Selecting a Butchers Block

The most traditional type of butcher block is one made of wood. Today, however, there are lots of woods (and other materials) from which to choose when buying a butcher block. So how do you choose?

If you’re planning on buying wood, which offers a lot of warm appeal, your best bet is hardwood. Anything else will scratch and crack more easily. Oak, maple and walnut are three examples of hardwoods. Additionally as you look at the block, consider how it’s assembled. End grain boards are stronger than edge grain. To know if you’ve got an “end grain” think of what a tree stump looks like – that’s an end grain.

The Traditional thick butcher block table

These boards are hefty too – usually measuring 3” thick. Wood is porous and requires meticulous cleaning after use. Note: not all wood surface kitchen carts have food-safe finishes. Read product descriptions carefully.

What about other materials? The least expensive cutting surface is plastic. They’re certainly durable and often dishwasher safe. There is some concern, however, that microbes may hide down in any scratches on this type of board (but that’s certainly also true with wood).

A second option is bamboo. This is a highly renewable resource that’s making its way into a wide variety of products. Bamboo cutting boards are relatively new on the market so it’s hard to say how well they’ll perform over extended use. Take a peek at consumer reviews before taking this option.

Butcher blocks need not be so thick you can't move them

A third option is glass. This is a very clean surface, but one on which a very stead cutting hand is required. If you like glass, you want a safety-style board that cannot chip.

Finally we come to granite and stainless. Granite is porous and may chip easily, so despite its beauty isn’t really the best choice for a cutting surface. Stainless is strong and easily cleaned, but will show scratching. It’s also very expensive in comparison.

Personally I like wood, and especially butcher blocks on wheels! When a block like this isn’t in use, it becomes an alternative counter space with another shelf below. Compared to a well made cutting board (about £50), the butcher block cart can cost anywhere from 300 - 700 pounds and more, depending on base media.

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