Wood Kitchen Countertops Butcher Block, Walnut, Maple, Cherry and More!

Wood countertops can add natural warmth and beauty to any kitchen. Popular wood choices like maple, cherry, walnut, and oak make an attractive and durable surface. Going with a classic butcher block style brings old-world charm. We’ll explore the pros and cons of different wood options to find the best fit for your home.

Introduction to Wood Countertops

Wood never goes out of style in the kitchen. The rich grains and natural patterns bring organic texture not found in stone, laminate, or solid surface counters. Wood is also naturally antibacterial, making it a smart choice for food prep.

With proper care, a wood countertop can last for decades. Oils in the wood create a protective barrier that is naturally moisture-resistant. Regular re-oiling is needed to keep counters sealed. Compared to materials like granite, wood is easier to repair if damaged. Sanding and refinishing restores the surface.

Butcher block style counter tops have straight wood planks assembled together in a checkerboard pattern. They have a traditional farmhouse look. Wood counters can also be made from a single solid plank for a smooth surface.

Let’s take a closer look at the most popular wood species used for today’s kitchen counters.

Maple Countertops

Maple is a classic choice valued for its light coloring and subtle grain. It has a smooth, uniform texture. The wood is dense and more moisture resistant than many other options.

Pros:

• Light cream color for a bright kitchen
• Tight, even grain with little variation
• Density makes it very durable and scratch-resistant
• Less likely to warp than some woods

Cons:

• Can show wear, scratches over time
• Needs frequent re-oiling to maintain protection
• Not as moisture-resistant as teak or walnut

Maple takes staining well if you want to go darker. A popular look is whitewashing the wood. Going with a butcher block pattern highlights maple’s subdued grain for a striking yet light counter.

Walnut Countertops

Prized for its rich chocolate brown color with flowing grain patterns, walnut makes a dramatic statement. The density of the wood makes it very durable for counters seeing daily use.

Pros:

• Luxurious dark brown color option
• Flowing, varied grain patterns add visual interest
• Excellent moisture resistance
• Great durability for chopping, food prep
• More affordable than exotic hardwoods

Cons:

• Can show oil stains, wear over time
• Needs careful cleaning to avoid discoloring in grooves
• Color darkens further with age

Walnut’s deep nuances come out beautifully in a butcher block pattern. Keeping the oil refreshed enhances walnut’s luster. The color mellows over time to a milk chocolate hue.

Cherry Countertops

Known for its vibrant red undertones, cherry wood is in demand for kitchen remodeling. The straight, fine grain has an elegant look. Durability is a big plus with cherry.

Pros:

• Striking reddish-brown color
• Consistent fine, straight grain
• Great durability from dense wood
• Polishes to a high gloss shine
• Resists warping well

Cons:

• Color darkens over time to a true cherry hue
• Still requires oiling to maintain
• Can develop small splits on the ends

Cherry’s rich color pairs beautifully with white cabinetry for contrast. Opting for a smooth plank style highlights the consistent grain. Cherry darkens naturally over time for added character.

Oak Countertops

Oak has long been a popular choice for wood floors and cabinetry. It also makes an attractive, durable countertop. The varied grains and patterns showcase oak’s rustic beauty.

Pros:

• Affordable compared to exotic woods
• Visually interesting grain patterns
• Durable and scratch-resistant
• Easy to stain to preferred shades
• Adds a rustic, natural look

Cons:

• Very porous, requires frequent oiling
• Not as hard as maple or walnut
• Can develop splits over time
• Has large open pores

Oak is very absorbent, so it needs vigilant oiling to resist moisture and prevent bacteria. The varied tones and patterns complement many kitchen designs. Use oak if you like the natural look and don’t mind the required maintenance.

Best Woods for Butcher Block Countertops

Going with a classic butcher block pattern opens up smart wood choices beyond maple and walnut. Here are top options for butcher block style:

• Maple: Most popular wood for its durability, light color
• Birch: Attractive, affordable pale option like maple
• Cherry: Straight fine grain looks striking in a pattern
• Walnut: Dark and dramatic in a linear block pattern
• Hickory: Rustic look with contrasting tones in the grain
• Oak: Natural, varied grains mimic butcher block
• Teak: Moisture-resistant and perfect for food prep areas

Caring for Wood Countertops

All wood counters require proper care to maintain their beauty and function. Here are key tips:

• Oil regularly with food-safe mineral oil to protect from moisture.
• Avoid harsh cleaners and excessive water that can damage the wood.
• Use cutting boards for food prep to prevent deep stains and cuts.
• Sand out scratches carefully, then re-oil the wood.
• Refinish periodically to keep the rich color and gloss.
• Use trivets and hot pads to prevent scorch marks.

With the right oiling and care routine, a wood counter can stay looking great for many years of daily use.

Wood Countertop FAQs

What is the most durable wood for countertops?

Maple and walnut are the toughest woods. Their dense grain stands up well to heavy use. Cherry and hickory are other durable options.

Do you need to seal wood counters?

Sealing isn’t mandatory, but is highly recommended. Penetrating oil seals provide moisture resistance. Top coats like polyurethane give added protection.

Can you cut on wood countertops?

It’s best to use a cutting board to avoid deep cuts in the wood. Minor scratches can be sanded out and re-oiled.

How often do you need to oil wood counters?

Every 1-2 weeks is ideal, depending on use. New counters need more frequent oiling at first. Touch up high use areas as needed.

What finish is best for kitchen countertops?

A penetrating food-safe oil is recommended to waterproof while leaving the natural wood look. Tung oil is a popular durable option.

Conclusion

Wood countertops add natural beauty and character to any kitchen. Going with a classic like maple or a dramatic option like walnut comes down to your style. A butcher block pattern looks striking and doubles as a durable surface. With proper care, a wood counter can withstand years of daily cooking and cleaning while adding rich texture. Consider wood if you like an organic, eco-friendly material that is antibacterial as well.