Butcher Block Table - A Working Piece Of Furniture

A butcher block table combines the light and versatile design of a work table with the traditional look and durable practicality of a butcher block cutting surface.

Many kitchen islands are essentially free-standing cabinets.

A table, though, is a lighter touch, more a working piece of furniture than a covered cabinet.

A butchers block table takes those ideas a bit further. Butcher blocks were developed over a hundred years ago to satisfy the needs of the meat-cutting industry where they are still used.

Available in many thicknesses, sizes, and shapes, butcher blocks provide a work surface that can't be harmed and, in turn, won't harm expensive cutlery.

A Perfect Combination

Butcher blocks are durable cutting surfaces made of blocks of wood, usually of hard maple, and glued either end-grain or edge-grain to prevent warping and cracking.

Combined with the lighter styles of a work table, butcher blocks provide a worry-free work space for food preparation in the cooking area and, if wheeled, for serving meats, breads, cheeses and other foods elsewhere.

Many kitchen tables or islands are work stations first, tables second, and are equipped with strong frames and legs that can support a durable work space on top, often made of butcher block, but sometimes in combination with stainless steel, or granite.

Most have open shelves for storage and may also be equipped with bottle racks, towel and utensil holders, storage drawers, and drop-leaf breakfast bars.

Island tables are available in contemporary, traditional, modern stylish, country, and other styles, and they are built of several beautiful woods like Northern Maple, Red Oak, Poplar, Beech, and Walnut; as well as stainless steel and copper; glass; stone; and other materials.

Finishes might be natural, painted, or powder coat, and some are weather-resistant for use outdoors.

Butcher block tops on a kitchen table or island require special care, as do all butcher block cutting surfaces.

Moisture and preparation of meats on the wood can encourage bacteria.

The block should be cleaned with a bleach or vinegar solution regularly and the surface treated with mineral oil to block moisture and prevent drying out.

Steve Ecclestone is webmaster at Kitchen Island Ideas