How Much Does a Butcher Block Countertop Cost?

Table of Contents

1. Butcher Block Countertop Cost
2. Butcher Block Countertop Installation Cost
3. Butcher Block Countertop Cost Factors
4. What Is Butcher Block?
5. Types Of Butcher Block Countertop
6. Grades Of Butcher Block
7. Popular Brands
8. Proper Maintenance & Cleaning
9. Advantages Of Butcher Block Countertop
10. Disadvantage Of Butcher Block Countertop
11. Find A Local Countertop Contractor

Butcher Block Countertop Cost

Butcher block countertops can add a rich feel of tradition and connection to the earth, with its grainy aesthetic and clean stain finish. If you’re considering adding butcher block into your home, be sure to consider the costs:  

• The average minimum cost: $39.87/sf
• The average maximum cost: $56.30/sf

In addition to the cost of the wood used for the butcher block countertop, there are some additional expenses associated with this type of home remodeling project. Your total project will cost, on average, around $3,075. All cost factors for this project are broken down in the cost factors paragraph below.

Butcher Block Countertop Installation Cost

The installation cost for a butcher block countertop averages at $71.50 per hour for basic services. A 100/sf counter will take close to 10 hours to install, including the material, equipment, planning, preparation, set-up and clean up. Installing a butcher block countertop with more than two seams or more than one cutout for a sink is more time consuming and will add to the overall cost of the project. The more countertop surface you want to install, the higher installation cost you’ll see, due to the added materials and labor time. The average cost to install a kitchen countertop is $2,719, with most homeowners paying between $2,032 and $3,131.

Butcher Block Countertop Cost Factors

There a couple of cost factors you should consider before starting your countertop remodel. The two main factors to consider are the butcher block material and the size of the countertop surface. Along with these two main cost drivers, you should also consider the labor, materials, supplies and equipment used. Supplies such as grout, screws, nuts, bolts, oil and sealant are needed to complete the project. This adds an average of $3.05 per finished square foot of butcher block countertop surface. All of these can add up quickly to your overall remodel project. Materials and supplies like fasteners, caulk, sealants, glue and other items can make a difference in the final cost, so discuss material options with your contractor before starting work. If you’re planning for a full kitchen remodel, or drawing up ideas for a brand new kitchen, find a sink that will match your new countertops. The average cost to install a sink is around $395, with most homeowners spending between $248 and $386.

What Is Butcher Block?

Butcher block countertops are made from straight cuts of wood that are glued together. The thick slabs provide a smooth and sturdy surface for kitchen work. There are many types of wood and grades of materials used in this type of countertop surface. The different types of wood, grades and materials used for this countertop are listed in the paragraph below. Butcher blocks use can be traced back centuries to China, as well as Europe, being the first surfaces many households and butchers used to prep their meats and meals.

Types Of Butcher Block Countertop

Butcher block countertops can be created out of a wide variety of hardwoods. The wood is cut, sanded, buffed, polished and sealed before it’s installed. The primary types of wood used to create butcher block countertops include:

• Beech: This wood features visual appeal and a light to medium tone.
• Red Oak: This type of wood is a popular choice in the Northeastern States and fits in well with colonial style homes.
• White Oak: As another tree native to the Northeastern U.S., this wood is heavily used in kitchens and features a medium tone and fine grain.
• Sapele: The rich coloring of this wood brings a warm feeling to the kitchen.
• Walnut: This dark wood is durable, and when polished, it easily highlights the beauty of the grain.
• Pine: Pine is a softer wood that is light in color and includes many knots for visual interest.
• Ash: This hardwood finishes with a light color and consistent grain that are highlighted on the butcher block.
• Hickory: As a more exotic choice, this wood imparts a reddish brown tone when fully sealed.
• Birch: As a fast growing tree, birch offers an interesting effect on the growth countertops as well as kitchen cabinets and flooring.
• Poplar: This type of wood has a fine grain and a light color.
• Alder: This type of wood is knotty and offers a rustic look. It works well in homes that have used reclaimed wood for the flooring, beams and furnishings.
• Maple: Maple is another traditional choice for butcher block countertops, kitchen cabinetry and floors.
• American Cherry: This is the traditional wood used for butcher block

Grades Of Butcher Block 

There are three primary grades or levels of quality for butcher block countertops. The most common grade of a butcher block countertop is edge grain. It’s stronger, more stable and less expensive than other grades. The long and narrow edges of boards form the surface. Flat grain butcher block is laid out, so the width of the board forms the surface. It makes a streamlined look but is not as strong as edge grain. End grain butcher block is formed with smaller blocks of wood that show the knots and growth rings. It’s the strongest and most expensive type of butcher block countertop.

Popular Brands

There are many different suppliers of butcher block countertops across the nation. Popular companies that produce this type of countertop material include:

• Brooks Custom Wood Countertops
• DeVos Custom Wood working
• Lafor International Wood Products

Homeowners may also find locally-sourced butcher block countertops. A homeowner who wants to use reclaimed wood may be able to find a custom butcher block countertop carpenter to create this type of product.

Proper Maintenance & Cleaning

Wood countertops are a beautiful surface space in any part of your home. When installed in your kitchen, you can expect them to be used often. They’re very durable surfaces, but they do require regular care. Without proper care and regular maintenance, your new butcher block countertops may need repairs sooner than later. The average cost to repair your countertops is $340, but depending on the countertop surface and size, this price could go up. Follow these tips to clean and maintain your wooden countertops and protect the beauty they bring to your home:

• Wash countertops immediately after use, especially after moisture, stains, scrap or spills
• Oil your wooden countertops once a month with mineral oil
• Avoid using vinegar as a cleaning solution, as the acidity in the vinegar can dissolve the glue holding the separate pieces of wood together
• Try to keep areas around your sink as dry as possible. Still water that is not cleaned up can lead to warped wood over time.

Advantages Of Butcher Block Countertops

There are many advantages to installing butcher block countertops in the kitchen. This material offers a high level of aesthetic appeal and works well in traditional, retro and modern kitchens. With a nearly endless array of wood stains, colors and finishes, homeowners can customize the look of their countertops. If you decide to replace or reface the cabinets, the surface of the countertops can be sanded and stained to coordinate with the new look. Vegetables and meat can be cut directly on the surface of the butcher block. The resulting nicks and scratches can add character to the surface. Butcher block countertops are affordable and cost less than many other popular countertop materials. This material can be sustainably and locally sourced, making for an environmentally-friendly choice for the home.

To learn more about butcher block and its advantages, please see “What You Need To Know About Wood Countertops.”

Disadvantages Of Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block countertops require regular maintenance in order to retain their durability, longevity and beauty. The wood should be gently cleaned with soapy water and promptly dried. Food-grade mineral oil should be applied to the wood on a weekly basis to protect it from daily use. Once each year, the butcher block countertops should be sealed with a sealant that is safe for food preparation.

Butcher block wood can easily be damaged by knives and other sharp kitchen implements if they’re used directly on the surface. Butcher block countertops can be scorched if a hot pan is placed on the surface. Trivets should always be used underneath hot items to protect the surface of the wood countertops. The wood can easily be dented by falling items. While the dents can be sanded or buffed out, this leaves an indent and exposes the wood underneath. Sealing is required if any dents or scratches are sanded.

Find A Local Countertop Contractor

Adding butcher block countertops to your home can bring a sense of warmth and character to any part of your home. Whether you’re building your dream kitchen or just breathing new life into your kitchen, let ImproveNet help you find trusted local remodelers. We can connect you with local contractors today!

Last updated on Sep 1, 2017