Built-in cutting boards
At a time when ‘green’ is the trend, butcher block is one of your few completely natural kitchen countertop materials. Typically made from strips of hard maple, 1 1/2-in. thick
butcher block counters are glued up to expose wear resistant edge grain. They can be ordered in sizes up to 12 ft. long and 4 ft. wide for about $30 to $35 per sq. ft.

Easy to find butcher block countertop material can be found and purchased through your local home center or lumberyard and there are some large manufacturers that you can order from also.One of them, John Boos & Company, also makes end-grain tops
4 in. thick in sizes up to 60 in. by 38 in. for about $85 per sq. ft.

A butcher block countertop also offers several inherent benefits, besides being natural, for instance; it is relatively easy to work and install, butcher block also has a visual warmth and pleasing resilience, and can be used can act as a built in cutting board.

Even the blemishes of a butcher block countertop add to its appeal and charm. Scratches, scorch marks and other signs of wear and tear can be counted as character, or scraped and sanded away. One drawback is that wood is susceptible to water damage, so
butcher block used around the sink should be carefully sealed. While many are turning to natural stone like granite for their counter top material the warmth and character offered by butcher block kitchen countertops can not be beat. Besides offering you good looking natural alternative a butcher block countertop can be expected to last for decades.