Butcher Block Countertops: Ordering Guide and Specifications



BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOPS
AT BAIRD BROTHERS FINE HARDWOODS

ORDERING BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOPS

Butcher block counters and butcher block islands are nothing new – for hundreds of years they were a staple in every kitchen. But, in today’s modern home, the butcher block trend is both functional and beautiful!
By utilizing edge grain wood strips, the result is a beautiful accent piece filled with a variety of colors (even if you’re using the same hardwood species throughout). The natural warmth of butcher block tops is unmatched. And, Baird Brothers is proud to be the nationwide source for high-quality pieces with endless customization options, whether they’re used in your kitchen, as a bar top or as an accent countertop in your laundry room.

 

Man refinishing a butcher block counter.

BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOPS VS. PLANK-STYLE TOPS

If you’ve been using the terms butcher block and plank top interchangeably, it’s important to know that they aren’t necessarily the same. Let’s take a quick look! Before placing your order, there are a few things to understand, starting with the difference between plank top and butcher block countertops.

A drawing showing the edge grain of a butcher block counter.

BUTCHER BLOCK DESIGNS

A drawing showing the edge grain of a butcher block counter.

Butcher block countertops expose the edge grain of thin lumber strips, resulting in a variety of beautiful colors. This style of countertop or workbench top is extremely durable and is the preferred choice for chefs, butchers and craftsmen.

Wood butcher block countertops are commonly used where the product is exposed to wear and tear, like cutting boards and kitchen counters.

A drawing of a plank countertop’s face grain.

PLANK-STYLE DESIGNS

A drawing of a plank countertop’s face grain.

Plank top designs are made from wider boards (typically 3 inches to 5 inches wide) that are glued together to highlight the wood’s face grain. This process results in a more evenly colored surface.

Plank designs are slightly less durable than butcher block but are great for bathroom, kitchen island tops, backsplashes and table tops.

Both butcher block counters and plank tops can accommodate under-mount and vessel sinks.


WOOD SPECIES AND PRICING FOR BUTCHER BLOCK

Are you planning a DIY kitchen countertop project? Or, are you working with an experienced contractor to find elements that add style and uniqueness to your home? Either way, you can find what you’re looking for at Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods. Don’t settle for everyday stone or laminate countertops when you can have the best!

Size + Description

Poplar

Red Oak

Hard Maple

Cherry

Hickory

Ash

Walnut

White Oak

1-1/2" Butcher Blocks 21.00 23.90 29.61 32.50 27.24 27.49 77.29 -
1-3/4" Butcher Blocks 24.57 27.95 34.67 38.00 31.90 32.15 90.37 -
2" Butcher Blocks 27.93 31.80 39.35 43.25 36.20 36.57 102.85 -
2-1/4" Butcher Blocks 31.50 35.85 44.41 48.75 40.86 41.23 115.93 -
2-1/2" Butcher Blocks 34.86 39.65 49.16 53.95 45.23 45.60 128.31 -
2-3/4" Butcher Blocks 38.43 43.75 54.15 59.50 49.82 50.32 141.49 -
3" Butcher Blocks 42.00 47.80 59.21 65.00 54.47 54.97 154.57 -
3-1/4" Butcher Blocks 45.57 51.85 64.27 70.50 59.13 59.97 167.65 -
3-1/2" Butcher Blocks 48.93 55.70 68.95 75.75 63.43 64.06 180.14 -
3-3/4" Butcher Blocks 52.50 59.75 74.01 81.25 69.09 68.72 193.22 -
4" Butcher Blocks 55.86 63.55 78.76 86.45 72.46 73.09 205.58 -

NOTE: Add 20% to the final price when your countertop is over 12’ long or more than 40” wide.


BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOP EDGE TREATMENTS

Most people like to have a countertop with eased edges. At Baird Brothers, you can fully customize any solid wood countertop with one of our many edge treatment profiles.

Edge treatment options for butcher block countertops.

If you’re interested in a custom edge treatment, simply reach out to one of our experienced team members.


TRENDING WOOD COUNTERTOPS

Hardwood countertops have taken over the interior design spotlight and for good reason! Similar to the popularity of hardwood flooring, the character of butcher block counters is hard to beat. It’s amazing what a beautifully crafted piece of wood can do for a space!
Even better, hardwood surfaces are easy to repair and sustainably made. Unlike granite and quartz where scratches and gouges are costly to fix, you can simply sand and apply conditioner (like mineral oil) to an unfinished butcher block. You can also sand, wipe on stain and apply polyurethane/varnish to finished wood countertops.
When it comes to sustainability, Baird Brothers is an industry leader and has been for decades. Beginning in the early 80s, before sustainability was even a buzzword, manufacturing practices were implemented that put Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods on a path toward net zero. What other company do you know that repurposes cut-offs into finger-jointed products and burns sawdust to heat buildings and dry kilns? We don’t just talk sustainability; we live it!

RESOURCES AND VIDEOS


TERMS FOR WOOD COUNTERTOPS

Butcher Block

Countertop that shows the edge grain of a wood species. Typically designed from thin strips of wood, this option is more durable and resistant to wear and tear.

Eased Edge

The rounded edge of a countertop, used to soften the wood surface and increase safety for small children and adults. Eased edges can come in a variety of profiles.

Edge Grain

Like face grain designs, edge grain has a horizontal pattern. However, edge grain options utilize the side of the board and are more durable and moisture-resistant.

End Grain

End grain is the most durable option for cutting boards and highlights a vertical grain pattern.

Edge Treatment

The type of profile used on the exposed edges of a countertop or cutting board. Common options include roundover, chamber and whiteside profiles.

Face Grain

Utilized for plank-style countertops. Not recommended for heavy chopping, but features the most unique grain patterns, resulting in a more striking appearance.

Net Zero

The target of reducing emissions so that the amount of greenhouse gas produced balances with the amount that is taken out of the atmosphere.

Plank Top

Can be made from a variety of board widths and features the face grain of the board. Unique horizontal grain patterns run the length of the board and vary depending on the wood species.

Polyurethane

A plastic, durable varnish that is resistant to water, abrasion and solvents. Comes in oil-based and water-based options.

Varnish

Can be a generic term used to describe polyurethane, lacquer and shellac, but is a specific combination of resins, oils and solvents that is most often used in outdoor applications.

Under-Mount Sink

A type of sink that attaches to the underside of a countertop.

Vessel Sink

A sink option that sits on top of a countertop.

Wood Conditioner

Applied to wood cutting boards and exposed wood surfaces to protect against moisture and highlight the appearance of natural wood.

*For additional questions or to discuss your butcher block countertop project, contact Baird Brothers at 800.732.1697