Undermount sinks are most commonly chosen as the best sink for butcher block countertop because they are stable, easy to install, and fit well into most kitchens.
Putting butcher block around a sink is risky enough, even without the sinks being under-mounted. You definitely have to make sure to use silicone around the sink seam and also use a good wood sealer.
When selecting sink faucets, it's best to find styles that provide a visual contrast. Choose a sink faucet with a color that matches your countertop, nearby tiling or backsplashes. Bronze or black fixtures go well with light marble countertops, and backsplashes with touches of gray, black and white.
Coat the underside of the counter top 3-inches from any cut edge. Apply a silicone acrylic clear caulk around top side of the sink lip if you are installing an undermount sink. Apply a silicone acrylic clear caulk under the sink lip for drop-in type sinks. Mount the undermount to the underside of the sink opening.
To do this, hold a clip against the underside of the rim and perpendicular to the side of the sink, then drive a 1-inch wood screw through the machined hole in the clip and into the underside of the countertop. Repeat this, and install a pair of clips, evenly spaced, at the opposite side of the sink.
Also called top-mount or drop-in sinks, overmount sinks have a lip that sits above, and covers a small area of, the countertop. They also have both pros and cons. This is an example of an overmount, stainless steel, double bowl sink.
Sealing Butcher Block Countertops with Mineral Oil
To seal butcher block with mineral oil, you simply apply the mineral oil generously, let it soak in, and wipe off the excess. You need to do it fairly regularly at first but then only about once a month after you've gotten through several applications.
“They Aren't Water Resistant”
With a coating of water-resistant, food-safe mineral oil like McClure's Organic Color Seal, water and moisture shouldn't be a problem for butcher block countertops. Water-resistant finishes are widely available and should prevent all moisture from seeping into hardwood countertops.
Caulking Procedure
Lay painter's tape along the edge of the countertop and the wall just above the gap to keep caulk off these surfaces. Apply the caulk with a caulking gun. Choose a color that matches the countertop and spread a thin, continuous bead with no voids.
Stainless steel sinks are the most popular sinks to pair with a quartz countertop in your kitchen. They are compatible with most faucets, and don't stain, rust and are relatively easy to clean.
What Color Should A Kitchen Sink Be? In general, stainless steel, copper, and white enamel kitchen sinks tend to be the best options. Stainless steel sinks are most common in kitchen designs between the group and will go with just about any appliance or finish.
Follow these steps to easily waterproof your butcher block countertops with Polyurethane: Sand the counters until they're completely clean. Vacuum any dirt off the surface and apply a natural stain. Apply a thick coat of Polyurethane, a liquid coating that dries into a plastic.
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.
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.
Waterlox is a superb choice for finishing wood countertops because it produces an incredibly appealing and durable surface. It is waterproof, food-safe and easy to maintain. Waterlox literally locks out water and locks in the natural beauty of wood.
Con: Butcher-block is susceptible to scratches, dings, and stains. If you plan on chopping directly on your countertops, you're going to end up marking things up a little (or a lot). That glass you dropped might just leave a dent, and the wine inside could settle into a stain. Pro: But they're easily restored.
You will need to finish all surfaces (top, bottom and sides) of your unfinished butcher block or wide plank top with a commercial grade polyurethane or Waterlox finish. Follow manufacturer's instructions on the polyurethane or Waterlox for finishing coats (usually three or four coats).
Application – Apply with a brush or soft cloth in the direction of the grain. Refer to manufacturer for dry times and number of coats. PRO TIP – Water based polyurethane can be used over an oil based stain and vice versa, however you must let the stain dry completely.
Like an oil-based stain, a water-based stain is available in several colors. One other option is to use wood oil or mineral oil to finish the countertops.
Polyurethane, varnish, and lacquer are tried-and-true sealants with excellent waterproofing properties. They're either brushed or sprayed onto clean, sanded wood and then allowed to dry completely, prior to the piece being lightly re-sanded and recoated.
Most any sink can be undermounted. Don't make such a project out of it. The main requirement is adequate support. Do what you need to support it so that the top of it is flush or slightly lower than your 3/4" roughtop.
While a top-mount sink sits jovially above the benchtop, an undermount sink is holding on for dear life underneath the countertop.
Drop-In Sinks
A drop-in sink is one of the most popular sink types. Also called a top mount sink, it literally drops into a pre-cut hole in the countertop. The edge of the sink rests on the counter for stability.