There are two alternative finishes that can be applied to butcher countertops. The mineral oil finish is the one used for cutting surfaces. The oil conditions the wood so it doesn’t dry out, warp, or crack. Every time you wash the counter you will remove some of the oil. Therefore, you should reapply this non-toxic material every 6 weeks or so.
Mineral oil is not waterproof, so if the top gets wet, the grain could lift and make the wood feel rough. Therefore, having sinks in butcher countertops is not a good idea. The area around the sink will eventually discolor and darken. Knife cut marks sand off easily, but then you need to re-oil.
Another finish used on wooden countertops is the “varnish” finish. This is a baked on satin polyurethane finish. It is safe for food contact and has a low gloss, which most people are happy with.
You should not cut into butcher countertops with this finish because cutting will remove the protection, leaving the wood exposed to water and other household fluids. It is extremely difficult to fix cuts in this finish so that you do not notice them.
However, if you’re not cutting in this finish, the upside is that it’s virtually carefree. It’s waterproof, so it can cut through a sink. And you can spill grape juice or red wine on it, clean it and not have a stain.
In kitchens that combine stone and butcher block countertops, homeowners often want to make some cuts in the wood surface, so they want the oil finish. If you just want it for the look, go with the varnish.
Various companies offer butcher block countertops in many species of wood, at different prices. Hard maple (also known as sugar maple) is the best choice for cutting because it has the tightest grain and is the hardest of the appropriate woods. Lower grades of maple include: western maple, soft maple, and Chinese maple. These are all soft woods and are not good surfaces that will take a lot of abuse.
Cherry and walnut are softer than hard maple, but very pretty and more expensive. Red oak is a very rough and grainy option, but it is one of the least expensive options for wood countertops.
It may seem like some companies are practically giving away their butcher block countertops. This is because they finger together random bits of whatever wood they have and call it a butcher block.
Mixed lumber can have serious problems over time and should be kept away from. So don’t be like most people who only look at the price.
Thickness is another consideration when purchasing butcher blocks. Standard is 1 1/2″; thinner than that is not a good idea. This thickness is fine up to 42″ long. Once it lengthens, it should go to 1 3/4″ to prevent future warping.
Thicker is not necessary under any circumstances, but some people just like the look of thicker lids. If this is the case for you, consider getting a 1 3/4″ top and building up the trim. This will probably save you a lot of money.
At 2 1/4″ thick (which is the next standard after 1 3/4″), the price doubles and can almost triple at 3″ thick. butcher, so don’t even ask. Have your size, shape, wood type, thickness, finish, and trimmings ready for a quote. You have to quote each piece because all of those things affect the price.
Good luck.