Kitchens are gathering places where we host parties and make memories. Your kitchen should reflect your personality and style. When selecting the best material for your kitchen countertops, consider several factors including your budget, the way you will use your kitchen and the countertop maintenance requirements that meet your lifestyle. If you are considering granite vs butcher block countertops, learning more about natural stone and wood can help make your decision easier.
What is Your Budget?
Granite and butcher block counters can vary in price. Granite prices are generally higher than butcher block, but many people feel the benefits of natural stone outweigh those of wood. The size of your counters and the amount of space between appliances is something to keep in mind when picking the best countertop for you. If your area is simple and there aren’t a lot of existing surfaces, granite will be easy to use. If you have a lot of angles or small spaces that vary in sizing, butcher block is easier to adjust and cut, particularly if you enjoy DIY projects. If you need to cut several different blocks of different sizing and edging, that will affect your cost of the project and you may need a bigger budget.
How Do You Use Your Kitchen?
Are you a chef or baker? Both granite and butcher block surfaces may meet your needs. Granite is heat resistant, so you can put pots, pans and hot baking sheets directly from the stove or oven onto your countertops without harming the surface. Granite also provides a smooth surface for kneading and smoothing dough for crusts or fresh-baked breads. Butcher block is often used as a cutting board, but remember to ensure the sealant used on your countertop is safe for preparing food.
How Much Time Do You Have for Maintenance?
Butcher block and granite counter tops require different types of maintenance. Sealants for butcher block countertops sometimes contain chemicals that restrict using the countertop as a cutting surface. Unsealed butcher block leaves your countertop surfaces more susceptible to discoloration, warping or rotting over time, especially if used around a sink (where the countertop can easily absorb wetness). Because wood is much more porous than granite, smells can easily penetrate countertop surfaces if not cleaned immediately after prepping pungent foods like onions. Make sure to always completely dry butcher block countertops as liquids that sit too long can penetrate your countertop, potentially warping the wood. If you use your butcher block as your cutting surface, cuts are often camouflaged into the surface, just like a cutting board.
As a natural stone, granite is incredibly hard and durable. When sealed properly by a professional fabricator and installer, it is unlikely your granite countertops will absorb stains or bacteria. Clean granite countertops regularly with a combination of water and dishwashing detergent and have a professional reseal your granite countertops periodically. While resealing times vary, generally granite countertops require resealing annually.
So, What is the Best Option?
Butcher block is usually selected by people who spend a lot of time prepping and cooking, but butcher block does require more careful upkeep. Many people who choose granite enjoy the clean, sleek look it offers combined with high durability and low maintenance requirements. It may cost more to install initially but for those thinking about home or resale value, granite surfaces will add to your home value more than butcher block.
Choosing the best surface for your kitchen will depend on your overall use of the kitchen, budget and the maintenance level you prefer. Need help deciding on granite vs butcher block for your kitchen? Visit our showroom or contact Spectrum Stone Designs today.
Spectrum Stone Designs is Lynchburg’s only local fabricator of natural stone countertops, surrounds and tiles for kitchens, fireplaces and baths. Serving Lynchburg, Roanoke, Charlottesville and all of Central Virginia, Spectrum Stone Designs imports top-quality granite, marble and other stone and expertly cuts and polishes before professionally installing in homes or offices. Spectrum Stone Designs strives for excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
Spectrum Stone Designs is Lynchburg’s leading fabricator of natural stone countertops, surrounds and tiles for kitchens, fireplaces and baths. Serving Lynchburg, Roanoke, Charlottesville and all of Central Virginia, Spectrum Stone Designs imports top-quality granite, marble and other stone and expertly cuts and polishes before professionally installing in homes or offices. Spectrum Stone Designs strives for excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
