Removing the top 5 butcher block myths
by Lindsay Mineo
There are plenty of kitchen remodeling myths, misinformation and misconceptions floating around and it always seems like butcher block myths are at the front of homeowner?s minds thanks to fears of bacteria, damage and intensive labor. Even still, butcher block remains one of the most leading and sought after kitchen countertop materials for more than a century, which means there must be some great reasons to look into these myths. Here are the top 5 butcher block myths and why they?re invalid.
1. Butcher block harbors bacteria This myth is the most widespread despite being entirely untrue, and many firmly believe it. This myth originated from the idea that unlike plastic and glass wood cutting boards cannot be put in the dishwasher, which is true, and that makes them impossible to disinfect, which is untrue. When this logic was adapted to butcher block countertops, which are a different thing altogether, homeowners feared they could not effectively clean their countertops. Here?s the truth: wood does house bacteria, but so does plastic and glass and every other material. However, wood?s natural properties kill bacteria, which can?t be said about any other countertop material, so when the bacteria travels deep within the butcher block it dies far from the surface, leaving your butcher block countertops cleansed and disinfected. Clean your butcher block with soap and water and never fear about disinfecting.
2. Butcher block scratches easily Similar to the previous myth, this one came about because the same reasoning used for wood cutting boards was translated to butcher block countertops, even though there are major differences. While it?s true that a wood or bamboo cutting board can show scratches from food preparation after just a few months, plastic and glass cutting boards will realize the same damage in the same amount of time, although the materials make it less noticeable. Butcher block, on the other hand, will be professionally sealed to cover the appearance of nicks and cuts, and because the wood is soft on knives it keeps them sharp to make chopping easier on you and less noticeable on the counter. Sealing the butcher block with mineral oil keeps it in top condition and inhibits most scratches, and if a scratch does occur it can be sanded out (something that can?t be done with other countertop materials). Finally, because the knives are in excellent condition on a butcher block surface you won?t have to use as much pressure, which leads to less damage on the countertops.
3. Butcher block stains easily This is the third myth that originated from assuming other types of wood are the same as butcher block. While wood will stain when exposed to standing water or other liquids, your butcher block countertops will most likely be part of a kitchen island or designated chopping area, away from the kitchen sink where water spills are less likely. However, if your butcher block countertops do sit next to or around the sink, make sure there?s a ceramic or metal border to keep those inevitable water drops away from the wood. All countertops will need spills to be wiped up directly, especially natural stone, so this will be no different. Your butcher block counters will be sealed to expel water and as long as spills are wiped up there should never be a worry. The only time a butcher block countertop will stain is if it?s not taken care of, and if black rot appears it?s a sign that due diligence was not completed.
4. Butcher block can be damaged by heat. While butcher block countertops, being wood, will obviously not survive a fire neither will much else. However, butcher block is much more able to handle the heat from a pan fresh off the stove on occasion than granite or other natural stone, which can show damage or warp. It?s probably not a good idea to regularly set a hot pot or pan on the same spot of your butcher block countertops every day because eventually a heat ring can form, but every now and then won?t hurt the wood. A testament to this is that you can use a wood cooling rack for your hot items on your butcher block for a classical look that protects all surfaces.
5. Butcher block can be expensive and time consuming to maintain. This myth can turn into a truth if the same maintenance that is applied on any countertop is neglected. No matter what countertop material you have you?ll still have to wipe up spills to keep the surface looking great, and applying mineral oil to your butcher block every so often (once or twice a year) is enough maintenance. However, if you don?t keep your butcher block sealed and allow pools of water to collect on the surface you will have to eventually spend more time fixing it up. Even natural stone countertops need to be sealed, but some of them must be professionally sealed every 6-12 months, increasing their price. In fact, butcher block countertops are at least as demanding or expensive to install and maintain as any other, and in many cases can be far less expensive and time consuming in the long run. Remember that butcher block can be easily sanded and resealed, while natural stone and even tiles need professional repairs.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Removing the top 5 butcher block myths
Author: Lindsay Mineo
Email: brandon@usa-gs.com
Keywords: butcher blocks,kitchen remodel,kitchen upgrades,home improvement,home remodel
Word Count: 893
Category: Hobbies
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