Past to Present: The Butcher's Block
Once a simple table used to butcher meat on, this durable wooden block is now sought after to add character to home kitchens
While we don’t often associate butcher’s tools and equipment as being modern and trendy, the butcher’s block – a solid wooden slab traditionally used for preparing meat – is one such item that’s become a stylish addition to the domestic kitchen. It provides a practical and functional surface, and its golden timber tones also bring warmth to a kitchen, serving as a popular alternative to stone and laminate.
Butcher’s blocks are made of assembled cuts of wood that, with care and maintenance, will age gracefully. Of course, the butcher’s block doesn’t have to be used just for meat and can be incorporated in the form of trolley, benchtop, kitchen island or even as a heavy-duty chopping board. Here’s what to know about the classic piece.
Butcher’s blocks are made of assembled cuts of wood that, with care and maintenance, will age gracefully. Of course, the butcher’s block doesn’t have to be used just for meat and can be incorporated in the form of trolley, benchtop, kitchen island or even as a heavy-duty chopping board. Here’s what to know about the classic piece.
The butcher’s block differs from the standard cutting board, which is designed to handle light preparation work – slicing and dicing, etc. A butcher’s block, however, is sturdy enough to quarter, debone, fillet and chop meat – generally with a meat cleaver – while staying in place and not being damaged.
THE STYLES
A butcher’s block is made from strips of wood – the strongest, straightest, most closely grained pieces of wood possible – joined together to create a solid surface that will last for decades when properly cared for. Butcher’s blocks can be made from nearly any wood or combination of woods, and may be constructed in one of three different styles.
A butcher’s block is made from strips of wood – the strongest, straightest, most closely grained pieces of wood possible – joined together to create a solid surface that will last for decades when properly cared for. Butcher’s blocks can be made from nearly any wood or combination of woods, and may be constructed in one of three different styles.
1. End-grain butcher’s block
In this style, small rectangular blocks are arranged so that the ends are visible on the top surface. End-grain blocks are the strongest and most expensive type of butcher’s block, and are ideal for dedicated cutting surfaces since they are resistant to cuts, camouflage knife marks and are even self-healing over time.
They are also better able to absorb heavy blows and are gentle on blade edges, which slide into the grain rather than cutting through it.
In this style, small rectangular blocks are arranged so that the ends are visible on the top surface. End-grain blocks are the strongest and most expensive type of butcher’s block, and are ideal for dedicated cutting surfaces since they are resistant to cuts, camouflage knife marks and are even self-healing over time.
They are also better able to absorb heavy blows and are gentle on blade edges, which slide into the grain rather than cutting through it.
2. Edge-grain butcher’s block
To make this block, long boards are placed on their side and joined so that their long narrow edges form the top surface. Edge-grain boards are most commonly used for counters because they’re strong, stable, and less expensive than end-grain.
They are often more manageable too, due to their being lighter and thinner, but can consequently be less rugged and durable.
To make this block, long boards are placed on their side and joined so that their long narrow edges form the top surface. Edge-grain boards are most commonly used for counters because they’re strong, stable, and less expensive than end-grain.
They are often more manageable too, due to their being lighter and thinner, but can consequently be less rugged and durable.
3. Flat-grain butcher’s block:
The boards in a flat-grain block are laid flat and their full widths form the surface. Flat-grain butcher’s blocks are less suitable for working kitchen benchtops, because they are susceptible to marks when used for chopping and cutting. It’s advised to use an end-grain or edge-grain butcher’s block or chopping board on top of the flat-grain bench, so as not to damage it.
The boards in a flat-grain block are laid flat and their full widths form the surface. Flat-grain butcher’s blocks are less suitable for working kitchen benchtops, because they are susceptible to marks when used for chopping and cutting. It’s advised to use an end-grain or edge-grain butcher’s block or chopping board on top of the flat-grain bench, so as not to damage it.
HOW TO USE IT
The butcher’s block blends in with almost any style of kitchen as wood is a warm, neutral surface.
Kitchen island
This end-grain butcher’s block, pictured here, covers the entire surface of the kitchen island. It complements the wooden floors and adds warmth and texture to an otherwise all-white kitchen.
Incorporating timber in the kitchen
The butcher’s block blends in with almost any style of kitchen as wood is a warm, neutral surface.
Kitchen island
This end-grain butcher’s block, pictured here, covers the entire surface of the kitchen island. It complements the wooden floors and adds warmth and texture to an otherwise all-white kitchen.
Incorporating timber in the kitchen
Raised section of bench or island
This carefully designed kitchen features a round butcher’s block attached to the end of the kitchen island. It provides a raised surface and easy manoeuvrability around the block.
This carefully designed kitchen features a round butcher’s block attached to the end of the kitchen island. It provides a raised surface and easy manoeuvrability around the block.
Trolley
A butcher’s block set on a trolley is a practical addition to this small kitchen. It provides an extra work space, a heavy-duty surface and the option to move it out of the way when it’s not needed. The castors should have stops so the trolley doesn’t move around when it’s being used.
A butcher’s block set on a trolley is a practical addition to this small kitchen. It provides an extra work space, a heavy-duty surface and the option to move it out of the way when it’s not needed. The castors should have stops so the trolley doesn’t move around when it’s being used.
Moveable board
This stylish butcher’s block serves all the necessary functions, but can be stored away when not in use. Its clever design – in that it wraps around the bench – ensures it is stable and sturdy when in use.
This stylish butcher’s block serves all the necessary functions, but can be stored away when not in use. Its clever design – in that it wraps around the bench – ensures it is stable and sturdy when in use.
PROS AND CONS
Butcher’s blocks can be a long-lasting and durable choice when properly maintained, and unlike laminate and stone benches they are repairable with sanding and re-oiling. Additionally, wood has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
However, because wooden benches are not heat- or stain-resistant, hot pans should be set on a pad or trivet rather than directly on the surface of the block.
Also be aware that wood can swell and shrink in extreme dryness or humidity, which may cause cracking, and excessive wetness can make the wood susceptible to rot and discolouration.
Butcher’s blocks can be a long-lasting and durable choice when properly maintained, and unlike laminate and stone benches they are repairable with sanding and re-oiling. Additionally, wood has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
However, because wooden benches are not heat- or stain-resistant, hot pans should be set on a pad or trivet rather than directly on the surface of the block.
Also be aware that wood can swell and shrink in extreme dryness or humidity, which may cause cracking, and excessive wetness can make the wood susceptible to rot and discolouration.
Butcher’s blocks will develop a patina over time, which may not be to everyone’s liking, and they do require some maintenance. Follow these simple steps to properly maintain your butcher’s block:
- Wash it with hot water and mild soap and allow it to dry thoroughly between uses.
- Apply mineral oil at least every six months to keep the wood in good condition.
- Lightly remove scratches, burns, and other surface damages with fine sandpaper.
WHERE TO BUY
TELL US
Do you have a butcher’s block in your kitchen? Please show us a photo of it uploaded to the Comments section.
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- You can buy a butcher’s block new from specialised manufacturers, hospitality retailers and select homeware stores.
- Check auction houses and websites for secondhand or antique butcher’s blocks if you’re looking for the real deal. Or even ask your local butcher.
- If you’re good with your hands, consider making a butcher’s block with off-cuts from wood suppliers, floor manufacturers or similar.
- Check with various kitchen suppliers for wooden benchtops.
TELL US
Do you have a butcher’s block in your kitchen? Please show us a photo of it uploaded to the Comments section.
MORE
Kitchen Aid: 10 Ways Natural Timber Can Warm Up the Heart of Your Home
Which Benchtop Material Will Take You to Kitchen Island Paradise?
5 Enjoyable Kitchen Amenities for Those Who Don’t Cook
They have been used in Europe, the Far East and the Americas for centuries to prepare meat in butcher shops, but later became popular for home use. These days, a butcher’s block can be anything from a wooden board to a stand-alone table or kitchen island bench, but in any case, it should be at least four centimetres thick to give it all-important weight.
This weight will make the board stable, durable and able to withstand heavy blows from cleavers and other knives.