Butcher Block Wood Kitchen Countertops

They aren’t the most common choice for kitchen countertops, but there are many advantages to having a countertop made of wood. For the most part, wooden countertops are known as butcher block because they remind us of the old tables that butchers would use to chop chickens, pork and beef into tantalizing cuts for their customers. Butcher block is typically made of several layers of hard maple glued together to form a very thick wooden block. Although the thicknesses vary, butcher blocks tend to be anywhere between 1 ¼ and 6 inches thick. Aside from the warmth and beauty that wooden countertops bring to any kitchen, they're especially handy. There's no special cutting board needed; You can just start chopping anywhere you please.

Selecting kitchen countertops

Whether you're the next aspiring Top Chef or a kitchen novice, selecting the best countertop material for your kitchen space can be a daunting task. Do you covet the sleek appearance of granite, or would you rather opt for Corian or a durable, long-lasting stone-synthetic composite, like Formica's Crystalite? Consider also a green alternative, such as stainless steel, concrete, paper composite, recycled plastic or cambria, a durable, non-porous, all-natural quartz.

In the past, identifying a countertop material could be an easy decision based on your budget. Now, however, DoItYourself.com writer Katherine Salant reports that many countertops are within a similar price range. And even if you choose a less expensive alternative, such as plastic laminate, major manufacturers still offer hundreds of colors and patterns.

In addition to identifying the most popular types of countertop materials, Salant lists the inherent problems of each surface--granite, for instance, requires periodic resealing. (And from personal experience, white countertops require constant cleaning and an arsenal of scrubbing supplies!)

Other countertop resources include a top 10 list, complete with pros and cons; more information on green alternatives; and a thorough overview of several materials, complete with installation suggestions.

Kitchen Countertops

The kitchen is probably one of the most popular rooms in the house, the place where friends and family congregate and catch-up over delicious meals each day. How does your kitchen fit into this spectrum? Is your space warm, cozy, and welcoming, or do you hasten to close the door before guests get a glimpse of what lies inside?

Renovating your kitchen is a great way to increase the value of your home, not to mention your own personal comfort and enjoyment.

Each component of the kitchen is important, but one feature that holds priority is what countertopping you choose. You want to find a surface that is durable, affordable, and eye-catching to really set off the cabinetry. There are many choices of materials for countertopping, and choosing which one will look the best in your kitchen takes a little homework.