Best Wood for Butcher Block Counter

The best wood for butcher block countertops can be hardwood or softwood. When choosing, look for durability, versatility and natural beauty. Do not discount color, thickness, width, and wood species. Compare the pros and cons of each type of wood and match them to your needs. Consider the following tips for a better log counter.

Factors to consider when selecting wood for a butcher block counter

Color

You can match other wood grain in your kitchen with your butcher block counter. Matching the color of an existing wood can be difficult, but you can still match a species and a grain pattern easily. 

Maple cabinets complement Maple countertops. For an interesting look, mix and match woods. Differences in textures and colors can work better.  It is easy to complement woods, especially when they are separated.

Thickness and width

End grain countertops are in any thickness up to 4-1/2″ thick. As the wood pieces are glued with the top grain facing up, the width of each plank varies between 4 inches to 6 inches. Wide plank countertops can be produced in any thickness up to 1-3/4 inch thick.

Wood type

Be sure how light or dark and cool or warm you want your kitchen to look. Some wood types, like Hard Rock Maple, are light in color and uniform in appearance. It brightens a kitchen and makes it light, airy, and cool. Red Oak is of medium tone, with a golden, red tint.

There is a variety of wood to choose from since each has unique characteristics. Woods such as walnut do not require much staining. Poplar is for natural variations in color and affordability, although most butcher block countertops are affordable. 

Stains of different colors and glosses can change the look of any wood countertop material. Pick a wood with hard surfaces that can withstand years of use in the kitchen.

Janka Hardness Rating

It refers to measuring the hardness of wood. The higher the wood’s Janka hardness rating, the stronger and the higher its resistance to scratches, abrasion, and dents. Hardwoods such as maple, oak, and cherry have a higher Janka hardness rating than softwoods such as Douglas fir and pine. Janka hardness rating has to be between 900 and 1500 for butcher blocks (Lifewood.com).

Types of wood commonly used for butcher block counters

Maple

Maple is one of the most popular woods for butcher blocks. It is available in soft and hardwood, but hard maple makes better butcher block cutting boards. Hard maple has a Janka hardness rating of 1450, offering enhanced resistance against impact, scratches, and knife marks. Hard maple does not make your knives dull.

Since maple produces nutritious fruits known as samaras, wood is safe to use with food. Maple has a tight close grain that reduces water absorption, making the wood less prone to bacteria and mold manifestation. Do not expect toxicity when it comes to a maple butcher board.

Walnut

A walnut butcher block has a beautiful appearance but has less functionality than maple. It has a medium grain, making it prone to moisture absorption leading to mold and bacteria. One of its drawbacks is that it requires regular and thorough cleaning.

Walnut has a hardness rating of 1000, meaning it is softer than beech and maple. It is also food-safe and less likely to shrink. Walnut butcher blocks have a dark color that disguises stains.

Cypress

Cypress contains an anti-bacterial substance known as hinokitiol which makes a butcher block resistant to mold and bacteria and eliminates ammonia odor. It features a lower Janka hardness rating, making it more susceptible to scratches.

Beech

Beech is a hardwood with a Janka hardness rating of 1300. It is not as hard as maple but excellent for making butcher blocks. It is hard to resist dents and scratches but it does not dull your knives. It has a tight, close-end grain, hence low porosity. Beech butcher blocks remain affordable without compromising their quality.

However, beech comes with some drawbacks. Its light color makes it more susceptible to staining, and the wood shrinks quickly. You can still prevent or manage shrinkage by oiling your beech butcher board at least once every month.

Cherry

Cherry is increasingly also popular in making butcher blocks. It has a Janka hardness rating of 950, making it ideal for tasks such as cutting and chopping (Floorcoveringsinternational.com). Its pores are tight, preventing the block from waterlogging and dirt accumulation. It has a subtle red color that does not stain easily. Cherry wood butcher blocks are more affordable than maple and walnut blocks. There is a narrow variety of cherry butcher blocks in the market.

Teak

Teak makes a butcher board with high oil content for excellent decay resistance. It has low porosity and is less likely to decay even when continuously exposed to wet conditions. Its high oil content and resistance to rot make it durable. Teak wood is versatile since it has broad applications. Besides making butcher block counters, it still makes furniture, yachts, and exterior construction.

Teak butcher blocks are durable and resistant to scratches. It has a Janka hardness rating of 1150 and a higher shrinkage resistance than walnut, beech, and even maple. Do not oil it too often. Tru every 3-6 months.

It has a high silica content that dulls your knives and is prone to moisture accumulation and bacteria infestation. It stains easily, but its dark color hides the stains better.

Advantages and disadvantages of different types of wood for butcher block counters

Maple

Advantages

1. Resistant to impact, scratches, and knife marks: Maple is a dense hardwood that can withstand heavy use in a kitchen. It’s an ideal choice for a butcher block counter because it can resist impact, scratches, and knife marks, making it durable and long-lasting.
2. Does not make your knives dull: Hard maple, specifically, is an excellent choice because it is tough enough to withstand the pressure of chopping and cutting, yet it doesn’t dull your knives. It’s a crucial consideration when you’re investing in good-quality knives and don’t want them to lose their edge quickly.
3. Safe to use with food: Maple is a safe and non-toxic wood that won’t contaminate your food. You can use it for chopping and preparing vegetables, fruits, meats, and other food items without any worry of harmful chemicals leaching into your food.
4. Tight, close grain: Maple has a tight, close grain pattern that makes it less porous than other woods. It has a lower tendency to absorb water and liquids, making it an ideal choice for a kitchen counter.

Disadvantages

1. Not waterproof: Although maple is less porous than other woods, it is still not. Spilling liquids on the surface can seep into the wood and cause damage over time. It’s crucial to clean up spills immediately to prevent stains and warping of the wood. Additionally, oiling the surface is essential to maintain water resistance regularly.

Walnut

Advantages

1. Beautiful appearance: Walnut has a natural warmth and rich color, making it a popular choice for a butcher block counter. It has a distinctive grain pattern adds character and charm to any kitchen.
2. Resistant to moisture absorption: Walnut is a dense hardwood naturally resistant to moisture absorption. This quality makes it less prone to mold and bacterial growth, making it a great choice for a kitchen environment where hygiene is crucial.
3. Softer than beech and maple: Walnut is a softer wood than beech and maple, which means it’s easier on knives and other kitchen tools. It can help preserve the sharpness of your blades, making it an excellent choice for avid home cooks or professional chefs.
4. Food-safe: Walnut is a food-safe wood that won’t leach harmful chemicals into your food. You can use it for chopping and preparing food without concern for contamination.
5. Less likely to shrink: Compared to other woods, Walnut is less likely to shrink or crack over time. It’s a stable wood that holds up well to changes in humidity and temperature.

Disadvantages

1. Less functionality than maple: Walnut is softer than other woods, which means it’s not as functional for heavy-duty chopping or cutting. It can also dent and scratch more easily than hardwoods like maple.
2. Requires regular and thorough cleaning: Like any wood surface, a Walnut butcher block requires regular and thorough cleaning to maintain its appearance and hygiene. You’ll need to clean it with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly after each use. Additionally, you’ll need to oil the surface regularly to keep it from drying out and cracking.

Cypress

Advantages

1. Resistant to mold and bacteria: Cypress wood is naturally resistant to mold and bacteria, making it an excellent choice for a kitchen environment. It can help maintain a hygienic workspace by minimizing the risk of food contamination.
2. Eliminates ammonia odor: Cypress has a unique quality of eliminating ammonia odor. This feature makes it an ideal choice for butchers and hunters who process game meat at home, as it can help mask the unpleasant odor of the job.

Disadvantages

1. Lower Janka hardness rating: Cypress wood has a lower Janka hardness rating than other hardwoods used for butcher blocks, such as maple and walnut. This means it’s more susceptible to scratches and dents from knives and other kitchen tools. It may not hold up as well as other woods with frequent use.
2. Less common: Cypress wood is less common for butcher blocks than other woods like maple and walnut. It can be harder to find and may be more expensive.
3. Not ideal for heavy chopping: Cypress wood may not be ideal for heavy chopping and cutting due to its softer nature. It’s better suited for lighter food prep tasks, such as slicing and dicing vegetables.
4. Requires maintenance: Like all wood butcher blocks, Cypress wood requires regular maintenance to keep it in good condition. You’ll need to clean it thoroughly after each use and oil the surface regularly to prevent drying and cracking.

Beech

Advantages

1. Durable: Beech is a durable wood that can resist dents and scratches. It can withstand the heavy use of a busy kitchen and is an excellent choice for a butcher block counter that sees a lot of action.
2. Not as hard as Maple: Beech is not as hard as Maple, which makes it easier on knives and other kitchen tools. It won’t dull your blades as quickly as harder wood, making it a great choice for home cooks and professional chefs who want to preserve the sharpness of their knives.
3. Tight, close-end grain: Beech has a tight, close-end grain that makes it less porous than other woods. It’s an essential feature for a kitchen counter because it reduces the absorption of moisture and liquids, making it more hygienic.
4. Affordable and high-quality: Beech is a popular choice for butcher block counters because it’s an affordable and high-quality wood. It can give you the durability and functionality you need without breaking the bank.

Disadvantages

1. Susceptible to staining: Beech is more susceptible to staining than other woods used for butcher blocks, such as Maple and Walnut. Cleaning up spills immediately is crucial to prevent staining and damage to the wood.
2. Wood shrinks quickly: Beech wood can shrink quickly when exposed to changes in humidity and temperature. Maintaining proper moisture levels in your kitchen is essential to prevent warping and cracking of the wood.
3. Requires maintenance: Like all wood butcher blocks, Beech requires regular maintenance to keep it in good condition. You’ll need to clean it thoroughly after each use and oil the surface regularly to prevent drying and cracking.

Cherry

Advantages

1. Tight pores: Cherry wood has tight pores, which makes it less porous than other woods. It doesn’t absorb moisture and liquids as easily, making it more hygienic for a kitchen environment.
2. Does not stain easily: Cherry wood does not stain easily compared to other woods used for butcher block counters, such as beech. It can retain its natural beauty over time, making it an excellent choice for a kitchen counter.
3. Affordable and versatile: Cherry wood is more affordable than other hardwoods, such as maple and walnut. It’s also a versatile wood that can fit a variety of kitchen styles, from modern to traditional.

Disadvantages

1. High maintenance: Cherry wood requires high maintenance to keep it in good condition. It’s essential to clean it thoroughly after each use and oil the surface regularly to prevent drying and cracking. Failure to do so can result in warping, splitting, and discoloration of the wood.
2. Less durable: Cherry wood is less durable than the wood used for butcher block counters, such as maple and walnut. It’s more prone to scratches and dents from knives and other kitchen tools. It may not hold up as well with frequent use, and it can require more regular maintenance to maintain its appearance and functionality.
3. Can darken over time: Cherry wood is a naturally light wood that can darken with exposure to sunlight and oxidation. While some people may appreciate this natural process, others may prefer the wood to maintain its original color. It’s essential to be aware of this characteristic when selecting cherry wood for a butcher block counter.

Teak

Advantages

1. Decay-resistant and low porosity: Teak is a decay-resistant wood with low porosity. It doesn’t absorb moisture and liquids as easily as other woods, making it more hygienic for a kitchen environment. It’s an excellent choice for a butcher block counter exposed to wet conditions.
2. High resistance to rot: Teak wood has a high resistance to rot, which makes it incredibly durable. It can hold up to heavy use in a busy kitchen and is an excellent choice for home cooks and professional chefs.
3. Versatile, durable, and resistant to scratches: Teak wood is versatile and resistant to scratches. It can fit a variety of kitchen styles and can withstand the pressure of frequent chopping and cutting. It’s a great choice for home cooks and professional chefs who want a functional and stylish kitchen counter.

Disadvantages

1. High silica content: Teak wood has a high silica content, which can dull your knives more quickly than other woods. It’s important to use high-quality, sharp knives when working on a Teak butcher block counter to prevent damage to the wood and prolong the life of your blades.
2. Can be expensive: Teak wood can be expensive compared to other woods used for butcher block counters, such as beech or cherry. It’s essential to consider your budget when selecting Teak wood for your kitchen counter.
3. Requires maintenance: Like all wood butcher block counters, Teak wood requires regular maintenance to keep it in good condition. You’ll need to clean it thoroughly after each use and oil the surface regularly to prevent drying and cracking. Failure to do so can result in warping, splitting, and discoloration of the wood.

Tips for installing and maintaining a butcher block counter

• Seal the wood to protect it from water and stains.
• Stop moisture from getting into the wood.
• Remove everything from your countertops.
• Wipe them with a damp cloth.
• Scrape the surface with a dough scraper to remove anything stuck on the surface.
• Scrape light surface stains away with a razor blade.
• Sand deeper stains with 180, then 220 grit sandpaper. 
• Wipe the counter clean with a cloth.
• Apply mineral oil onto the counter and rub it around the entire surface with a lint-free cloth.
• Allow the mineral oil to absorb.  
• Wipe the counters again to remove any residual oil.

Conclusion

In summary, there are several options when making a butcher block countertop. For a more durable countertop, use teak, cherry, beech or cypress wood, as these woods are resistant to moisture. Teak tends to dull your knife. Follow the installation and maintenance techniques above to ensure the longevity and beauty of the countertop.