Butcher block countertops are a lovely feature many homeowners dream of adding to their kitchens. But do butcher block countertops boost home value? This type of counter can boost the value of any property where they’re added.
Butcher block counters add value because of the many benefits they offer. These counters are well-loved thanks to their durability, stunning patina, and easy resurfacing and restoration with the help of sealants and oil.
Read to discover the wonders of butcher block countertops and how they can add value to any home, including mine and yours!
Table of Contents
- Do butcher block countertops boost home value
- Pros and cons of butcher block countertops
- How to properly maintain butcher block countertops
- What kitchen countertop adds the most value to your home
- Are Butcher Block Counters Outdated
Do butcher block countertops boost home value
There is a cost versus value equation to consider when installing butcher block countertops. Butcher block countertops are a favorite staple in rustic farmhouses and country cottages. Its surface, formed by assembled wooden boards, is notably warmer and more inviting than other materials, not to mention that it’s always in style. Butcher block is an eco-friendly and biodegradable material that can give kitchens an earthy touch.
With wood being neutral, many homeowners, including myself, love combining it with different materials. The cost of installing butcher block countertops depends on the construction, species, and the area where you live.
The good news is that butcher block countertops are pretty competitive. Standard edge-grain butcher block countertops are priced at approximately $35 to $38 for every square foot, which is more affordable than granite and only a bit pricier than laminate.
Since installation costs depend on location, asking for a quote before the project is always recommended. An hour is often spent installing a linear foot of the countertop.
A counter measuring 60×30 inches can be installed in around five hours. If the hourly labor rate is $25, the installation will cost you $125; if the rate is $65 an hour, the cost can go as high as $325. The project’s difficulty level will also help you decide whether to hire a professional.
Butcher block countertops make up for this initial installation cost, thanks to their value. These countertops can easily last for 20 years or more, depending on how you care for them and your chosen type of wood. Occasional resurfacing and sanding can help remove scratches, dings, and scorch marks on your butcher block countertop, allowing you to get the best value for your money.
Pros and cons of butcher block countertops
Butcher block countertops boast a long and exciting history for many good reasons. Properly maintained wood is durable, developing a gorgeous deep patina, and Butcher blocks also show some scratches and nicks to create a shopworn appeal.
However, if you’re not a big fan of wear and tear, just like me, all you have to do is to sand out these flaws lightly and apply oil to the surface for an easy restoration. If you plan to turn your countertop into a cutting surface, you can always opt for an oil-finished, unsealed product for food prep. Wood with permeable sealants also has natural antibacterial properties, making it a perfect cutting surface.
Unfortunately, butcher block countertops aren’t entirely flawless. Water poses a severe risk to wood, so you should never install an unsealed butcher block near your sink. Exposure to moisture causes wood to contract and expand, resulting in discoloration, irreparable warping, or rot.
Frequent oiling is also required to protect the surface and fill in scratches. Regular disinfection is also necessary to ward off bacteria, and I also highly recommend cleaning spills immediately to prevent stains. Remember that wood counters are also not heat-resistant, with extreme dryness leading to cracking. Our family always uses trivets and pads before we place hot pans over our butcher block counter.
How to properly maintain butcher block countertops
Aside from my daily cleaning routine, I also follow several methods to protect my butcher block countertop. First, we use a cutting board rather than cutting straight over the counter to prevent unwanted dings and scratches.
I also treat my countertop with a special butcher block conditioner or food-safe mineral oil. The frequency of application of these products depends on the wear and age of your counter. Some of my friends with butcher block countertops often make a monthly application.
Lastly, due to the porosity of the wood, I never allow liquids to build up on my counter at all costs. In my case, I ensured that my counter wasn’t installed beside my kitchen sink so I won’t have to constantly worry about water getting onto my precious countertop.
What kitchen countertop adds the most value to your home
Although I have already established that a butcher block is a classic option that can add value to your home, other types pay off for their cost of initial installation.
There are three kitchen countertop materials known for giving any kitchen a high-quality look and feel and never failing to capture the eye of prospective buyers the moment they step inside the room.
Granite Kitchen Countertops
I also have many friends who love granite countertops, whose popularity is all thanks to the less maintenance required and the lower costs for every square foot.
Despite the reduced need for maintenance, many granite counters can last long if you take care of them properly.
Granite also comes in multiple types, allowing you to seamlessly integrate them into your interior design palette, increasing the value of your home by up to 25%.
Marble Kitchen Countertops
Marble countertops represent a high value of luxury and are the most iconic features in new and old kitchens. In particular, calacatta marble is the most popular, boasting dark veins running through the slab.
Although the brighter marble cuts are often dubbed the most aesthetically pleasing, you can also choose from other shades to match the other design elements of your kitchen.
Just note that these require more maintenance, but they quickly make up for it thanks to how they can change your home’s appearance and overall valuation.
Quartz Kitchen Countertops
Quartz is an excellent top-quality substitute for granite countertops if you are into style, thanks to the added flexibility of the wide range of colors. These counters are durable because of the mixture’s binding agents, which include resin and polymer binders that makeup 10% of the mix.
Are Butcher Block Counters Outdated
No, butcher block counters are classic options, which means they are never outdated or go out of style. These counters are expected to continue rising in popularity compared to traditional stone countertops.
Large butcher block islands are statement pieces and serve as a focal point in kitchens, making them a great choice if you’re not yet willing to install a complete countertop.
For other butcher block countertop images, visit this page at the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
- About the Author
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John Thompson, Writer and Commentator, EvolutDesign.com
Soldier, writer, researcher, consultant, and bon vivant, John Thompson is the author of numerous columns, op-eds, reports, briefs, short stories and books as the “Felicity Files” and “Spirit Over Steel: A Chronology of the Second World War” (version III). Often found hunched over his computer, or in his garden, and now often found doing both. His diverse talent has led him to work in industries and projects such as energy, security and home construction and renovation. To see the entire team at Evolutdesign.com, visit Our Team page.
