Wood Butcher Block vs. Granite Countertops: Which Is Right for You?

Last Updated on June 6, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

If you are considering remodeling your kitchen, you may be wondering if a wood butcher block countertop or a granite countertop is the right choice for you. Both of these materials have their pros and cons, and it can be difficult to decide which is the best option.

In this blog post, we will compare wood butcher block vs granite countertops so that you can make an informed decision about which material is right for your home.

Wood butcher block countertops.

What is a wood butcher block countertop?

A wood butcher block countertop is a popular choice for many kitchens because it provides a natural look and feel. Butcher block countertops are made from hardwood, such as oak or maple, and can be stained or sealed to match the look of your kitchen.

Pros of wood butcher block countertops:

-They’re easy to install.

-They’re easy to clean and maintain.

-They add value to your home.

-They’re environmentally friendly.

Cons of wood butcher block countertops:

-They require more maintenance than other types of countertops.

-They are susceptible to staining and scratches.

-They are not heat resistant.

Granite countertops.

Pros of granite countertops:

Granite is a very strong and durable material, making it an ideal choice for countertops. It is also heat resistant, so you can place hot pots and pans on it without worry.

Granite is also easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular wiping and sealing to keep it looking new. Lastly, granite provides a high-end look to your kitchen or bathroom, increasing the value of your home.

Cons of granite countertops:

While granite countertops are beautiful and durable, there are a few downsides to consider before making the investment. One of the biggest cons is the cost.

Granite countertops can be quite expensive, depending on the type of granite you select. Additionally, granite is a natural stone, so it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining.

Granite is also a heavy material, so it requires strong supports if used for countertops. Finally, because it is a natural stone, granite can be susceptible to chips and cracks.

Wood butcher block countertops vs. granite countertops

Appearance.

Butcher block countertops have a more natural, rustic look than granite. They’re also usually less expensive.

Granite countertops have a more polished, sophisticated look. They can also be customized with different edge treatments and colors.

Color.

It’s one of the first things you notice when you walk into a kitchen. And it’s one of the main considerations when choosing countertops. So, what’s the difference between wood and granite countertops when it comes to color?

Granite is available in a wide range of colors, from subtle hues to bold statements. You can find granite that’s white, black, red, green, blue, yellow, and everything in between.

Wood countertops are usually limited to a few colors, such as brown, black, or red. But there are also some exotic woods that come in a variety of colors, such as zebrawood or purpleheart.

Hardness.

It’s what makes a countertop material durable. The harder the material, the more resistant it is to scratches, dents, and chips. And when it comes to hardness, granite is king.

With a Mohs hardness rating of six, granite is one of the hardest materials on earth. Butcher block countertops, on the other hand, have a Mohs hardness rating of only two to four. That means they’re far more susceptible to scratches, dents, and chips.

Cost.

It’s no secret that granite countertops come with a hefty price tag. The average cost of materials and installation can range anywhere from $60 to $120 per square foot. Butcher block countertops, on the other hand, are a much more budget-friendly option.

The average cost of materials and installation for butcher block countertops is around $30 to $50 per square foot. When it comes to cost, butcher block countertops are the clear winner.

But what about long-term costs? Granite countertops are incredibly durable and require very little maintenance. Butcher block countertops, on the other hand, require regular sealing and can be susceptible to scratches and water damage. over time, the costs of maintaining a butcher block countertop can add up.

Composition.

Granite is made up of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Butcher block countertops are made up of hardwood. The two have different looks and feel because of their composition. Quartz gives granite a glossy look while the mica reflects light giving it a shimmery look.

Feldspar is what gives granite its color. Butcher block countertops are usually made of hardwoods like maple or oak. The wood is cut into blocks and then glued together. The grain of the wood gives the countertop a unique look.

Seam Visibility.

Granite countertops are less likely to show seams than wood butcher blocks. This is because granite is a harder material and the seams can be less noticeable. However, if you are looking for a completely seamless look, then butcher block countertops may be the better choice.

Durability.

When it comes to choosing a countertop for your kitchen, one of the most important factors to consider is durability. Both granite and wood butcher block countertops are durable, but there are some key differences.

Granite is a harder material than wood, so it is less likely to scratch or chip. However, granite can crack if it is subject to a lot of force, such as from a heavy pot or pan.

Wood butcher block countertops are also quite durable, but they are more susceptible to scratches and dents than granite. However, wood is less likely to crack than granite.

So, which material is more durable? It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you are looking for a countertop that is less likely to scratch or chip, then granite might be the better choice. However, if you are worried about cracking, then wood butcher block might be the better option.

Repairs And Replacements.

Wood butcher block countertops are less likely to break and chip than granite countertops. They can also be sanded down and refinished if they become damaged.

Granite countertops, on the other hand, are very difficult to repair. If they become cracked or chipped, you will likely need to replace the entire slab.

Maintenance.

It is important to factor in the required maintenance when deciding between wood and granite countertops. Wood countertops require regular oiling to maintain their appearance and prevent cracking. Granite countertops need to be sealed yearly and cleaned with a mild soap on a daily basis.

Heat Resistance.

Wood countertops are more heat resistant than granite countertops. They can withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Granite countertops can only withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

So, if you’re looking for a heat resistant countertop, wood butcher block is the way to go! Not to mention, it adds a beautiful natural element to your kitchen.

Water resistance.

Butcher block countertops are made of wood, so they are not as resistant to water damage as granite countertops. If you spill something on a butcher block countertop, it is important to wipe it up immediately and dry the area thoroughly. Otherwise, the water can seep into the wood and cause warping or other damage.

Scratch resistance.

When it comes to scratch resistance, wood butcher block countertops are far superior to granite countertops. In fact, granite is one of the most easily scratched materials around.

Wood, on the other hand, is much more resistant to scratches and nicks. So if you’re looking for a countertop that will stand up to everyday wear and tear, wood is the way to go.

Stain resistance.

Granite is a natural stone that is incredibly tough and resistant to staining. In fact, it’s one of the easiest countertop materials to keep clean.

Wood butcher block countertops, on the other hand, are much more susceptible to staining. Even with regular sealing and care, it’s not uncommon for spills and splatters to leave permanent stains on the surface.

Chip resistance.

Granite is a harder material than wood, so it stands up better to potential chipping. However, granite can still chip if it’s hit hard enough with a heavy object. Wood countertops are more likely to chip if they’re not properly sealed and maintained.

Crack resistance.

When it comes to crack resistance, granite wins hands down. This natural stone is incredibly tough and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Butcher block, on the other hand, is made of wood, which is a softer material.

While it’s not as susceptible to cracks as, say, marble or limestone, it’s still not as tough as granite. So if you’re looking for a countertop that can stand up to the rigors of daily use, granite is the way to go.

Sealing Needs.

When it comes to sealing, wood butcher block countertops will need to be sealed more often than granite countertops. Granite is a harder material and is less likely to absorb liquids and stains. However, both types of countertops should be sealed on a regular basis to protect them from damage.

Sealant also helps to prolong the life of your countertops by preventing scratches, chips, and other damage.

So, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance option, granite might be the better choice. But if you prefer the natural look of wood, butcher block is a great option that will still require some upkeep.

Home Resale Value.

Granite countertops are a classic choice for kitchen countertops. They’re durable, heat-resistant, and easy to clean. Granite countertops can also increase the resale value of your home.

Wood butcher block countertops are another popular option for kitchen countertops. They’re less expensive than granite, and they have a warm, natural look that many homeowners prefer. Butcher block countertops can also be sanded and refinished, so they’re a good choice if you’re looking for a countertop that will last for years.

So, which type of countertop is the better investment? Let’s take a look at the data.

According to a recent study by Remodeling magazine, granite countertops have a 70.0% return on investment, while wood butcher block countertops have a 60.0% return on investment. That means that if you spend $1000 on granite countertops, you can expect to see a $700 increase in your home’s resale value. For wood butcher block countertops, you can expect to see a $600 increase in your home’s resale value.

So, if you’re looking for the countertop that will give you the biggest return on investment, granite is the way to go.

Installation.

Wood butcher block countertops are easier to install than granite countertops. You don’t need any special tools or skills to install a wood butcher block countertop. All you need is a straight edge, saw, and drill.

With granite countertops, you’ll need to rent or purchase specialized tools, like a wet saw and polisher. You’ll also need to have some experience working with stone. If you don’t feel confident installing a granite countertop yourself, you can always hire a professional.

Environmental Issues.

Granite countertops are made from natural stone that is mined from the earth. The process of mining and transporting granite can have a significant environmental impact.

In contrast, wood butcher block countertops are made from a renewable resource – trees. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow, so using wood for countertops can help to offset the carbon footprint of your kitchen.

Lifespan.

Wood butcher block countertops can last for decades with proper care, while granite countertops may only last a few years.

Wood butcher block countertops vs. granite countertops: Final Verdict.

There is no clear winner when it comes to wood butcher block countertops vs. granite countertops. Both have their pros and cons, so it really depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, one thing is for sure – both types of countertops will make your kitchen look amazing! So whatever you decide, you can’t go wrong.

If you’re still undecided, why not try both? You can always install granite countertops in one part of the kitchen and wood butcher block countertops in another. This way, you can see for yourself which type of countertop you prefer. Whichever one you choose in the end, just make sure to enjoy your beautiful new kitchen!