butcher block countertops (especially with a gas cooktop)

[wildernesslodgelover]

Anyone here have butcherblock counters? We are considering granite or possibly a DIY project with concrete (cuz granite is so darn expensive, as are concrete countertops thru a fabricator.) To cut down on costs, and also to add some textural interest to the kitchen, we are considering doing the island either stainless steel or butcher block. I would like to do BB, but the gas cooktop will be on the island. I have seen plenty of pictures where this has been done, but want some opinions on whether it is functional or not. Just seems weird to have wood so close to flame.

Also, if you have BB counters, how do you like them? How is the maintenance?

You don't need to go to these links, just sharing in case anyone is interested!

here is a comparison form a source I trust (LOVE her blog)

http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarden/2009/03/countertops-a-comparison/

here is a guy that did concrete counters for $800..(BTW, while my DH has not done this before, he can pretty much do anything, so I am not worried about that aspect of it)
http://www.instructables.com/id/Concrete-Countertops-for-the-Kitchen---Solid-Surfa/

here is just one of the many pics I found of a gas cooktop on a butcherblock counter..
http://www.mapleblock.com/view.phtml?img=MMB_LyptusIsland_300dpi.jpg

here are some butcherblock counters that are affordable and get great reviews...

https://www.lumberliquidators.com/p...25-x-8LFT-Maple-Butcher-Block-Countertop.html

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

In one home that I've had I had counter tops made with oak flooring. Not butcher block per se, as they were sealed, and I used a cutting board to protect the counter as you would any good countertop.

The counter top was beautiful (if you like wood) and garnered many compliments (if you care about that sort of thing). I had a gas stove at the time, also. I'm not sure why you'd worry about gas with wood, and not be concerned about any other heat source (electric, etc.) with wood?

Heat is heat, eh?

If you like the wood, go with it. If you'd rather have a surface that you can swipe with a cloth to clean it, then go with the granite, or preferably quartz.

I don't like the looks of concrete so can't comment on that. High tendency for cracking too (friends have concrete and have had to have it slipped more than once).

 

[DawnCt1]

I have a butcher block counter that is actually the breakfast bar and only adjacent to my electric cooktop. While it is butcher block, we finished it with moisture cure polyurethane and no "cutting is allowed" on it. It cleans and disinfects as easily as any other counter surface because of the hard finish.

 

[Mom2Nick]

My father has a 13 foot long island with BB countertops. He hates it and will be switching them over to match the granite in the balance of his house shortly.

Having said that - there's no issue next to the heat at all althought it is a pain to not be able to put hot things right on top. He has a 6 burner range with a built in griddle and a built in fryer immediately next to that. Lots of heat and flames and no issue with the countertops.

His original intent was to have it be one huge cutting surface, but once you started to cut on it - it really looked horrible. So he had them sanded and sealed.

 

[DawnCt1]

My father has a 13 foot long island with BB countertops. He hates it and will be switching them over to match the granite in the balance of his house shortly.

Having said that - there's no issue next to the heat at all althought it is a pain to not be able to put hot things right on top. He has a 6 burner range with a built in griddle and a built in fryer immediately next to that. Lots of heat and flames and no issue with the countertops.

His original intent was to have it be one huge cutting surface, but once you started to cut on it - it really looked horrible. So he had them sanded and sealed.

Our kitchen was "as is" when we moved in. Fortunately the previous owner didn't use the counter for cutting and chopping but we did have it resanded and sealed. Its pretty and only in one area. Its about 3 ft wide and 6 ft long. My kitchen is dated (1987) and one of these years we will address that.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

In one home that I've had I had counter tops made with oak flooring. Not butcher block per se, as they were sealed, and I used a cutting board to protect the counter as you would any good countertop.

The counter top was beautiful (if you like wood) and garnered many compliments (if you care about that sort of thing). I had a gas stove at the time, also. I'm not sure why you'd worry about gas with wood, and not be concerned about any other heat source (electric, etc.) with wood?

Heat is heat, eh?

If you like the wood, go with it. If you'd rather have a surface that you can swipe with a cloth to clean it, then go with the granite, or preferably quartz.

I don't like the looks of concrete so can't comment on that. High tendency for cracking too (friends have concrete and have had to have it slipped more than once).

Thanks for your quick response!

Well, just with gas there is an actual *flame* so it kind of freaked me out a bit. I have never had a gas cooktop before...I am so excited, this is my first! But I am still unsure of myself as far as using it, so I was just wondering.

The cracking of the concrete is a good point, thanks for bringing it up.

I am afraind that with wood floors and wood cabinets, if I did ALL my counters in BB, it would be just too much wood. Not sure how that would look.

Dawn and Mom-Thanks for the input! Since I have only had laminate, I am in the habit of using cutting boards and never putting hot items on the counters directly, although I must admit, it would be such a huge luxury to be able to do that with some new countertops such as granite or concrete. It just might be a luxury I cannot afford at the moment.


Although I will admit, I did like the idea of being able to cut directly on it. but after mom2nick's father's situation...hmmm. Are there different types of BB...maybe some that take to direct cutting better than others? Or is that just wishful thinking on my part?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Although I will admit, I did like the idea of being able to cut directly on it. but after mom2nick's father's situation...hmmm. Are there different types of BB...maybe some that take to direct cutting better than others? Or is that just wishful thinking on my part?

I don't use wood to cut on anymore. It is not safe as it harbors bacteria.
So if that is the reason you want it, I would rethink it.

Get the granite. You will never hate it.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I don't use wood to cut on anymore. It is not safe as it harbors bacteria.
So if that is the reason you want it, I would rethink it.

Get the granite. You will never hate it.

Oh, MM...*sigh* I wish it was that easy! I just have a hard time paying the 4k we were quoted. It's actually more than just a hard time...I know what is in our bank account, I know what appliances I want to buy...and there is just no extra $$$ left over for an upscale countertop.

My DH and I are talking about doing a "fun" temporary countertop....like put down some plywood and do the thick coating of polyurethene (sp) like found in tiki bars and I guess regular bars! we even tlked about putting diffent mementos or general funny stuff under the polyurethene a conversation pieces.

We would have that for about a year, and then do granite. silly, I know, but it is a possibility!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Oh, MM...*sigh* I wish it was that easy! I just have a hard time paying the 4k we were quoted. It's actually more than just a hard time...I know what is in our bank account, I know what appliances I want to buy...and there is just no extra $$$ left over for an upscale countertop.

My DH and I are talking about doing a "fun" temporary countertop....like put down some plywood and do the thick coating of polyurethene (sp) like found in tiki bars and I guess regular bars! we even tlked about putting diffent mementos or general funny stuff under the polyurethene a conversation pieces.

We would have that for about a year, and then do granite. silly, I know, but it is a possibility!

Are you building a new house or trying to upgrade a kitchen? If you are going for an upgrade then you put in the granite. I would wait until you can afford the upgrade.

If you are just updating so it is new and functional, go with laminate or if you find something else appealing. Perhaps there are cheaper options that are better than plywood. I am not sure but I would delve into it and cost compare.

God forbid, you have to sell your house right after buying it/updating it. You will not want your kitchen with plywood counters.

That is just my 2cents. I honestly can tell you that waiting for granite or high end is worth it, resale and enjoying the look of it.

 

[mtdevine615]

Have you ever thought of granite tiles for the counter top. Friends did this a few years ago with a very small grout line and they look great. I know now they make tile just for this purpose with nice edging etc.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Have you ever thought of granite tiles for the counter top. Friends did this a few years ago with a very small grout line and they look great. I know now they make tile just for this purpose with nice edging etc.

Yes, that idea has been tossed around, too. It is a possibility. Thanks for the suggestion!

MM-Well, we closed on this home at the end of March, and the kitchen is horrible. So we are changing the entire footprint, expanding it, etc. So, no, it can't really wait. After we get done with what we are doing (wood floors throughout the entire house, wood cabinets, knocked out walls to open up areas, put in a circular driveway, etc) I don't think the goofy kitchen counters will matter much, we could always throw in some formica at that time if we had to sell.

Keep in mind, we would only sell in an emergency. This house is "it" for us! My DH and I are SoFla natives with family here, he is a business owner (so no job transfers) so I am just saying, resale is the least of my concerns.

BUT...all that being said, because this house is *IT* for us, I really "want what I want"...you know? Even if we were able to get granite, I still think I might want a different countertop for the island...either stainless steel or BB.

Thanks so much for your input. Trust me, you don't have to sell me on the idea of granite...i love it! I just have to be realistic. I am getting SO MUCH in this house...this is a house we could in no way think of affording 3 years ago...that I am not going to let getting a lesser countertop take away how happy I am!

 

[famofsix]

we went directly to the granite company for ours and got a better price and quality, who knows you might still be able do it

 

[goofy!]

Oh, MM...*sigh* I wish it was that easy! I just have a hard time paying the 4k we were quoted. It's actually more than just a hard time...I know what is in our bank account, I know what appliances I want to buy...and there is just no extra $$$ left over for an upscale countertop.

My DH and I are talking about doing a "fun" temporary countertop....like put down some plywood and do the thick coating of polyurethene (sp) like found in tiki bars and I guess regular bars! we even tlked about putting diffent mementos or general funny stuff under the polyurethene a conversation pieces.

We would have that for about a year, and then do granite. silly, I know, but it is a possibility!

If you want to do something fun, cheap, easy to do and looks like concrete because it is, try skimstone. It was originally developed for concrete floors (all those decorative concrete floors you see), and now they have developed a bonding agent to adhere right to your laminate countertops. It was made to walk on, so pretty durable. And if you are crafty, you can use all the different colors to create depth and simulate other stones.

www.skimstone.com

You can do an entire kitchen for about $300.00

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Sounds like a project! I am sure you will find what is right for you.