Which Countertop is Better - Granite or Butcher Block?
Choosing Granite Counter Tops - The Pros and Cons
Granite counter tops are so popular because
in most people's eyes they are the "luxury" choice and really
something of a status symbol. As you might imagine though you do have to be
prepared to accept what granite counter tops cost, which is quite a lot,
especially when compared to other options that you might be considering.
For your money though you will get a very durable counter top that will probably outlast you and stay looking great for decades. Granite is heat resistant and relatively good at shrugging off stains, making it a great choice for a busy kitchen. Add to that the fact that in the eyes of any potential home buyers should you decide to sell it will add actual monetary value to your home then the initial investment made in granite counter tops often ends up paying off big time.
On the downside not only will granite cost you more to purchase but it will usually cost more to install as well because it is so heavy and it takes a certain level of muscle and expertise to install without chipping or cracking it. Chipping and cracking is another issue that could be considered a con. as tough as it is granite will chip and crack and fixing the damage can be costly, if it is possible at all.
Choosing Butcher Block Countertops - The Pros and Cons
Butcher Block countertops first appeared in
the early part of the 19th century in - you guessed it - butcher's shops. These
chunky wooden counters provided butchers with a strong, sanitary surface to
work on that was easy to clean and fairly easy to maintain. All of these
advantages can benefit homeowners today as well and the rustic look that a
butcher block countertop imparts is something that can be incorporated into
almost any decor scheme.
There are downsides to choosing a butcher block countertop though. The biggest is that a butcher block counter is far more susceptible to water damage than many other materials which can be a real problem in a busy kitchen. Oiling your counters on a regular basis can help but you will still need to be very careful with liquids of all kinds.
Some people do wonder how sanitary butcher block countertops really are and the answer to that is it depends upon how well you clean them! As long as you wipe them down with washing up liquid and warm water and then dry them off well they are in fact just as hygienic as any other option
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