Butcher block VS quartz counter tops in kitchens

allredcookie

11 years ago

My daughter is trying to figure out if she should buy butcher block or quartz counter tops. Any ideas?? Thanks so much.

Featured Answer

deramin

11 years ago

Quartz is very easy to maintain and keep looking new. My grandmother's are 10 years old now and used every day, but they look new.

Wood will look new for about two days, and then it will start developing a patina of nicks and stains (sometimes called looking old). My designer literally did not get a picture of the wood counters before they had stains, and we were being very careful. But I wanted them to look 100 years old, so that's fine with me. If your daughter sees old, well used cutting boards and thinks they're beautiful, then it's a great surface. If she thinks they look dirty, they're a terrible choice.

I'm really glad I went with wood in most of the kitchen (with tile in a wet area around the sink). It's so warm and has such personality. It's easy to work on and easy to clean (if you ignore the mild staining). I keep a couple of trivets by the stove so burning has not been an issue. And if I do mess them up, I can always sand it down. They last a long time, too (as in 100 years easily).

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Comments (10)

PRO
Interior Affairs -- Vickie Daeley
11 years ago
Quartz!
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PRO
User
11 years ago
Quartz is Great: Here's what you need to know:
PRO
McClure Tables
11 years ago
Although we would no more cut or chop on a quartz than a wood counter top, we think wood brings a real beauty and natural, warm feel to any kitchen. The finish is just as important as picking out the wood and at McClure Tables, we have three choices varying from a natural, food grade oil all the way to a shiny, satin finish. If you have any questions feel free to message us!
PRO
Circle Goods Reclaimed
11 years ago
One solution we have for wood tops is making them from reclaimed material so when they are brand new they already have wear under the finish. Provides so much character in a home and often people ask how to not damage it or how to treat it. You wouldn't put a hot pan on granite or quartz, you wouldn't cut on it and you would wipe off your stone. Wood can be a high end counter top product, treat it like that and they will look amazing.
feeny
11 years ago
I love both, but they have such different qualities that it is hard to compare them. What is your daughter attracted to about each? And what qualities are most important to her?
PRO
Design Set Match
11 years ago
Generally I avoid recommending wood tops anywhere near a sink because of mold and rot due to the water. Why not both? Is there a place where she can put the butcher block and use it as a cutting surface, or as a featured element like on an island?
delyanks
11 years ago
We did a wood butcher block on our island. It is the star of the kitchen over the granite and even the bread over. We don't use it to cut on and just for looks. I couldn't imagine having all the tops in wood. It scratches too easy and requires sanding and sealing too often.
PRO
SoCal Contractor
11 years ago
I think butcher blocks are great for areas that won't get much use. Otherwise, the great look can diminish easily due to cuts, scratches, etc. For longevity purposes, she should go with quartz.
mcgoverntheory
6 years ago
Important to note that you can purchase butcher block from Home Depot for under $300. If you get quartz countertops for under $1,500 (five times more) I would go for it...