How much does a butcher block countertop cost?
How much does a butcher block countertop cost?
$50 – $150 average cost per square foot installed
$1,500 – $6,000 average total cost installed (30 – 40 SF)
Butcher block countertop cost
A butcher block countertop costs $50 to $150 per square foot installed or $1,500 to $6,000 for an average-sized kitchen. The labor cost to install a butcher block countertop is $20 to $80 per square foot. Bucher block countertop prices depend on the wood type, grain, thickness, size, and design.
| Kitchen size | Countertops square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen island only | 10 – 22 | $500 – $3,300 |
| Small kitchen (70 – 99 SF) | 20 – 30 | $1,000 – $4,500 |
| Average kitchen (100 – 200 SF) | 30 – 40 | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Large kitchen (200+ SF) | 40 – 60+ | $2,000 – $9,000+ |
A butcher block surface is created by gluing wood pieces or strips together, either with the ends facing up (end grain), edges facing up (edge grain), the wide part of the plank facing up (flat or face grain), or a blend of all three.
Butcher block countertop prices per square foot by wood type
The cost of a wood countertop depends on the wood type and thickness. Maple, birch, and oak are popular butcher block woods known for their durability and affordability. Exotic woods like teak and zebrawood cost more but create a dramatic focal point.
| Wood type | Cost per square foot installed | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Acacia | $30 – $100 |
|
| Bamboo | $50 – $125 |
|
| Beech | $40 – $100 |
|
| Birch | $25 – $75 |
|
| Cherry | $50 – $275 |
|
| Maple | $40 – $80+ |
|
| Red oak | $15 – $50 |
|
| Teak | $100 – $200 |
|
| Walnut | $75 – $300 |
|
| Wenge | $175 – $300+ |
|
| Zebrawood | $200 – $300+ |
|
Butcher block prices by grain type
The butcher block's grain type impacts its cost, strength, and appearance. While all types may be used for countertops, edge and end grain are popular choices for their design and durability.
End grain resembles a checkerboard, common for cutting boards due to its superior durability.
Edge grain is also durable but has a more uniform look with long wood strips.
Face grain is the most attractive to some, showing the wider side of the plank, but is the least durable.
| Grain type | Installed cost per square foot | Description |
|---|---|---|
| End grain | $50 – $350 |
|
| Edge grain | $40 – $150+ |
|
| Face or flat grain | $30 – $200 |
|
| Blended / joint-edge grain | $50 – $320 |
|
Raw vs. finished butcher block prices
Raw or unfinished butcher block costs less but has no edge detail and must be treated with oil, wax, or sealant to prevent staining or warping. Adding an edge costs $30 to $50 more.
A finished butcher block is already sealed and typically has a live or custom edge. Popular edge styles include radius, square, bullnose, cove and bead, ogee, and tabletop.
| Wood type | Unfinished average cost* (material only) |
Finished average cost* (material only) |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry | $300 – $700 | $600 – $3,000 |
| Maple | $240 – $650 | $400 – $1,800 |
| Oak | $100 – $250 | $420 – $600 |
| Walnut | $300 – $800 | $600 – $3,600 |
*48" x 25" butcher block, before cutouts or customization.
Use butcher block oil if you plan to use the surface for food prep and chopping. Use a sealer like polyurethane or Waterlox finish for non-food prep surfaces.
Cost to install butcher block countertops
Butcher block countertops fall within the average cost to replace countertops at $50 to $150 per square foot, or $1,500 to $6,000 for materials and labor for an average kitchen countertop.
| Item | Cost per square foot | Average cost (30 – 40 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Butcher block materials | $30 – $70 | $900 – $2,800 |
| Installation labor and supplies | $20 – $80 | $600 – $3,200 |
| Total cost to install | $50 – $150 | $1,500 – $6,000 |
Factors affecting the cost include:
Materials – In addition to the counter itself, installation materials include caulking, fasteners, washers, glue,and sealants. Installing a backsplash also adds to the cost.
Waterproofing – Butcher block sealant costs $20 to $50 per pint, which covers about 400+ square feet. Sealing butcher block is especially important around water prone areas like the sink cutout.
Maintenance – Yearly maintenance for butcher block countertops costs $10 to $50+, depending on how heavily the surfaces are used and how well they are cared for. Most clean, unfinished countertops need oiling once per month. Finished countertops may require resealing annually or sooner if damaged.
Permits – Some countertop installations may not require a permit. Changing the layout or adding any plumbing or electrical wiring typically requires a permit.
Labor cost to install butcher block countertops
The labor to install butcher block countertops costs $20 to $80+ per square foot. The installation process for butcher block is similar to other countertop materials and involves template and site preparation, installation, and cleanup. Other factors that affect the cost are:
Countertop removal – Removing and disposing of an existing countertop costs $50 to $250+, depending on the size and material. Some companies include old countertop removal in the installation estimate.
Cutouts – Each sink, faucet, or outlet cutout increases the cost. Most professionals charge $100 to $200 per cutout.
Plumbing – Plumber rates are $45 to $150 per hour, with a $50 to $200 minimum service call fee. Most countertop installations require the plumbing to be disconnected and then reconnected once the installation is complete.
Cooktop – A cooktop stove costs $400 to $1,300, not including installation. Cooktop stoves also require a vent above them if they lack a built-in downdraft vent.
Butcher block island cost
A butcher block island costs $50 to $150 per square foot or $500 to $3,300 installed, depending on the size and the wood type, thickness, and finish. The best size for your space depends on the kitchen's total square footage, layout, and the clearance needed for cabinets and appliances.
Installing a new kitchen island may involve additional costs, depending on its features:
New sink installation costs $330 to $1,300, including labor and materials.
A garbage disposal costs $180 to $380 installed and is a desirable feature if the island will be used for food prep.
A new GFCI outlet costs $150 to $350 installed.Most building and electrical codes require GFCI protection on kitchen outlets.
New electrical wiring costs $4 to $9 per square foot.
When sizing your butcher block island, plan for 3' to 4' of clearance between the island and the counters—enough for two people to stand.
Butcher block backsplash cost
A butcher block backsplash costs $30 to $60+ per panel for the material alone and typically adds $100 to $500 total to the countertop installation cost. Like countertops, the cost depends on the wood type, quality, and length. Butcher block backsplash panels are typically 4" high and 2' to 8' long.
A subway tile backsplash costs $200 to $1,100 installed and offers an alternative backsplash option to complement your new butcherblock countertop. Other backsplash installation options include ceramic or porcelain tile, natural stone, metal, tin, and more.
Butcher block countertops pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Is butcher block cheaper than granite or quartz?
Butcher block costs $50 to $150 per square foot installed, often cheaper than granite or quartz but also not as heat and stain resistant.
A granite countertop costs $80 to $150 per square foot installed.
A quartz countertop costs $50 to $200 per square foot installed.
Butcher block countertop FAQs
Are butcher block countertops worth it?
Butcher block countertops are functional, durable, and long-lasting. They're available in many styles to complement and add warmth and character to both traditional and modern room designs. However, a butcher block countertop requires regular care and maintenance to keep the surface clean, safe, and damage-free.
How long do butcher block countertops last?
Butcher block countertops last 20+ years when correctly installed and regularly maintained. If the surface is not used for direct cutting, a well-maintained butcher block countertop can last 60+ years.
To extend the butcher block countertop's life, do not use the surface directly as a cutting board.
How long does it take to install butcher block countertops?
Installing butcher block countertop takes 1 to 2+ days, depending on the design complexity and crew size. Plan for about one hour per square foot, not counting the initial acclimation time.
Experts recommend letting the unwrapped butcher block sit for 2 to 5 days in the room where it will be installed to allow the wood to stabilize in the new environment. However, they also advise installing the countertop within one week of receipt to prevent warping or bowing.
How do you clean and maintain a butcher block?
Follow these tips to clean and maintain a butcher block:
Clean spills right away.
Scrape debris, scrub with hot, soapy water, rinse, and dry after every use.
Wipe down with a 1:1 water and white vinegar mixture daily to sanitize the surface.
Use trivets under hot pans and dishes to protect the surface from heat damage.
Treat unstained butcher blocks with mineral or other food-safe conditioning oil immediately after installation, once per week for the first month, and at least once per month thereafter.
Sand and reseal stained areas as needed.
Are butcher block countertops sanitary?
Butcher block countertops are sanitary if cleaned and maintained properly. Wood's porous nature makes butcher block susceptible to moisture issues. Sealing with a food-safe lacquer or treating regularly with mineral oil protects the surface and prevents water absorption.
Where can I use a butcher block?
You can use butcher block in any area of the home for functional or decorative purposes. Butcher block adds dimension and warmth to a space. Be sure to seal the surface when using in water-prone or high traffic areas.
Popular butcher block uses include:
Kitchen island
Countertop
Bathroom vanity
Coffee table
Cutting board
End table
Floating shelves
Kitchen table
Workbench
Desk
Where to buy butcher block countertops
You can buy butcher block countertops online or locally from hardware stores, lumber companies, specialty woodworking shops, and building, home improvement, and remodeling stores.
The Butcher Block Co. and John Boos are leading butcher block countertop brands, both offering a wide variety of wood types and customizations.
Who can install butcher block countertops?
Countertop stores, remodeling contractors, specialty woodworking shops, and some local hardware stores like Lowe's and Home Depot offer butcher block countertop installation services.
Getting estimates from butcher block countertop installers
Before you hire countertop contractors, be sure to:
Get at least three estimates with similar specs and materials to compare.
Look for a contractor or firm specializing in butcher block countertops.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Browse their portfolio of past wood countertop projects.
Ask for references with contact information.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the project starts.
Never pay in full before the job is complete. Follow a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
What experience do you have with countertop installation?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What wood and grain type do you recommend for a butcher block countertop, and why?
What does the estimate include?
What additional costs might come up during the installation?
How long will the project take?
Does this installation require a permit, and do you handle the permitting process?
How do you handle damages if they happen on the job?
Do you require a deposit? If so, how much is it?
Is there a warranty? If yes, what does it include?