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5 Ways to Use Butcher Block in Your Kitchen

Ashley Tyler

By Ashley Tyler
Updated June 29, 2022

Renovating your kitchen is no small task. Choosing your countertop material is a great jumping-off point and can help you make decisions on things like paint and backsplash tile. If you're looking to increase the functionality of your kitchen without going over budget, butcher block is the answer.

Kitchen with blue island with butcher block top, white cabinets and painted brick backsplash.

The Many Benefits of Butcher Block

Being one of the least expensive countertop options, butcher block is great for those with a limited renovation budget. It does require a bit of maintenance, like sealing it immediately after it’s installed and a monthly coat of mineral oil, but both of those are easy to do yourself. 

Butcher block can give your kitchen a rustic, farmhouse feel if you plan to use your counter as a cutting board. Since butcher block is prone to dings and scratches, use a separate cutting board if that’s not the look you’re going for. 

It’s also super customizable, choose from different varieties, shades and grain patterns to get a custom look for your butcher block counters. If you care for them properly butcher block can last for decades, making it an ideal long-term solution.

Here are some unique ways to use butcher block in your kitchen.

Use it on a Portion of Your Kitchen Island

Black and white kitchen with a black kitchen island with a half butcher block topper.

Get the appeal and ease of a built-in cutting board without engulfing your kitchen in butcher block by keeping it contained to a portion of your island. This will make preparing dinner a cinch while giving your kitchen a clean, modern look. Only doing a small section of butcher block means the upkeep will be minimal and is ideal for those of us that have calendars filled with events.

Use it to Add a Secondary Counter

Kitchen with white cabinets, navy blue backsplash tiles and a navy island topped with butcher block.

Add an extra butcher block counter in front of your island to really maximize your kitchen workspace. This is an ideal spot to set up a few barstools and let your kids help with meal prep while you keep your eyes on them. Coordinate your secondary counter space with the butcher block on your island for a cohesive look. Add in other natural elements like a pair of rattan hanging lights and floating wood shelves to tie everything together.

Use it for Your Countertops

Kitchen with white cabinets, teal walls and butcher block countertops.

Adding wood countertops will give your space a welcoming, laid-back feel. Since butcher block blends well with many color palettes, you’ll be able to change your backsplash or cabinet color down the line without replacing your countertops. Keep your most-used kitchen tools and ingredients, like your mixer and basic spices, right on the counter to make meal prep easier.

Use it on Your Kitchen Table

Kitchen with white cabinets and a large butcher block topped kitchen table with metal chairs.

Order a large slab of butcher block and some table legs to DIY your own kitchen table. You’ll get a custom table big enough for all your family and friends and you'll create memories around it for years to come. Adding the table legs is so simple that even the most inexperienced DIYer can handle it. Go with metal hairpin legs for a sleek modern look, or solid wood legs for a more rustic feel.

Use it on Your Entire Island

White kitchen with a butcher block topped island and black pendant lights.

Cover your entire kitchen island in butcher block to get the ultimate prep station. Perfect for small kitchens without a ton of counter space, a butcher block island allows you to make the most of what you have to work with. It's a great addition for homes with an open floor plan since you'll be able to chop veggies for dinner without having to turn your back to the rest of the house.

Let Lowe’s Handle the Install

Two Lowe's professionals installing a large slab of stone countertop.

Did you know that Lowe’s can actually install those new butcher block counter tops for you? It’s as easy as stopping in to your local store and speaking with one of our trained professionals. They’ll go over all the details with you and help you make the best decisions for your space before the install. If you can’t get into the store right away, you can also fill out a quick online form for a free quote.

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