Cost of Butcher Block Countertops vs Granite | Marble.com (2024)

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Granite has been an industry leader in countertop stone since before the 1970s but the butcher block has it beat going back all the way to the 19th century. Just like the rest of history trends tend to repeat themselves and thebutcher block countertopis no exception. Over the last decade with the rise of rustic, cozy, and industrial farmhouse style kitchens the butcher block has become a popular choice for upscale kitchens. Granite and wood are both beautifulcountertop options.

Abutcher block countertopis a popular choice for kitchens since they are an affordable and stylish addition to any home. With regular maintenance,wood countertopswill age beautifully. Granite is an attractive, durable, and versatile stone that comes in many colors and styles. Builders and decorators have relied on the beauty, strength, and quality of granite for years. Granite is one of the most popular countertop surfaces in residential homes and businesses. No matter whatkitchencountertopmaterialyou decide on both granite and wood has the ability to create an elegant yet trendy look to your kitchen. Here is everything you need to know about the two.

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What is a Butcher Block?

Butcher block is made from different cuts of wood that areassembled and thenjoined together to make a strong and sturdy wooden surface.

Types of Butcher BlockWood Countertops

There are various types of wood that can be used for abutcher block countertop. The most popular woods usually used are maple, walnut, red oak, and cherry.

It is important to note there are two types of grain wood: open grain and closed grain. The grain of the wood is the equivalent to the pores of skin closed-grain wood is a smooth surface will open grain is more textured. Open grain wood is not a good option for food preparation because it is more absorbent and prone to staining.

Butcher Block countertops have the reliability anddurabilitythey will last you the long hall.Wood countertopsare also perfect when paired with a gorgeousbacksplashandstainless steelappliances.

Types of Grain

End Grain

End-grainconstruction is made from small square blocks joined together to create a cohesive surface. This grain is the most time consuming to construct. Since it is compiled of numerous rectangular blocks it is the strongest and most expensive type of butcher block.

Edge Grain

Edge grainis the one most commonly used for counters due to its strength and affordable price point.Edge grain is made by placing long wooden slabs on their sides and joining them together. This creates long narrow edges from the surface.

Face Grain

Face-grain butcher block is made when combining long wooden planks. Face grain is the least sturdy and most susceptible surface for marks and scratches making it the worst grain to use for a kitchen with frequent food preparation.

Pros & Con ofButcher Block Countertops

Pros:

Perfect for anyone who loves to cook since wood is kind to your knife. Unlikestone countertops, wood will not dull kitchen tools.Butcher block countertopsbring a chic and trendy “foodie” aesthetic to any kitchen.

Con:

One of the biggest cons tobutcher block countertopsis how easy it can damage. Scratches, dings, and stain are all commonplace on wood surfaces. However, wood can easily be restored using sandpaper and oil.

Butcher Block CountertopMaintenance

Butcher block countertopsare considered to have moderate to high maintenance however it is allDIYand very easy to do. Moisture is the only way to ruin awood countertopwhich is why the surface needs to be oiled. Oilingbutcher block countertopsprevent moisture from getting into the wood resulting in rot as well as keeps moisture in to prevent dryness.

The maintenance of wood surfaces is different depending on its purpose. For food prep areas an oil finish should be applied once installed and then periodically reapplied over time. If the wood surface is for daily use it is best to use a lacquer finish.

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Unlike stone,butcher block countertopsshould not be sealed. Sealedwood countertopsare not meant to be used with food preparation since their surface is prone to marks from knives. If you would like to have a sealed countertop for the aesthetic and shine you just need to use acutting board.

Butcher Block Wood Prices

Butcher block countertopcosts anywhere between $35-$75 persquare foot. The price changes based on the kind of wood,edge grain, and thickness of the slab.

Sustainability

Wood countertopsare recyclable, making them an eco-friendly choice for those who want something that is not going to cause too much damage to the environment.

Supplies to get for aButcher Block Countertop:

• Mineral Oil
• Polyurethane Gel (optional)
• Sandpaper
• Sander (optional)

Types ofGranite Countertops

Unlike other industries granite does not have a standard for the quality grading system. Granite is given its “grade” based on the retailer's standards. There are generally three levels of granite which include commercial/ builder-grade granite, Mid-grade granite, and high-quality granite.

Commercial grade granite tends to be softer in minerals and has lessvariety of colorsthan mid-grade or high-quality granite. Commercial grade granite consists of the most common and accessible granite.

The distinctions between the different grades of granite are all pretty similar in physical quality. High-quality granite is marked as such due to its rarity. High-quality granite usually has rare patterns and arange ofcolors.In some cases,high-endgranite is the only of its kind.

Pros & Con ofGranite Countertops

Pros:

Granite is a durable andlow maintenanceoption for a home’s countertops. Granite is heat and scratchy resistant. Granite is also astain-resistantmaterial.When choosing granite, there are many options for color and pattern depending on thehomeowner’s preference. One of the largest pros for granite is that it increases a home’s value.

Con:

Granite is anatural stoneit is subject to imperfections such as stress marks and chipping. Repairs to agranite countertopneed to be done by a professional and can be very expensive.Natural stonecan’t be poured or formed to fit your kitchen therefore has to be cut creating seams.

Granite CountertopMaintenance

Granite is alow maintenancecountertop materialand only needed to be covered with asealantto keep it looking as good as new.It is a very durable stone that is resistant to scratching, cracking, and chipping. Granite is also one of the mostheat resistantcountertop materials. A properly installed and sealedgranite countertopwill look like new for an entire lifetime under normal use and proper care. Granite usually does not require re-sealing.

Granite Prices

Granite typically retails anywhere between $35- $100 persquare footand goes up from there. The cost of granite is determined by thickness, appearance, porosity, and country of origin.

Sustainability

Granite is not anengineered stonemaking it an environmentallyfriendly material. The natural rockhas been buffed and then sealed to create your countertop surface.Granite stone can be broken down and reused down the line.

Supplies to get for aGranite Countertop

Sincegranite countertopsare solow maintenancethere are not specific products needed for its care. If you want to keep your granite looking like new forever there are polishing, sealing, and cleaning products made specifically forgranite countertops.

Combining Granite and Wood

Granite andwood countertopsand also be combined to make a great pair! Use a butcher blockwood countertopfor yourkitchen islandwhere you do most of your food preparation. Then use granite for the surround countertops for a morelow maintenancesurface.

Other PopularCountertop Options

If you are looking toremodelyour home or even just spruce up a roomby replacing the countertops there are many options besides granite and wood. Some popular options for yourkitchen designarecoriancountertops,soapstonecountertops,concrete countertops,laminate countertops,quartz countertops,marblecountertops,stainless steelcountertops, andrecycled glass countertops.

It is best to use anonporousmaterial for your countertopso air and liquids cannot penetrate the surface using damage.

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Overall Comparison

It is important to notecountertops costandinstallation costswill vary depending on numerous factors. For both Granite andWood countertops, there are low budget as well asexpensive options. The average cost of installing countertops in the home is anywhere between $2,000 to $5,000. Do research into the t specification you would like in order to find the best fit for you and your budget.

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