Butcher Block Chopping Boards Make A Great Gift

By Albert Northerly

Butchers block is a popular building material that consists of multiple layers of board that have been glued together. This makes for a very strong and dependable surface for kitchen counters and cutting boards.

Made out of Maple these boards are durable and resistant and provide a superior surface for cutting. More modern materials such as polyurethane do not hold up to constant use the way butcher block work surfaces and counters do.

While granite building materials have been popular for years, granite and similar products can be expensive and you certainly would not want to cut on them directly, chances are you would place a butchers block board on top of your concrete counter to prep a steak. Why not just have your counters be built out of butcher block.

This material holds up well and provides a very different look to your kitchen. butchers block is typically manufactured from Maple and its naturally attractive surface matches wood cabinets of any type of wood or color of stain nicely. Maple contrasts darker woods such as Cherry very nicely and also matches maple cabinets with a touch of style.

There are two styles of butcher block: end grain and edge grain.



A popular present at Christmas end grain butchers block is a neat wood working project and is not only easy but is also useful and attractive. You will see these gifts being sold at craft festivals and also they are common projects in high school wood working classes.

More popular of the two is end grain butchers block. The basic difference is how the grain is laid when the wood is glued together. With end grain the grain is laid perpendicular to the surface and with edge grain the grain is laid parallel. While both projects are similar edge grain butcher blocks are easier to make, but are not as resistant to wear.

End grain butcher block makes a great gift to anyone who enjoys cooking or even just wants their kitchen to look good.

End grain butchers block is preferred by butchers and pro chefs since the end grain fibers take the impact of the knife blade. The knife actually cuts between the fibers and not only prevents the wood from getting scored but it also keeps the knife sharp longer. Edge grain butchers block is made in a similar fashion to end grain butcher blocks but in this case the fiber is parallel to the surface. This style of butcher block is easier to make but they are limited on how many times they can be refinished.

If you are not the wood working type but still desire to give a butchers block board to that special someone on your gift list. Then you can find handmade butcher block board at most craft fairs.

Butchers block comes in many colors, depending on the types of wood used and the oil they are stained with, although often the natural wood color shows through instead.

When you are considering remodeling your kitchen and replacing the counter tops give serious thought to using inexpensive and durable butchers block counters instead of the more costly and less durable stone surfaces. Your investment will provide you with years of satisfaction and will provide your home with a unique look that is attractive to home buyers. In the case that you decide to sell your home, your investment in butcher block counters will help to sell your home. - 30289

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