What Is a Butcher Block Island?
Elevate your kitchen with one of these must-haves.
There’s no doubt that the kitchen is one of the most-used rooms of the home, and arguably, one of the most stylish. From gorgeous countertops to perfectly painted cabinets and modern fixtures, the kitchen is the heartbeat of every home, but have you ever thought about adding in a butcher block counter or island? These helpful additions add more use (and counter space) to this room while also turning up the design. Here’s everything you need to know about butcher block islands or carts and why your kitchen needs one.
What Is a Butcher Block Island?
Butcher block is a surface composed of several wood strips that are put together to create the ultimate workstation in your kitchen. The strips of wood are formed together to create a slab that’s spacious in size and ultra durable.
Butcher block islands or carts are topped or entirely made of this material, and they’re also freestanding kitchen additions that pack a lot of perks into this most-used room. For starters, they are ultra stylish and add a sense of elegance to the kitchen because of their smooth, light wood butcher block top. Since the cart or island is freestanding, it’s also versatile in placement. These islands/carts make a nice substitute for a granite island, since you’re able to move them around the kitchen as desired, and they don’t cost as much!
Since the butcher block material is so strong and durable, they double as a built-in cutting board that’s perfect for all of your food prep needs. You’re able to use the top surface of a butcher block island or cart to cut, chop, or dice without having to lay down one of your other cutting boards beforehand. What gives butcher block carts and islands their durability is the several inches of thickness these surfaces contain. Made primarily from maple, some butcher block cart and island options use a combination of teak, birch, or walnut wood materials to create the signature striped aesthetic.
Pros & Cons of Butcher Block
Thinking of putting a butcher block cart or island in your kitchen? There are a few things to know before including one of these in your home.
Pros
If you’re looking to upgrade the appearance of your kitchen (and have the room to do so), a butcher block island or cart is the way to go. These kitchen carts are gorgeous and their wooden top enhances the sense of nature and natural materials in this space.
Butcher block islands and carts are also aesthetically versatile enough to fit your style. Their wood grain comes in light and dark options to provide a match or contrast to the design of your kitchen for a dramatic effect that will leave any guest envious.
These islands and carts also increase your countertop space and storage to maximize your kitchen workspace – especially useful if you have a small kitchen! A butcher block island or cart doubles as a place to cut and chop your food, prepare meals, and stow away your essentials. Most butcher block islands and carts come with several shelves to store your kitchen utensils, cutting boards, or mixing bowls.
Cons
Although butcher block islands and carts are beautiful and made of high-quality materials, there are some cons to know about before committing to a piece. While these kitchen additions are easy to clean, they are very super sensitive to water. Because these islands and carts are made with wood – that absorbs and expands with water overtime – it’s crucial to keep your butcher block material as free from moisture as possible.
Along the lines of expansion, butcher block surfaces will naturally expand and then contract as the weather changes year-round. Because of the natural expansion, you might begin to notice some lines or cracks within the material if your butcher block isn’t properly maintained. Maintaining a butcher block cart or island is crucial to keep this piece functional and pretty for years to come, which is what we will touch on in the next section.
Butcher block can also ding and scratch easily. Though the wood top is really thick and sturdy, and you can cut or chop directly on its surface, you might want to consider using a cutting board for heavy chopping to keep your butcher block surface free of scratches.
A brand new butcher block island or cart will look stunning in any kitchen, but part of keeping it aesthetically pleasing is preserving its surface. Here are tips for keeping your butcher block in pristine condition for years to come.
Cleaning
As mentioned earlier, moisture is the bane of butcher block surfaces. However, butch block needs to be cleaned and sanitized daily to keep it looking brand new. To sanitize your surface, start by taking a flat spatula and lightly scratching off food residue. Then take a damp washcloth mixed with warm water and soap and wipe off the top. To sanitize, only use distilled vinegar to clean the surface without leaving behind a strong vinegar smell. Mix equal parts water to your vinegar and use a spray bottle to mist the surface. Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes before wiping it down with another damp washcloth.
Conditioning
Part of the required maintenance for preserving butcher block surfaces is keeping it conditioned. Over time, consistent wear of butcher block surfaces can take away the sheen and leave it looking dry and dull. Mineral oil that’s food safe is the best conditioner to use to keep your surface from looking dull and to fight stains.
To use mineral oil, first clean off your countertops by removing all utensils or belongings and properly sanitizing (see how above). Next, pour the oil over the surface and spread it entirely over the top of the island/cart with the help of a clean cloth. You will need to let the oil sit and dry for about an hour before applying another coat. Butcher blocks need to be conditioned every few months.
Dealing With Dings, Scratches, & Cracks
The kitchen is a busy place, so it makes sense to know your butcher block cart or island will see some dings, scratches, or cracks. While there is nothing you can do to completely get rid of any knicks, you can minimize their appearance by lighting sanding over your dings and scratches. Small cracks can be tackled DIY-style by applying food-safe wood glue over the crack followed by a light sanding. If your butcher block has a deeper cut, the help of a professional may be warranted.
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Now that we’ve answered, “What is a butcher block?”, it’s time to pick your new favorite kitchen tool!
