I'm remodeling my kitchen and really love the aesthetic of butcher block countertops. However, I've read that they require regular maintenance. For those who have them, I'm curious about the reality of upkeep. Are they worth the effort? What does typical maintenance involve?
3 Answers
It really depends on how diligent you are in the kitchen. If you tend to keep an eye on spills and moisture (guilty as charged!), then go for it. I had a quarter-sawn oak butcher block and used it like any other countertop, just being careful with hot pots and making sure to use cutting boards for chopping. After seven years, it still looked great when I sold the house!
Maintaining butcher block is pretty straightforward! You just need to use a food-safe butcher block oil applied with a cloth. When you first install it, you'll do two to three coats over about a week, then just oil it monthly or as needed. My wife and I loved ours! I'm currently renting, but when I buy my next house, it'll definitely have butcher block counters.
I had a custom walnut top made for my island, and I absolutely love it! I take care of it using Real Milk Paint Half and Half Tung oil instead of traditional mineral oil. It lasts longer and is easy to apply: clean the surface, let it dry, apply the oil with a pad, and work it in for about 30 minutes. I used to treat it often, but now I can go 4-5 months between treatments.
That's good to hear! I’m not super careful about water sitting around, so I’ll need to consider that.