The place for kitchen worktops and counters
Materials
Butcher Block Countertops: Beauty and Functionality Combined
Aug 23rd
The most commonly used wood in a butcher block top is maple due to it’s durability and beauty. But you can also get it in walnut, teak, cherry, mahogany, oak, etc. This makes it easy to match it to your existing finishes in your kitchen. Now, you may think that a butcher block counter is just one solid piece of wood, but this is not the case. It is actually lots of strips of wood that are glued together. This is what makes it possible to have multiple types of wood on one kitchen worktop.
In my opinion, a butcher block should be your number one choice for a countertop for one reason – functionality. You can set a hot pan on it and it doesn’t damage it in the least. And obviously, you can use it for all your prep work. Try to do the above two examples on a granite or ceramic tile counter and you have made a very expensive mistake, to say the least.
The average cost of a solid slab granite countertop is anywhere from $60- $120 per square foot. Ceramic tiles can range anywhere from $5- $100 per square foot depending on whether you get a simple solid color or opt for a patterned tile. Also, this does not include the price of grout. The average butcher block can go for $30- $100 per square foot depending on the type of wood chosen and other variables.
Butcher Block Countertop
We should also address maintenance of the butcher blocks. If you follow a few simple procedures, you can extend the life of your butcher block by many years.
After every use, scrape the surface used with a metal scraper or spatula and thoroughly dry it to ensure proper sanitary conditions. You should also treat it with mineral cutting board oil about twice a month to make sure it is properly sealed against bacteria. And last but not least, you should periodically flip it over to ensure even cutting distribution. If you follow these simple steps, then you will have a beautiful centerpiece in your kitchen for many years to come. Enjoy!
Kitchen Worktop Materials
Aug 9th
There are many materials you can use for kitchen worktops. It all depends on your personal taste and your budget to decide what is best for you. There are four major types of worktop materials: laminate, tile, corian, and granite. Each of these types offers advantages and disadvantages.
Laminate countertops offer you a wide range of colors and designs. If you need a certain color or pattern you have a broader selection in laminates than any other material. There are many styles to choose from as well. There are preformed countertops that have a single piece of laminate that is formed over front edge and backsplash. They also have square designs that incorporate several pieces of laminate. They can have a chamfered edge for safety. You can also choose wood accents on the edges of a laminate countertop. Most laminates have to be spliced, and this is a drawback. The laminate countertop is the most affordable. It is durable and easy to clean.
Corian is an upper scale countertop product. It is a solid surface that is offered in many colors and styles. Corian is made to fit your countertop needs. It generally comes to you in a seamless design with factory cut and finished edges. Corian offers a very durable surface that has improved over the years. It is scratch resistant and does not chip easy. Corian offers a surface that is easy to clean and care for.
A bar style island
Granite countertops offer a high scale rich look. The sealed granite is easy to clean and is stain resistant. It is a high end product that offers few choices in color. Sealed granite will last a lifetime or more with little damage. It is a hard surface that can break but not likely. It is a cold hard surface that may claim a glass or dish from time to time.
A countertop is a need in every house. There are good and bad qualities in all worktop materials, and it all comes down to personal taste. Some kitchen worktops are easier to care for and some offer a lifetime of use.