Hi the butcher block is away from the sink on the opposite. I hope it helps

thanks Becky that was a great article! What type of wood would you suggest that is reasonably priced? PS I pinned your article I liked it so much! Also, I am also a 'Becky Sue!

Thank you :) I am not just a fan of selling it .. I own it as well :) Most economical? Most dependable? Hard rock maple by far. Tigerwood and other exotics are really gorgeous and darker, but they do carry a price tag! Wood specie can vary depending on your source. Wish Houzz showed homeowner's locations... Id offer you a referral!

Thanks Becky but we live in chicago. Thanks for the advice though. I am really considering butcherblock again!

I have heard of people using Waterlox on their wood countertops. It is a marine varnish that seals the wood. I am assuming that you should not use the countertop as a cutting surface if you applied the Waterlox because overtime the cutting would ruin the seal.

Waterlox is a great solution if you are near water, but Laura is correct - you cannot cut on it, it will immediately break the finish. In addition it is not food safe.
I have done waterlox near a bar sink .. a few years later it is still going strong. But the mfg did warn that Waterlox is not a permanent solution, water can/will break it down over time.

It really depends on the finish and oil you use for your countertop. At McClure tables, we have three choices of finishes, starting with the most natural, a food grade mineral oil called Chefs choice. If a counter top with this finish is damaged, it's very easy to repair, simply by sanding the damaged area and re oiling. The second choice, McClure's Organic Seal, even comes in colors that are the same as the oils. You can sand damaged areas and re-apply new color oil without being able to distinguish between the damaged to repair area (note this can only be accomplished with the organic seal). Our third choice, McClure's Durable Acrylic, is a satin finish that will show scratches less.

To sum up, anything you would sit on top of a granite, quartz or Formica that would scratch wood would ALSO scratch them. Granite surface counter tops have the same durability in that sense that we would not slam down keys, put a hot pan or them and abuse the granite or quartz in any way that would be enough to dent ding or scratch. Hope this helps! Let us know if you have further questions.

I read your article and am curious if you find that mineral oil can be absorbed when you leave mail or paper products on the counter? That's a complaint I once heard but left me wondering if they perhaps used too much?

Good question Paige. I not only specify/sell wood tops on a regular basis, but I have owned both maple and zebrawood in my own home for over 10 years. When I oil the top, I take everything off and let the oil soak in -- either during the day when I am gone or overnight. Ideally, you are putting oil on so it soaks into the top. If you still have a thick layer of oil the next morning, then you have applied too much. Once the oil soaks into the top, the surface is no longer oily. Never had an issue with paper, mail .. no complaints here. Lover of oil wood tops!

I'm REALLY hoping someone can help me with some info. Bottom line, my cabinets are installed and I recently decided on John Boos blended walnut butcher block countertops, with the oil finish, not the "Varnique". I chose this product primarily for the look and feel of it, especially as they compliment the other finishes in the area very well.

My person came to measure and said that John Boos won't warranty any under mount sink install. I have an undermount sink ready to install! She suggested the varnique finish to seal out any moisture that may penetrate past the silicone sink seal over time. I do not want that finish as it doesn't have the same look, feel, or refinishability of the oil finish. So she suggested using Waterlox on the underside of the countertop and the inside edge of the sink cut out.

Is this a good idea or a terrible one? Help!

Sounds like a good solution! See my previous post above re: waterlox. If you do not plan to cut on the counter top, then do the waterlox across the whole top. This project the client choose that as the best option for them.

Designs by BSB, if one uses Waterlox in the e tire counter tops , what would be the maintenance for the counter tops? Thank you!

Pretty simple - Wash with mild soap and water, and then rinse. Disinfect with a weak solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, if desired. Be sure to dry the top thoroughly. Do NOT use ammonia, chlorine bleach or 409 type cleaners on the Waterlox finish.