Butcher Blocks were conventionally wooden chopping blocks found at a butcher's store. It had been employed for durable chopping back in the day. Today, however, Butcher Blocks are becoming part of many household kitchens. Kitchens which are small with hardly any space can use butcher's blocks because they function as extensions to the countertops.

Butchers blocks

Butcher blocks are of two basic types - end grain type and also the edge grain type. The end grain type is created by basically gluing together pieces of wood in manner such that the wood fibre will be perpendicular to the surface. Commercial butcher blocks are in least 4 inches thick. This kind is very tough and highly durable, having the ability to withstand repeated blows from the meat cleaver. Its thickness assists you to resurface this block without reducing its effective thickness. This kind is mainly preferred by professional chefs because it is able to absorb the impact from the knife. By doing this the knives remain sharp and it also makes the block more resistant. The other type of butcher's block, i.e., the advantage grain type is made by gluing the wooden pieces together in a way the wood fiber is parallel towards the surface. These butcher's blocks are cheaper since they're relatively simpler to manufacture. The drawback of this kind would be that the number of times it may be resurfaced depends on the thickness from the block. Though both types are extremely durable the edge type isn't as durable as the end type block.

Butchers blocks

Typically these blocks are made from tightly grained hardwood. Some examples of such wood are Maple, Teak, Cherry, Walnut, etc. These blocks can be simply shaped using conventional tools. But just cutting the wood and shaping it's not enough. It's also required to be finished properly. There's two finishes you can choose from. The very first of them may be the mineral oil finish. This is the finish applied to the cutting surfaces. Because this finish conditions the wood it keeps the wood from cracking or warping. But this finish isn't waterproof. So if the top gets wet it might make the grain to increase and what you are left with is a very rough feel to the wood. Also each time the countertop is washed the oil can come off. So you will have to keep reapplying the mineral oil every once in awhile. the other finish is called the 'Varnique' finish. This finish is not recommended for cutting surfaces as cutting cuts down on the protection. But as it is waterproof it can make for a wonderful counter material.

So deciding on the best wood, design and finish is absolutely imperative and completely according to your needs.

Butcher Blocks were conventionally wooden chopping blocks available at a butcher's store. It was used for heavy duty chopping back in the day. Today, however, Butcher Blocks have become part of many household kitchens. Kitchens which are small with hardly any space may use butcher's blocks as they function as extensions towards the counter tops.

Butchers blocks

Butcher blocks are of two basic types - end grain type and also the edge grain type. The finish grain type is created by basically gluing together bits of wood in manner so that the wood fibre is going to be perpendicular to the surface. Commercial butcher blocks are in least 4 inches thick. This type is extremely tough and highly durable, having the ability to withstand repeated blows from the meat cleaver. Its thickness makes it possible to resurface this block without reducing its effective thickness. This sort is principally preferred by professional chefs because it is able to absorb the impact from the knife. This way the knives remain sharp and it also helps make the block more resistant. The other type of butcher's block, i.e., the advantage grain type is made by gluing the wooden pieces together inside a manner in which the wood fiber is parallel towards the surface. These butcher's blocks are cheaper since they're relatively simpler to manufacture. The disadvantage to this type would be that the number of times it may be resurfaced depends on the thickness of the block. Though both types are very durable the edge type isn't as durable as the end type block.

Butchers blocks

Typically these blocks are made from tightly grained hardwood. Some examples of such wood are Maple, Teak, Cherry, Walnut, etc. These blocks can be simply shaped using conventional tools. But simply cutting the wood and shaping it is not enough. It is also required to be finished properly. There are two finishes you can select from. The first of them may be the mineral oil finish. This is actually the finish put on the cutting surfaces. Since this finish conditions the wood it keeps the wood from cracking or warping. But this finish isn't waterproof. Therefore if the surface gets wet it could make the grain to increase and what you are playing is a very rough feel towards the wood. Also every time the countertop is washed the oil can come off. So you will have to keep reapplying the mineral oil from time to time. another finish is called the 'Varnique' finish. This finish is not suitable for cutting surfaces as cutting reduces the protection. But as it is waterproof it makes for a wonderful counter material.

So deciding on the best wood, design and finish is absolutely imperative and completely according to your needs.