Solid, durable wood butcher block is easily carved, stained, polished and even finished. Able to withstand the elements, owning a DIY wood kitchen countertop gives you more flexibility and functionality than a standard laminate or composite counter top. Owning a wooden countertop not only makes your kitchen more pleasing to the eye but it also adds extra value to your home. Solid wood butcher block, when used in your kitchen, can be used for many applications. It can be used as a replacement for a conventional kitchen counter top or for a wood kitchen countertop.
Although solid wood kitchen countertops are available in a variety of designs, looks and price points, the two most important things to consider when purchasing a product are durability and low maintenance. Solid wood blocks are built tough and with appropriate care, will last for many years. They look and perform like a solid wood floor. Because they are so durable, they are ideal for use as a counter top or in a walk-in pantry. In addition to their strength, many wooden blocks have specialized finishes to provide protection from stains and scratches.
A popular alternative to solid Baltic butcher block countertop materials is engineered wood types. Engineered wood is pre-fabricated and includes grains that match natural wood varieties. Unlike baltic butcher block countertop materials, engineered wood is less expensive and more versatile. It is made of one piece, which allows it to be easily glued or stapled together to create multiple pieces for use in traditional as well as nontraditional kitchens.
Other engineered wood countertop options include birch wood. Birch wood is known for its availability and relatively low cost. It’s also been used in Europe for hundreds of years. Today Baltic butcher block is being used for traditional as well as nontraditional kitchen applications.
Both engineered wood and birch wood have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Engineered wood is a solid, low maintenance product. However, it has not been engineered to the highest standards of durability. The wood may crack after long exposure to moisture and heat. And although it can handle a lot of wear and tear, it does not hold up to the same degree of wear and tear as wood that has been specially treated for longer wear and tear.
Another alternative to baltic butcher block is waterlox. Like baltic wood, waterlox is manufactured in a similar fashion. However, waterlox does not contain the wood preservatives as wood does. Also, waterlox does not offer the same strength or durability that baltic wood does.
In addition to these disadvantages, there are some other issues with the use of these types of countertops. Because it is a solid surface, water will likely bead up on the hardwood surface. This could cause food to fall off the counter. And because it is very solid, it is more difficult to clean than other solid surfaces. The bottom line is that the combination of solid surface and cleaning difficulty make waterlox not the best option for most homeowners when it comes to installing their own butcher block countertops.
Overall, it is a very good idea to choose butcher block countertops over waterlox or wood countertops. Not only do they offer a more durable product, but they are easier to clean and more aesthetically pleasing. When considering whether or not you should install one of these countertops, it is a good idea to contact a professional to help you with your decision. They can give you an accurate assessment of the pros and cons of installing one of these counters in your home. This is an essential first step before deciding on which type of countertop is right for you.