Butcher block countertops are the perfect combination of aesthetically pleasing looks and functionality. Whether you have all butcher block countertops or the wood is limited to one prep area, these counters are a great statement piece.
While the countertops play a critical role in your kitchen, so does your kitchen sink. So, which sink goes best with butcher block countertops? There are a few things to consider, but we’re here to tackle that topic, so stick around to learn more!
What Is A Butcher Block Countertop?
Butcher block countertops are composed of wood pieces laminated together with a strong adhesive. The laminate offers excellent strength and stability, creating a solid work surface for nearly any kitchen activity.
The wood in butcher block countertops can be nearly anything, including bamboo, zebrawood, and red oak. Maple is one of the most popular wood types for these countertops, as it has a hard, solid surface and boasts a clear grain.
If you prefer richer hues, cherry and red oak are popular picks. You can also buy butcher block countertops made of bamboo or sustainably-farmed exotic wood, like wenge, iroko, and zebrawood.
How Much Do Butcher Block Countertops Cost?
Like most products, butcher block kitchen counters come in a wide range of costs. Depending on the material, construction, and brand, you may pay anywhere from $30 to $280 per square foot. However, most people end up paying between $70 and $150 per square foot.
Factors like the wood type, edge detail, finish, and countertop grain may influence the final total.
Kitchen Sink Types
Now that we’ve established what butcher block is and a few of the basics surrounding it, let’s take a look at a few of the types of kitchen sinks.
- Drop-in: Tese sinks are extremely easy to install. As the name implies, you simply drop them into a pre-cut countertop. Because they’re nearly effortless to install, they’re popular amongst DIYers of all experience levels. Drop-in sinks have a lip that sits on the countertop and supports the sink.
- Undermount: These sinks are a bit trickier to install than drop-in options. However, they’re still relatively easy to install, although it usually requires a few extra hands to do so. They offer an edgeless, seamless appearance that makes for easy cleaning and extra counter space.
- Dual-flex: A few kitchen sinks offer dual-flex rims, which feature flat, standard undermount rims with a slight curve in case you want to install them as a drop-in sink. The edge provides a decorative feature for drop-in sinks if you decide to use it as one.
- Farmhouse: Also called apron front sinks, these sinks offer a striking statement piece to any kitchen. The look is a true classic that fits with nearly any aesthetic, both traditional and contemporary. These sinks are tricky to install since they require additional support to stay in place. Unless you know what you’re doing, you might want to hire a professional.
What Is The Best Type Of Sink For Butcher Block Countertops?
Ultimately, you can make nearly any type of sink work well with your butcher block countertops. Whether you prefer the seamless looks of an undermount sink or the country-style appearance of a farmhouse sink, you can make it work with your butcher block countertop.
Of course, you’ll have to be more careful with correctly sealing the wood around your kitchen sink, but it’s doable. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you browse for the perfect kitchen sink.
Size And Depth
Consider how you use your kitchen. For instance, do you spend a lot of time cooking or baking? Do you have a big family or several roommates that frequently use the kitchen sink? Or are you the only one that uses the sink?
These are all things to think about as you browse for the ideal sink. For example, if you do a lot of baking and cooking with oversized pots and pans, you’ll probably want a larger sink. That way, you can easily wash dishes without making a mess.
Style And Design
The design and style you should pick depend on your personal preferences. The color, material, style, and design of the sink can give varying vibes to your kitchen. The combination of butcher block countertops and a classic farmhouse sink may provide a cozy, rustic, country-home feel.
So, use the look you’re going for to pick the perfect sink.
Installation Difficulty
If you aren’t an avid DIYer and plan to hire a professional to handle the installation, this factor won’t be a significant consideration. However, if you plan on installing the sink yourself, make sure you know what you need for the project.
Depending on the particular sink, you may need a few extra hands, special adhesives, or additional support.
Warranty And Pricing
Great sinks aren’t necessarily expensive. You can find reasonably priced sinks that will perfectly complement your butcher block countertops. If solid coverage is essential to you, make sure you choose a sink with an excellent warranty.
Material
Kitchen sinks come in all sorts of different materials. From stainless steel kitchen sinks to fireclay farmhouse sinks, you have plenty of options. If you’re looking for something that stands out against the wood of the countertop, fireclay and porcelain are great options.
You can find fireclay and porcelain sinks in nearly any style and design. If easy cleanup is a big thing for you (we get it), go with a sink with a glaze finish.
How To Take Care Of Butcher Block Counters
In order to keep your butcher block countertops beautiful for many years, you need to keep up on routine maintenance. From daily care to correcting dings and dents, here’s what you should do.
Clean And Sanitize
For daily cleaning, wipe the surface of the wood with a damp cloth and a drop of dish soap (make sure it’s not too soapy that it leaves suds). Follow up with a clean, damp cloth.
To sanitize the counter, fill a spray bottle with one part white vinegar with four parts water. Spritz the solution on the counter and allow it to sit for ten minutes. After the solution sits for a while, wipe it away with a clean cloth.
Avoid using harsh cleaners or those with ammonia or bleach. These chemicals can eat away at the finish and raise the grain of the wood.
Tackle Stains And Odors
Stains and odors may be inevitable if you use your countertop frequently. To tackle these issues, sprinkle the offending area with a generous amount of table salt. Rub it into the surface with a lemon wedge. Squeeze extra juice on the counter as you work.
Allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a clean, damp cloth.
Conceal Marks And Burns
Scratches and burns happen, leaving marks on your beautiful wood counters. To hide these marks, rub in colored paraffin wax. You can buy sticks of paraffin wax in a color that matches the wood. Use a plastic scraper to remove the excess, then buff it with a soft cloth.
If there are deeper set burns or scratches, start with coarse sandpaper. Work your way up to finer grits until you finish with extremely fine grit. Then, reapply oil or an oil-wax blend to finish.
Fill Splits And Cracks
If there are splits and cracks in the wood, use beeswax or household paraffin wax to fill the spaces. Mix the wax with mineral oil in a 1-to-4 mixture (1 part wax, 4 parts oil) in a double boiler.
Once the mixture combines, rub it into any splits and cracks using a clean cloth to seal them.
Do Butcher Block Countertops Get Water Stains?
Yes, butcher block countertops can get water stains. Water damage is one of the main concerns with using butcher blocks for your countertops, particularly around the kitchen sink. Water is one of the major substances that will leave a noticeable stain on your butcher block counter. The countertop will expand and contract over time, leaving little cracks in the wood.
How Do You Protect A Butcher Block Countertop From Water?
Although butcher block is susceptible to water damage, there are a few ways to protect the wood. One of the most popular options to waterproof and seal a wooden countertop is with food-safe natural wood oil.
Alternatively, food-safe hardwax finishes also work just fine. Choose an oil or finish that adds no flavor, scent, or toxin to your food. Oils like linseed oil, mineral oil, and tong oil are good choices. All you need to do is massage the oil into the wood with a soft cloth, wiping in the direction of the grain.
Once the entire surface is saturated, wipe away any excess oil pooling on the counter. Allow the counter to dry completely, or about eight hours. After the surface is dry to the touch, complete the same process on the underside of the counter (if you haven’t already installed it). Repeat the process at least two times for each surface of the countertop.
In the following weeks, apply a coat of natural wood oil every week for the first month. Touch-ups will be necessary within a few months. To see if the counter is still waterproof, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If the water soaks in and doesn’t bead on the surface, it’s time to refinish it.