When we began redoing portions of our kitchen, we started looking first at the best wood for butcher block. We wanted something that was tough enough to absorb knife work, plus the bumps it would sustain from kitchen work and our children. That's a tall order! We looked at kitchen pictures of large and small rooms, and compared them to our own room. Our rough wood plank floors are oak, and so are our kitchen cabinets, window panes, and doors. Large dark beams crisscross our ceiling, so it only seemed natural to choose a dark wood to blend with the beams to give our kitchen a more uniformed look. We found a few butcher block island ideas and found this to be our best choice as we could also use the space for kitchen seating. With hood lighting placed directly above the island table, there was enough light to eat, prepare a meal, or even play a game of cards at the table.
I would love some input on the the best wood for butcher block countertops in a more rustic style kitchen. I have seen a ton of the very light natural oak countertops (or what I assume is oak anyways) used in country cottage decorated homes, but that it not quite the look I am going for when I think of rustic kitchen ideas. I don't want a farmhouse design, but rather more of an Old World, even medieval look like this house. I love the deep stain and wide planks of their countertop because it is very different from the butcher block designs that I have seen before. I really don't know what material creates wood countertops that look like this though -- can you go with anything or does it have to be a particular type or strength in order to be durable enough for everyday wear and tear?
So many of our clients have been asking us about the best wood for butcher block kitchen islands as this has becoming a much more predominant trend in 2022. I personally love the dramatic look of a butcher block countertop because it is classic and elegant, whether you add it to a traditional style kitchen like this one or even an ultra modern look. I don't think that there is necessarily a right answer as far as the best material to use -- it really depends on the look that you are ultimately trying to create. For this home we wanted the luxurious look of bamboo but, for a more rustic or country style design, I would probably go with a more subtle oak. No matter what material you use, be sure to coat your butcher block island in several coats of polyurethane to protect this beautiful piece.
I have done countless kitchen designs like this lately, and each of my contractors have given me a different answer as far as the best wood for butcher block that will retain its good looks over time and stand up to regular cleaning with soaps and detergents. Whether you are making a cool new diy butcher block countertop or hiring somebody to install one for you, from my understanding the general consensus it to find very good quality cuts of wood without a lot of knots or divets. These imperfections make areas of weakness that are likely to corrode or get damaged quicker than the sleek surface on a countertop like the one in the picture. Also, no matter what style your kitchen design ideas are or what type of wood you use, it is so imperative to add several (and I mean several as in 3-5) coats of varnish to protect the wood. The shiny finish really can blend in well with just about any style, don't worry.
My fianc and I have been battling back and forth over the best wood for butcher block countertops that we are going to install ourselves in our townhouse. We though that it would be a pretty easy and inexpensive project to add diy wood countertops, and one that would look as high end as popular marble but for a fraction of the cost. I think we should do a simple and cheap pine, but just lacquer it up so that it shines brilliantly like the gorgeous island in these photos. But he thinks that we should use a higher end material like birch for the wood kitchen countertops so that they will be more durable. Has anybody here made their own kitchen countertops before? And if so what do you think is the best wood for butcher block?
I build houses for a living, and when my wife asked that we install the best wood for butcher block, I went to work looking for just that. We needed something that would work with our stark white kitchen cupboards, island, breakfast bar seating, and painted walls. We'd already installed oak, known in my trade as the best wood for countertops, due to it's hard nature and ability to withstand bumps, knife cuts, and scraptes. Oak is easy to treat and retreat, always repelling water as it ages, and never fading in color like other choices. I installed the diy butcher block countertop and added a small bar sink with modern facet hardware for food preparation. The oak butcher block top gives our white kitchen and modern appliances a relaxed, laidback feel and balances out the room.
