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Wood countertops: pros and cons

13 years ago

Trying to decide on countertops. Had been talking Silestone or some other engineered quartz -- seems practical. That said, some sort of wood/butcher block counter is also in play. I like the look, it makes sense in an older style kitchen. I don't plan on abusing our countertops, whatever we pick. I've never actually put anything hot on any countertop or chopped on any countertop -- and I don't think I'll start now. But the maintenance is scaring me a little.

If you have wood/butcher block -- what have you liked and disliked about them? Also, we're planning on an undermount sink. Should I be worrying about water damage with wood countertop?

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Comments (7)

rhome410
13 years ago
If you don't want to chop on it, you can use Waterlox which, on our island, has been very great about protecting from water, etc. and is an attractive finish. We used it on all our natural cabinet doors, too. But people who oil their wood counters don't have to do it very often, I don't think. If you do a search at the bottom of the kitchen forum page for wood counters or butcherblock, you might find more info on that.
carrie_eileen
13 years ago
We just got ours installed, but we also put a Waterlox finish on them, since we have an undermount sink. They are gorgous, and we never chopped or set hot things on our counters before, and didn't plan to regardless of the material we chose.

On the con: We have a small scratch on them already. So, I think it will be like getting a new car - the first dings are going to hurt. But, they can always be sanded and refinished.
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allison0704
13 years ago
We have antique pine, which is soft, but they were distressed when we got them anyway and the few dings only add character.

Used Good Stuff for Wood - purchased here (copy/paste):

http://mapleblock.com/detail/butcher-block-finishes-39/

It's FDA approved/food safe, but we don't cut on the wood. I also don't sit hot things on it. I have honed granite on either side of range.

Love my counter:

Here is a link that might be useful: my wood counter
coffeeaddict226
13 years ago
I just had butcher block counters installed yesterday, so I can't tell you how well they hold up, but I will say I LOVE how they look. I used the Ikea beech butcher block and had them stained walnut and then finished with Waterlox.

They are beautiful and add character to a room in my opinion!
writersblock (9b/10a)
13 years ago
Coffeeaddict, what did you use to stain them? I'd love to see photos, if you have any.
User
13 years ago
We have teak and an undermount antique soapstone sink. All in place for almost 5 years now and still looks great. Have done zero maintenance on the teak since i sealed it with Waterlox. Don't regret it and love the look in a vintage kitchen . We are in a 120 yr old Victorian Bungalow. c

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen photos
coffeeaddict226
13 years ago
Writersblock, I used Minwax special walnut. It took at least four coats before it would darken, the beech just would not take the stain easy but eventually we won. The Waterlox also darkened it up some.

I'll try to post some pics of the counter. I'm avoiding posting pics of the whole kitchen til it's finished. :-)

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