How Butcher Block Countertops Add Elegance And Beauty To The Kitchen

The butcher block countertops made by John Boos are stunning and add elegance to the kitchen as they are handcrafted of hard rock maple. Other materials that are typically used include Appalachian Red Oak and Lyptus and the butcher block countertops features uniformly matched full length rails that give it a seamless look.

Most butcher block countertops are available in many widths that range from twelve inches to one hundred and forty five inches and are sure to fit any kitchen application. In addition, a four inch backsplash can also be added, and the John Boos urethane oil varnish helps to give out natural beauty to the wood.

The butcher block countertops can be made from Maple wood which is considered as being the best for such purposes as the grain is tight and also because it does not splinter easily. Other materials that work well are Ash, Oak and Cherry and many butcher block countertops are made of mixed species such as maple, cherry and walnut with each strip being alternated.

For those who do not wish to use the butchers block countertops for cutting, they may varnish the butcher block with good commercial polyurethane like Varathane or Duraseal and four coats would be sufficient.

Cleaning the butcher block counter top should not be difficult if one uses a varnished top which can be cleaned with white vinegar as well as water. One can use one cup of vinegar for a gallon of water and a damp cloth may be used because vinegar is a good cleaning agent that will handle bacteria as well.

Most butcher block countertops are made of one and a half inch to one and three quarters of an inch thickness and they are people pleasers, which means that they are generally showy and are wonderful photographic objects that add warmth and beauty to the kitchen. Most butcher block countertops can be seen on TV, in the movies as well as in home magazines and are often recognized as being high end counter tops.

Before buying a wooden butcher block countertop one should know that white oak generally tans in color and is potentially prone to peeling as well as having hollow spots within the rift grain. Maple, on the other hand, has a tendency for darker mineral streaks or black spots which form because of natural mineral deposits, and walnut is softer than maple and some sap wood may appear on top as well as show some pin hole knots.