My mother had only butcher block with an oil finish in her kitchen for 20+ years without water damage but she is very meticulous.

Wood and water are not good long-term partners. Even with care there are many sorts of accidents which happen. Better to have an impervious surface where water is involved.

I love the look, but with a sink Joseph ‘s photo is scary, to say the least!

You are smart to think this through and are right to consider that water and wood do not mix well.

On the design shows, there is perfection: you have the countertop of your dreams (for a ridiculously low price) and there are no worries that the wood will absorb water.

Reality is different and comes down to what is more important to you: if you love a butcher block counter and either don't mind being meticulous or don't mind it rotting over time, then go for it.

What you might consider, if you like the look of wood elements in the kitchen, is to add it in other areas. Start with this question: why do I want a butcher block island? What features do I like about it? Then you can go from there.

Here is a kitchen, for example, with a ton of wood elements and no butcher-block counter.

Kitchens · More Info

After thinking about it, while house hunting several months ago I toured a home that had the most beautiful kitchen I’ve ever seen. It was VERY high end, but I remember that while the perimeter cabinets were white, the island was a wood look ( resembling walnut ) solid surface product of some type. I wish I had taken a photo. Maybe others on here are familiar with similar products.

btw, unless you’re absolutely in love with gray, many are, I think it’s past it’s “sell by” date. But in the end it’s your house so do what you love, not dictated by trends.

There are many other ways to add warmth and interest without a butcher block island. I suggest you start by searching here on houzz to find photos of kitchens you like.

Just say...NO! :-)

I can just say that I really really wanted butcher blck, and it's one small kitchen with no good options for transitions nor a space for an island..and our cabinetmaker was so adamant against us using it, even though he'd gain from it financially since we spotted a piece of walnut in his shop that was incredibly beautiful..

in short we went with his recommendations, given he's a professional, not us

In retrospect-probably right decision..my DH is great in kitchen cooking-wise, and I'm very grateful for that because I don't cook that often anymore, but he's A Kitchen Destroyer..:)

I still miss my dream though

We do have walnut flooring..and some walnut furniture..one could say it's enough walnut for a house.

I'm just a very big fan of walnut and teak. And warmth of wood, in general.

I'm addicted to the British series "Escape to the Country". I'm always surprised at how many of the kitchens have lovely butcher block countertops and they always look in perfect condition. Are the British a tidier people than those in the US? Is the wood different? Enquiring minds want to know!

Perhaps the water supply lines are not connected to the faucets.

Everything on TV is perfect. Not so much in real life...I wonder why?

I love butcher block, but -- no -- I'd never want it near a sink. I am not meticulous and my family is worse. In no time at all, it'd be messed up, and then I'd be disappointed.