Designing a Kitchen With Granite and Butcher Block Countertops

Hello World!  Welcome Friends!  Designing a kitchen can be a daunting task for everyone, even interior design experts and aficionados. There are many aspects to consider. One such aspect is the kitchen countertops. Since the counters occupy the major portion of the kitchen, it is essential to know the most suitable material used for the kitchen countertop.

There is a unique combination that is becoming extremely popular among a wide variety of homeowners: granite and butcher block combinations. One can experiment with these materials to make their kitchen look appealing and classy.  Moreover, mixing granite and butcher block countertops can also be a great option.

To know more about countertops for kitchen, visit the link below:

https://www.caesarstoneus.com/blog/which-stone-countertop-is-best-for-your-kitchen/.

Granite Kitchen Countertops

Granite countertops should be at the top of your list if you are constructing or renovating a kitchen space.

It is a crystalline igneous rock that is harder than marble and has large mineral grains on its surface.

Type of Granite you Should Go for While Redesigning a Kitchen Space

There are two types of granite that homeowners can choose from: one is polished granite, while another one is honed granite. Polished granite is a highly reflective material, and honed granite is a matte, no gloss finish. This type of finish is perfect for those who do not prefer ultra glossy counters.

The type of granite you want to go for depends entirely on your aesthetics. But since the honed granite is not polished, they are more prone to staining. So if you want a honed finish, go for honed granite, but polish it at least twice a year and schedule a water test to check for sealing on your countertop.

Benefits of Granite Kitchen Countertops

• Maintenance- All you need to do is wipe it with a soft cloth once, and it will shine like the day it was installed.
• Durability- Granite is highly durable compared to other materials. If taken proper care of, it can last as long as a lifetime.
• Heat resistance- Granites are formed after years of crystallization of magma and they are one of the ideal choices for a kitchen because of the heat resistance quality it offers.

Limitations of Granite Kitchen Countertops

• Hard to remove- Since they are durable and last forever, you might have to live with them if you don’t like the design or color.
• Installation- Its process of sealing is highly complex and requires expertise.
• Cost factor- Granite countertops are expensive as their installation cost can be quite significant.
• Needs resealing- In order to prevent bacterial growth and stains, it needs to be resealed. One needs to reseal it a minimum of two times a year.

Butcher Block Kitchen Countertops

Unlike granite, butcher block is not a stone countertop material; it’s a style of wooden countertop. It comprises wooden strips glued together with the help of a strong adhesive. The name ‘butcher’ is derived from the butcher profession, who are known to chop meat on oversized cutting boards.

Benefits of Butcher Block Kitchen Countertops

• Cost- It is less pricey than granite material. If you have a smaller budget, you can go for this option.
• Easy cleaning- It doesn’t require expensive cleaning liquids. Just a sponge dipped in warm water is enough.
• Easy to refinish- If there are any nicks or scratches on butcher block countertop, you need to use a fine sandpaper and then re-oil the surface with the food oil.
• Sustainable- Butcher block countertops are more sustainable in comparison to other types of materials in the market.

Limitations of Butcher Block Kitchen Countertops

• Collects dust- The dust and crumbs are more visible on butcher blocks than on other materials like granite. As a result, they require more upkeep.
• Lack of heat-resistance property- Unlike granite, it is sensitive to temperature. Therefore, any hot object placed on it can scorch the wood and end up causing burn marks.
• Drying out- Any wooden material like butcher block can dry out quickly if proper oiling is not done.

Mixing Granite and Butcher Block Countertops

Sometimes people tend to utilize the properties of both granite and butcher block countertops in their kitchens.

In fact, it can be a brilliant design idea to incorporate in modern architecture, as it utilizes the benefits of both materials and provides homeowners with the most functional kitchen space. Installing a butcher block and granite countertops allows you to utilize several designs and styles, which are described below:

1. You can use a butcher block dining table in the center of the kitchen, whereas, on the countertops, you can use granite material. This can be a brilliant design if you have a smaller house.
2. You can use butcher block flooring in another design, while the countertops can be made of granite material. Even on a dining table, you can use a granite surface to complement the looks of the countertop.
3. You can also install the kitchen sink in the center of the butcher block. The rest of the countertops can be made of granite.
4. In one of the designs, you can even use the butcher block countertop in a U-shaped concept kitchen. Here, half of the countertop’s portion is made of granite material, while the other portion is made of butcher block.
5. You can also try mixing granite and butcher block countertops. For example, the area under the stove can be made of granite material and vice versa for the rest of the countertop area to create a  contemporary kitchen.
6. Taking inspiration from the timeless enclosed kitchen, all areas of kitchen countertops can be made of butcher block, while only the dining table with granite tabletop can be placed in the center of the kitchen.

Conclusion

Granite and butcher block materials have both pros and cons — it is up to you which one you want to use. Either you can give your kitchen a vintage look with butcher block or the classical look through white granite. In modern times, both types of materials are trending. So, it’s worth mixing granite and butcher block countertops in your modern kitchen.

However, it is suggested to make the final decision based on your budget and design requirement.

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