Butcher block is a material that can easily fit a personโs pocket and is highly affordable compared to granite. It is generally cheaper than granite. People with a small budget can consider installing butcher block material to give their countertops a classy and exciting look within a good range of amounts.
Countertop installation has become popular in the last several years, and many people choose to install it over granite. However, with an excellent track record of style, design, and durability, granite has been the most popular option in the market.
Whereas, butcher block countertops offer an impressive alternative to granite. Now, butcher block or granite, which is a better choice to install or renovate? We will discuss the benefits and limitations of butcher block countertops versus granite in the following article.ย
1. Benefits of Butcher Block Countertops
The benefits of butcher block countertops include:
1.1. Suitability
Just like the name suggests, you can use the butcher block surface as a chopping board. It implies that these are suitable for chopping or cutting veggies, fruits, and slices of meat. As compared to granite countertops, the butcher block has a greater convenience and suitability in the kitchen.
However, regularly doing it can affect the longer lifespan of butcher block countertops.
1.2. Rustic Impression
Butcher blocks are available in the market with a broad range of varieties in wooden types, which include birch, walnut, maple, oak, and cherry, especially with rustic impressions.
Two primary choices are available for the structure of butcher blocks: an end grain and an edge grain. The ends of the wood fibres are revealed in the end grain, whereas the side edges of the wood are exposed in the edge grain.ย
1.3. Convenience in Replacement
Everybody wants their countertop to be durable for a prolonged time, whether it is butcher block or granite. The butcher blocks provide a more effortless installation than granite in case of replacement or restoration.
1.4. Cheap Price
Countertops made from the butcher block usually cost much less than granite. Granite installation comes with many financial loads and is expensive, unlike a butcher block.
For instance, to cover an area of 15 square feet, you need to pay around $600 in installation costs, whereas to cover 15 square feet with granite, you need around $1500 in installation and labour charges, and the granite itself is expensive.ย
Benefits of Butcher Block Countertops for Repairs
One of the big advantages of butcher block as a countertop material is that itโs much easier to repair or replace in pieces when and if it gets damaged.
If your granite countertop breaks, youโve got no choice but to replace the entire section, whereas the butcher block can be patched in bits and pieces by a skilled woodworker.
Itโs also much easier to source materials for repairs with butcher block than [it is] with granite; getting a color match to your existing granite countertops may be downright impossible.
Martin Orefice, CEO,ย Rent To Own Labs
2. Limitations of Butcher Block Countertops
There are some limitations to using butcher block for countertops, which are mentioned below:
2.1. Less Durability
Granite is not easily dented or scratched compared to various other materials; though this does not make it scratch-proof, it is a complicated and durable material.
On the other hand, the butcher block is durable but may not be like granite. For instance, countertops made of butcher oil must be polished with mineral oil daily to prevent physical damage.
2.2. Need High Maintenance
Both materials need regular maintenance, and butcher block requires a higher level of maintenance than granite. Butcher block countertops require sealing and may need to be refinished to maintain their appearance, while granite countertops do not usually require sealing to be well-maintained.
2.3. Reduced Heat and Water Resistance
Prepared from wood, the butcher blocks are less resistant to water and heat and can get easily damaged due to an increase in any heat or water amount. Water can enter the wood fibres and damage them internally, while heat can damage them externally.
Granite countertops are not affected by heat and water; they have cooling-down properties that prevent damage from boiling water and other heat-associated items.
Evaluate Lifestyle and Maintenance Needs
When considering two different materials, it is important to evaluate how you and your family use the space. Do you have kids? Do you drink a lot of red wine? Are hot pans being placed on the counters regularly? Are you willing to do maintenance on the counters?
All of these factors (and more) are important to consider. While butcher block allows for a warmer feel in the home, it can scratch and needs to be sealed and oiled regularly. Granite is extremely durable and scratch-resistant but has a colder look.
While granite has been the countertop of choice for many people in the past, something to also consider is that the environmental impact of granite is much higher than that of butcher block (if the butcher block is sourced from sustainably managed forests).
Long story short, if you want to make a small impact on the earth, opt for butcher block. If you have a busy household and need something that will stand the test of time (and kids!), go for granite.
Emma Melis, Owner,ย Emma Maria Interiors
Understand Countertop Material Resilience
A butcher-block counter absorbs liquids unless it is finished and sealed. Any cut or slice in the finish will expose raw wood. Granite countertops are the same material all the way through.
They require some maintenance but are really more durable and resilient. If you are mounting a sink or faucet to a butcher-block counter, be prepared for black spots where the water soaks in.
Chris Buscetta, Kitchen Designer,ย Short Order Recorder LLC
3. Benefits of Granite Countertops
Granite countertops come with various benefits and have their strengths. They provide great resistance from heat over butcher block and when sealed, they are better water resistant. Granite is a spectacular material like wood, which gives a glossy shine and is an aesthetic piece of stone, unlike wood.
There are many colors and patterns available in granite to choose from. It is also known for its high depth and durability. However, the food should not be chopped directly on it, its maintenance is easier.
While butcher blocks need to be treated with oil to keep them polished, granite can easily be cleaned with soap and water.
4. Shortcomings of Granite Countertops
Similarly to butcher block countertops, the granite also has its shortcomings. The cost of buying and maintaining granite is higher than the butcher blocks, as it is an extremely expensive material.
Butcher blocks are made of wood, which is light while granite is a heavy piece of stone, which requires labor to get it delivered properly and for installation as well.
Furthermore, even though granite is tough and rigid, it can easily get scratched. This is why one should not prepare food on it. When granite is dented, it loses some of its sheen.
It is difficult or almost impossible to repair dents in granite as compared to butcher blocks. One of the significant drawbacks of granite is when it is cracked. You need to replace the entire piece of granite with a new one.
Replacement or reinstallation of granite also comes with significant financial charges, unlike wooden blocks or butcher blocks.
Regular Cleaning and Periodic Sealing Essentials
Regularly clean your butcher block with mild soap and water to ensure its longevity. Periodically oil the block to prevent drying and cracking. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and heat.
Granite countertops require sealing every one to two years to prevent stains and to maintain their shine. Clean any spills promptly with a mild cleaner to prevent damage to the surface.
While butcher block maintenance may require more frequent attention, graniteโs sealing needs add to its long-term cost. However, proper maintenance reduces the risk of damage and extends the lifespan of both types of countertops. This ultimately minimizes the overall cost of ownership.
Garth McAlpin, Director & National Fulfilment Manager,ย Classic Architectural Group
Maintenance Impacts Countertop Longevity
Butcher block countertops require regular oiling to prevent them from drying out and cracking. The frequency of oiling depends on usage, but it is generally recommended to oil them every three to six months.
Additionally, you should avoid exposing your butcher block countertops to extreme temperatures or allowing water to sit on the surface for extended periods, as this can cause damage.
Unlike butcher block countertops, granite countertops do not require regular oiling. However, they should be sealed every one to two years to protect against staining and damage.
It is also important to clean up any spills immediately and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface.
Proper maintenance for both butcher block and granite countertops may require some time and effort, but it can significantly impact the overall cost of ownership. Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs or even the need for replacement.
By following the recommended maintenance guidelines, you can ensure that your countertops will last for many years without any major issues.
Keith Sant, Founder & CEO,ย Sell My Mobile Home Park
5. Butcher Block or Granite
Butcher block and granite, both have their advantages and a few limitations. Meanwhile, it is clear that butcher blocks are cheaper than granite.
Comparing Butcher Block and Granite Countertops for Kitchen Design
When I think of a butcher block countertop, Iโm envisioning a beautiful farmhouse or country kitchen design. The butcher block never disappoints when youโre looking to add a natural element to the space. Itโs durable and stylish and works well with any color palette because you can essentially stain the wood any shade.
Granite is a natural stone that exhibits sophistication and elevates any kitchen design. Itโs incredibly durable because itโs a natural material and comes in [a variety of] colors while remaining heat, stain, and scratch-resistant. I would consider granite to be more versatile than a butcher block countertop, just [for the] simple reason that it marries well with any design style.
Tina Martindelcampo, Interior Designer,ย Soul & Lane
Exploring Granite and Butcher Block Countertop Options
Most homeowners would choose granite countertops because of their durability. However, with proper sealing and maintenance, butcher block countertops could be another countertop option that would stand out from traditional kitchens.
Every granite slab is unique since they come directly from the earth. Butcher blocks can also be customized by wood type, grain type, stain, thickness, and edge style. Both allow homeowners many options to match the countertop to their kitchen style.
Joshua Parrish, Owner,ย Parrish Realty Investments
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, both materials must be sanitized and cleaned every day properly to maintain them. However, when it comes to which is better, it depends on the requirements of a person as both of them give a stylish look. Both offer excellent durability when kept with regular maintenance, but which fits your requirements and budget should be your choice.
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on by Saket Kumar
