Choosing a Butcher Block: Types and Styles of Butcher Block Counters

One of the ways in which you can spruce up your kitchen is by integrating a butcher block countertop. A butcher block is a wonderful way to introduce beauty and warmth into your kitchen while also retaining a sense of practicality. Butcher blocks can be made from many different types of wood and each of these has its own charm and benefits.

Butcher block countertops are one of St. Charles Hardwoods many handmade and custom wood products available and we offer a comprehensive list of styles and designs for butcher block tops. As a leader in lumber supply and woodwork in the St. Louis region, we boast a wealth of experience when it comes to custom woodwork design and construction. To learn more about our butcher block counter tops or to purchase custom butcher block counters for your kitchen, contact us today or visit one of our St. Louis hardwood lumber company stores.

Butcher Block Styles

Butcher blocks come in a huge variety of styles and sizes. While sizes are generally determined by the space in your kitchen, choosing a style of wood for your butcher block counters is a difficult process given the variety. Every wood comes with its own distinct characteristics relating to hardness, color, and durability. You will have to make a choice based on the kind of treatment that you want your counters to be able to handle as well as the present aesthetics of your kitchen.

Here are some of the most popular butcher block styles available on the market.

• Maple: Hard maple is probably the most popular style of butcher blocks. Maple is known primarily known for its reliability and hardness. It is typically straight-grained but is also known to have wavy grain patterns. This kind of a butcher block is extremely durable but is resistant to cutting and knife-work. Knives may become dull if used on this wood, so they will require regular sharpening.
• Cherry: Cherry is another commonly used wood in butcher block construction. Cherry wood has a deep reddish-brown color and a straight or wavy wood grain pattern. It is quite durable. However, because Cherry is softer than hard maple, it can be more accepting of knife-work.
• Bamboo: Bamboo is typically used to create edge-grain butcher blocks. It has an amber color, complimented with a light yellow tinge. Bamboo is environmentally sustainable as well, which makes it a popular option among the environmentally conscious.
• Walnut: Walnut is used commonly in butcher blocks. It can be found in light or dark brown color tones, and is usually used when creating an edge-grained butcher block. It is extremely durable and resistant to weathering.
• Red Oak: Red oak is another popular butcher block style. It has a straight grain texture and is ideal for making end-grain butcher blocks. Its color is reddish brown. It is quite hard and durable but less resistant to knife-work than hard maple and some other wood species.
• Other Wood Species: Other less popular wood species that may be used for making butcher block counters include Mahogany, Zebrawood, Beachwood, Birch, and White Oak, among several others.

Buy a Custom Butcher Block at St. Charles Hardwoods

St. Charles Hardwoods prides itself on offering a comprehensive list of options for our valued customers. Since our inception in 1988, we have been fully dedicated to bringing the finest wood-related products and services to our customers. Our woodwork specialists can help you choose the best type of wood for your butcher block counters based on your needs and specifications.

In addition to making butcher blocks from a single wood species, we also offer the option of making a butcher block out of a combination of wood styles. This can create a stunning, unique, and custom look. If you are looking to create a butcher block that is vibrant and practical, this may be the right option for you.

With such an exhaustive list of wood styles to choose from, determining the best type of butcher block can be a daunting task. Contact us or visit one of our St. Louis stores to discuss your needs and to get help designing your custom butcher block tops.