The butcher block first emerged in the 1880s when butchers began purchasing what were then known as "sanitary meat blocks" to replace the sliced rounds of tree trunks that were used as cutting surfaces. Early butcher blocks were simple, finished blocks of wood that were intended to withstand the force of knife blades while improving food safety.

From their first appearance more than 125 years ago, butcher block styles have evolved, though their basic benefits have not changed. In home kitchens, butcher blocks stand up to chopping, mincing and pounding during food preparation and make a smooth surface for rolling dough. Resistant to heat, butcher blocks make safe stands for pots and pans as well.

The many benefits of butcher blocks have led more and more home chefs to include the blocks in their homes. In response to this increasing demand, butcher block manufacturers continue to release new styles of butcher blocks. Nowadays, you'll find much more than the simple blocks that were created during the end of the 19th century; today's selections are not only practical, but they also enhance the beauty of your kitchen.

To help you navigate the vast array of options available from top butcher block manufacturers, we have created our Buyers' Guide to Butcher Blocks. This guide gives you a brief overview of the styles of butcher blocks available and defines many of the terms found in the product descriptions. In addition, we have included helpful buying hints to help you locate the best butcher block for your home.

Styles

As you begin to shop for butcher blocks, the most important decision is what style of butcher block will best suit your home. To help you start thinking about styles, ask yourself the following questions.

Do you need the flexibility of being able to move your butcher block?

If you answered "yes," consider butcher block kitchen carts.

Kitchen cart styles are freestanding blocks positioned on four legs and mounted on heavy duty casters that make the carts easy to move from one room to another or throughout your kitchen. Cart styles are excellent if limited space requires you to store your butcher block in an area other than where you will use it. Also, kitchen cart styles allow you to roll your block to various workstations in your kitchen, such as to the stove or sink, as needed. Cart styles typically have at least one open shelf for storage, with many designs offering additional storage options as well.

Is expanding the storage space in your kitchen of the utmost concern?

If you answered "yes," then butcher block kitchen islands are likely for you.

Kitchen island styles are freestanding and feature a larger surface area than the carts. Islands may have four legs with open space between them or a closed-in base. They also incorporate a number of storage elements into their designs and are intended to function as extra cabinet and shelf space. Some island styles are mounted with casters, which allow you to shift them out of the way easily to expand seating space in your kitchen or clean your floors. However, rolling butcher block kitchen islands are generally too bulky to move throughout the kitchen during ordinary food preparation.

Will your butcher block be in a highly visible area of the kitchen? Would you like the ability to use it as a seating or serving space?

If you answered "yes," then butcher block kitchen tables are likely ideal for your needs.

As their name suggests, kitchen table styles look like a standard table with a work surface mounted on four legs. Table styles come in both small, square shapes as well as larger rectangular and round tops that offer additional working space. Because these blocks are designed to look like a table, this style is attractive and excellent to use in spots where guests will see your butcher block regularly. Table styles are also comfortable for seating as they allow diners’ legs to slide comfortably under their tops. Table styles may feature drawers or open shelves for storage space, but typically have less room to stow items than island styles.

Do you have a small amount of space in your kitchen for your block? Do you want just enough room to perform one task at a time?

If you answered "yes," start your shopping with standing butcher blocks.

Standing styles are square or round in shape and feature the block mounted on four legs with open space between them. The benefit of standing styles is that they take up only a small area in your kitchen and do not detract from other focal points in the room, such as decorative stone counter tops. Storage available in standing styles is generally limited to open shelves, though some models also offer built-in overhead pot racks.

Is your kitchen so congested that you do not have room for a freestanding block? Are you looking for an easy way to enjoy the benefits of a butcher block without having to modify your kitchen design?

If you answered "yes," then butcher block cutting boards are ideal for you.

Cutting boards can be thought of as the top slice of a freestanding butcher block. Boards can be placed on top of any counter surface to instantly enjoy the benefits of cutting on a block without having to add an extra piece of furniture to the room. If you will need your butcher block infrequently, cutting boards are a cost effective solution. A variety of shapes are available, from simple squares and circles to more decorative looks designed for serving and food preparation.

Will you be using your butcher block on a regular basis, but not have space to add a freestanding style?

If you answered "yes," then consider adding butcher block counter tops to your home.

Counter top styles sit above your existing cabinetry and provide a block work surface that is always available for use. You may opt to use counter tops in one area of your kitchen or use them for just one section of counter, with another material like wood, granite or stainless steel in the other areas. Manufacturers produce block counter tops in a variety of wood types, making it easy to find one to suit the overall look of your kitchen.

Grains

As you begin shopping for butcher blocks, you'll find that many product descriptions discuss the grain of the block or counter. There are two types of grains found in blocks:

• To make edge grain blocks, manufacturers use wood rails that travel the whole way across the block. This gives the butcher block a striped look. Edge grain blocks are typically uniform in color thanks to their construction. When shopping for edge grain blocks, always look for models that have the same thickness across the surface for a completely smooth, flat top.



• With end grain blocks, only the end pieces of the rails are used, giving the block a checkerboard appearance. End grain blocks provide more uniform thickness and are often preferred by professional chefs for their strength. Some homeowners prefer edge grain to end grain, as end grain has a more natural, varied appearance in terms of color.

Finishes

The finish of a butcher block refers to the protective coating that is placed over the block after it is manufactured. Some retailers and manufacturers also offer unfinished blocks, which are simple, raw pieces of wood that you can finish yourself at home.

There are two primary butcher block finishes.

• Natural oil is a protective coating applied to the block to shield it from moisture and scratching. The oil is food safe and makes the block scratch-resistant, allowing you to work directly on the block without a cutting board. An added benefit of the natural oil finish is that if your block becomes scratched or marred, you can sand its top and then easily re-oil it. To preserve a natural oil finish, you will need to apply a natural white mineral oil to your block every four weeks.
  
  When it comes time to clean a natural oil butcher block, use the following steps:
  
  
  1. Scrape off solids from the surface of the block.
  
  
  
  2. Use a damp dishcloth moistened with soapy water that contains a mild dish soap or detergent and wipe as normal.
  
  
  
  3. Rinse the cloth in warm, clean water that is free of suds and then clean the block a second time.
  
  
  
  4. Take a dry cloth and pat the block until completely dry. Never leave any trace of water on the surface of the block.
  
  
  
• Varnique is a protective coating that has a semi-gloss appearance, which is appealing to many homeowners. With a Varnique finish, food can touch the surface for rolling dough and some other tasks, but you cannot use knives without a cutting board. The finish does not require oiling or any other type of maintenance and can be wiped clean after use with most household detergents; however, you'll need to avoid using harsh cleaners to preserve the finish.