Maple is the most common type of wood used in countertops. Its light hues blend well with any color while adding an open feeling to the kitchen. At a moderate price, many find it a good balance between quality and cost. Though not as durable as oak, maple offers a little more variety in slabs than other types of wood.
Hickory. Hickory is the strongest American wood, the “Hercules” of American countertops, and the very first American hardwood.
Wood is able to capture that natural look while still giving off a modern vibe. Also, per square foot, installing wood countertops is one of the more affordable options. Granite, marble and other materials are more expensive.
Wood Countertop Weaknesses
The finish may need to be reapplied, or the entire surface sanded and refinished. Expect to refinish wood countertops after 10-20 years depending on the amount and type of use they get. Scratch and Dent Problems: Since wood is softer than tile, stone and metal, it can be more easily damaged.
Wood countertop thickness generally ranges from a three-quarter inch to six inches, and butcher block from two inches to 12 inches. A wide variety of edge options exist. Grain Types.
The ideal waterproof protection is a food-safe natural wood oil or hardwax finish that adds no flavors, scents or toxins to your food. Pour a generous amount of linseed oil, mineral oil, tong oil or INTERBUILD Hardwax Wood Oil (natural wood oils) onto a clean, lint-free cotton cloth.
Maple is one of the best and most popular for butcher block counters because it's hard and has a clear grain. Cherry and red oak offer rich color. Butcher block can also be crafted from bamboo (it works best with end-grain construction) and sustainably farmed exotics such as wenge, zebrawood, and iroko.
A common penetrating sealer is tung-oil, though we use a product called Rubio Monocoat. It's a hand applied oil that has resins in it. As the oil soaks into the wood it takes the resins with it deep into the wood fibers .
Because wood is porous, butcher block countertops can hold onto a lot more germs than other surfaces—though countertops are always dirtier than we'd like to admit. To combat dirt, grime and germs, make sure you clean the counter after every use with mild soap and water or vinegar (psst…
Properly installed and cared for, wood countertops can last as long as you live in your home. Factory finishes generally come with a warranty. It can range from one year to a lifetime—and may only cover glued-joint separation.
Birch – One of the most popular options for kitchen styles, birch wood is known for its uniform grain and lighter colors. It can help to brighten your kitchen and make it feel light, airy, and cool.
Once sealed, wood countertops are sanitary for chopping meat, and hot pots and pans can easily be placed on the surface because wood countertops are heat-resistant.
Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
There's More Than Maple
Maple is the most common wood species for butcher block because it's relatively inexpensive, durable, and widely available. But almost any hardwood can get the treatment: cherry, oak, beech, birch, tigerwood, and walnut are other great options.
Cedar is a beautiful wood with many variations in grain and coloring. A wooden counter top can add warmth to your kitchen. Although cedar is soft, it can be used as a counter top surface if it is constructed properly and well maintained.
Reclaimed pine is often considered the best wood for kitchen countertops in farmhouse kitchens. Resin is what makes pine such a long-lasting wood. Reclaimed pine is a durable wood that stands up to daily use.
Cost: Butcher blocks aren't as cheap as laminate countertops, but they aren't as expensive as natural stone countertops. Butcher block typically runs between $30 and $40 per square foot, depending upon the type of wood you choose.
The only countertop that can actually be used as a cutting surface, butcher-block won't dull your knives like stone or concrete counters. The soft surface also makes for a quieter kitchen. And for those who are a bit clumsier, dishes are less likely to shatter when dropped on wood versus stone.
Wood countertop prices range from $20 to $70 per square foot on average. At that price, you can expect to pay $1,000 to $3,500 for the average kitchen with 50 square feet of countertop space. Custom and designer butcher block cost $130 to $200 per square foot.
To answer the question in short, yes polyurethane is food safe for wood countertops. Per the FDA to become food safe it must be fully cured and dried to the touch which ranges in times. The time it takes to fully cure is anywhere from days to a month.
Polyurethane is a durable, resilient varnish that seals and coats wood with a cover that resembles plastic. It is excellent for use as a finish on cabinets and countertops, especially since it is not affected by acidic foods, beverages and cleaning substances.
thick CenterPointe butcher block countertop comes unfinished, giving you the flexibility to match any design aesthetic—from traditional to contemporary— with your finish preference. Hevea wood is a highly durable, A-grade, face-grain cut designed to exceed your performance expectations.
Made by using the finest solid White Oak wood, these Butcher Block Cutting Boards are practically indestructible.
Grown in the Midwestern and Eastern United States, Red Oak wood's heavy and dense nature make it a great choice for a wide plank countertop. Red Oak is a good option for staining and finishing on site since it is known to accept wood stain more evenly than many other hardwoods.