The nature of wood being near a sink would require frequent re-sealing to avoid mildew/staining. Different species are heartier than others, but represent limitations in terms of species choice, and will still require frequent maintenance.

Please consider implementing a design that will enable using stone in the sink area, while incorporating butcher block elsewhere. Happy Houzzing.

The short answer - wood countertops and butcherblocks absolutely can be waterproof! The key is in the finish/oil that is used. Though @DMH Design is totally correct when it comes to unfinished wood or wood finished with a mineral oil, the finish on a wood countertop is what can make it waterproof or not waterproof.

Our wood countertops are WATERPROOF. I definitely recommend getting a sample because people usually have to see it to believe it - I know that I personally did. About 50% of our wood countertops are ordered with sink or stove cut outs. https://store.craft-art.com/product-category/samples/organic-tung-oil-finish-samples/



Now, the long answer : )



UNFINISHED WOOD: There's nothing intrinsically "wrong" with unfinished wood. But remember - you are truly getting unfinished wood. It can & will easily stain (if anything ever spills on it - and with my own kiddos I know it certainly would at least!).

There is a ton (no, seriously, a ton) of maintenance with unfinished wood. If you do get a spill you have to wipe it up immediately. Not just because it will leave a stain (it will), but also because the added moisture from the spill can (and eventually will) change the moisture in the wood and can lead to rotting, cracking, warping or all of the above.




FINISHED WOOD: We use Waterlox brand on our wood tops. The reason it's WATERPROOF is because it's a crosslinked modified Tung Oil. Basically, the oil goes into the pores of the wood, and it's sealed from the inside out. That means that it's not a separate layer of urethane on top of the wood. The wood Itself is actually filled/finished. (myth- people assume wood can't be waterproof which is totally wrong. It just depends on the finish.)

WHY IT'S WATERPROOF & FOOD SAFE Details:

http://www.craft-art.com/why-craft-art-wood-countertops-are-waterproof/


How to Clean a Waterlox-ed wood countertop:



How to Re-Apply a top coat to a Craft Art wood countertop with Waterlox (every 3 to 5 years):



WATERPROOF: With Waterlox you will never get white rings, and you can certainly have an undermount sink without worry. White rings are a result of condensation between the wood and whatever finish is on top of the wood. If the finish is literally IN the wood, there's nowhere for condensation to exist, and voila! No white rings!

VERY STAIN RESISTANT: The pores being filled are also the reason that it makes your wood top food stain resistant. Stains are when the food (like mustard or red wine) get into the actual wood. With the Waterlox finish that isn't a physical possibilty which means (voila again!) no food stains.

HEAT RESISTANCE: You DO need to use a trivet for things like pans of hot oil right off the stove. Waterlox can be damaged by high heat. Basically, treat the wood countertop like any countertop and use a cutting board and a trivet.

DAILY MAINTENANCE SIMILAR TO GRANITE: The maintenance of a waterloxed wood countertop is very low and is very similar to granite. Any non-bleach, non-amonia cleaner will do. We actually recommend a vinegar water mixture. It's cheap, easy, and a gentle natural disinfectant. If you notice in 3, 4, 5 years that water isn't beading up on the surface as well as it used to then its time to "re-seal" (apply a fresh top coat of oil similar to resealing your granite).



Longer answer, but I hope it helps, though! Best of luck.



Photo Credits:
1. Beech in Edge Grain - Craft Art wood countertop - product and image.
2. Distressed Black Walnut - Craft Art wood island countertop with design by Karr Bick
3. American Cherry wood island with design by DIY Network's House Crashers team - photo courtesy of DIY Network.
4. Black Walnut wood countertop by Craft Art with design by Drury Design