Butcher Block Countertop Cost

Wood butcher block countertops cost $3,500 on average or $40 to $100 per square foot, including materials and installation. A typical kitchen with 50 square feet of butcher block countertop costs $2,000 to $5,000 to purchase and install. You might spend up to $10,000 for large kitchens or those using exotic hardwoods. Custom work might hit $200 per square foot or over $15,000.

Butcher Block is a surface made of wood pieces glued together to form a tabletop, cutting board, chopping block, or countertop. Popular wood varieties include teak, oak, walnut, acacia, or maple. It’s a heavy-duty surface that is rapidly replacing granite and stainless steel as the surface of choice for kitchen counters.

On This Page:

1. Average Cost of Butcher Block Countertops
2. Cost Per Square Foot
   1. Installation Costs
   2. Backsplash Cost
3. Butcher Block Countertops vs. Granite
4. Labor Costs
5. DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
6. FAQs

Average Cost of Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher Block Countertop Cost Per Square Foot

Butcher block countertops cost $40 to $100 to purchase and install. Materials alone run $20 to $70 per square foot. Older kitchens have about 30 to 40 square feet of counter space. Modern kitchens have 50 to 60 square feet of countertop.

Butcher Block Installation Costs

Costs to have a professional install it include:

• The countertop: $1,000-$7,000 per 100 square feet. Includes waste overage with enough extra material for future repairs as well as local delivery.
• Labor: $500-$3,000 per 100 square feet. Takes about10 hours and includes acquiring the material and equipment, planning, preparation, set-up, and clean-up
• Job materials and supplies: $100-$250. Includes fasteners, caulking, sealants, glue, and cleaning supplies.
• Equipment allowance: $30-$100. Covers specialty tools such as pneumatic nailers, miter saws, belt sanders and electric planers.

Butcherblock Backsplash Cost

You’ll usually buy butcherblock backsplashes separately for $100 to $500. Your installer wraps the installation costs into your overall bill. Backsplashes are most often sold separately.

The cost of the backsplash depends on the type of wood as well as the length. To give you an idea, though, a four-inch maple backsplash two feet long costs about $25. For higher-end woods such as cherry the cost can go as high as $50 for the same size.

Cost of Butcher Block Countertops vs. Granite

Granite countertops cost $80 to $250 per square foot to purchase and install. Butcher block counters cost about half as much at $40 to $100 per square foot. Because wood is slightly easier to work with, it takes slightly less time to install.

Cost to Install Butcher Block Countertops

Labor to install a wood countertop costs $5 to $15 per square foot for premade butcher blocks. Custom work can run $15 to $30 per square foot. You may pay slightly more for semi-custom counters, such as when you need specific cutouts for additional sinks or accommodate unique architecture.

Cost of Butcher Block Island Top

Installing a butcher block island top costs the same as any other butcher block installation, or $40 to $150 per square foot. However, if you’re installing a new island, you’ll need to also consider other installation cost factors for sinks, outlets and lighting.

• Install electrical wiring costs: $500-$2,000
• Sink installation costs: $200-$600
• Plumbing costs: $200-$500

DIY Butcher Block Countertop Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

Butcher block countertops, unlike almost any other type of counter, make excellent DIY projects for those with the time and tools to get it done. However, keep in mind that a professional team takes a full day to install a countertop, so it’ll likely take you longer. Plus, you’ll need help because of the size and weight of a countertop.

The largest drawbacks include:

• Improperly cutting and fitting the counter: You’ll need to buy a new one and start over.
• Injury: Due to the size and weight, it’s not an easy project.
• Time: Although it may seem like a straightforward project, it’ll likely take at least two full days for a DIYer to install properly.
• Details: You’ll need to cut, router, stain or oil, and cutout the sink hole.

Since you’ll spend between $5 and $15 per square foot for a professional installation, it’s almost always a better idea to hire a local countertop installer.

FAQs

How do you best take care of and maintain butcher block countertops?

This type of counter requires routine maintenance. Regular care helps keep the wood looking good and prevents it from absorbing stains from food. It also keeps the wood from separating or splintering.

• Oil unfinished butcher block (and any wood) regularly at least once a month for the first year and then at least twice yearly after that. You can use these oils:
  • Food grade mineral oil
  • Pure tung oil
  • Raw linseed oil
  • Walnut or almond oil
  • Coconut il
• Lacquered or epoxy bar top sealed countertops only require regular cleaning.
• Stained counters usually don’t require any further treatment, but you’ll want to stain again every three to five years.

Are butcher block countertops high maintenance?

Butcher block countertops are high maintenance. They require more care throughout their lifetime than any other type of counter.

Where can I buy butcher block countertops?

You can buy butcher block countertops from large home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowes and Menards. You can also find it at kitchen remodeling stores. You can find many online options from large sites and custom work from artisans. However, you’ll likely get the best price through your installer.

Is a butcher block countertop sanitary?

Butcher block countertops are usually sanitary if you clean them regularly. However, since they’re porous, you need to keep them clean and oiled. If you’re at all concerned about sanitation, consider sealing your counters with a bar top epoxy sealer.

What’s the pricing difference between raw and finished butcher block?

• Raw butcher block is unfinished and costs $100-$650. It has no edge or seal. You can add an edge for $30-$50.
• Finished butcher block costs $160-$1,400 and comes with oil already on it and has an edge, usually straight, radius or bullnose.

*For an eight-square-foot piece without cutouts or edges.

Wood prices vary by season, year and tree species depending on demand and availability.

Where can I use butcher block?

You can use butcher block in any room of your house as a cutting surface, shelving or for decorative uses. Other uses include:

• Kitchen counters
• Cutting Board
• Islands
• Bar counters
• Workbench
• Tabletops