Did you know the Appalachian Mountains are the oldest in North America?  Today, their highest peak is Mt. Mitchell in North Carolina, which reaches a modest 6,684 feet. Millions of years ago, however, this ancient range was as tall as the Himalayas. Through the ages, erosion and other natural forces smoothed its rocky slopes into gentler hills. This process created rich soils and the perfect climate for growing the world's finest hardwood trees.

From our home in Middlefield, Ohio, situated in the rolling plains of the Appalachian Plateau, we have direct access to all the beautiful hardwoods these forests offer. This allows us to craft unique hardwood products to make your dream design a reality.

Why Appalachian Hardwood Stands Apart

What makes Appalachian hardwood so special? Trees from the Appalachian region carry the distinctive signatures of the environment where they were grown and the traditions of the people who steward this precious natural resource. 

These mountains provide ideal growing conditions for 158 tree species, making the Appalachian-Blue Ridge forests the most diverse in North America. Blessed with a mild climate, fertile soil, and good rain, trees in these forests grow slowly and evenly. For you, this means countertops and chopping blocks with breathtaking grain patterns made from lumber that is very hard and structurally stable – key characteristics for a product designed for beauty and durability.

Wood Ingrained with Meaning

Whether you are looking for a butcher block countertop that stands up to the demands of a professional kitchen, or a remarkable heirloom that will serve your family across generations, Appalachian hardwood is the perfect place to start. We offer the widest selection of sustainably harvested and responsibly managed hardwood varieties available for your new butcher block project.

Oak

The largest and most important group of Appalachian hardwoods, evokes strength, endurance and wisdom.

Maple

Prized for its clean modern look as well as the unique patterns found in distinctive varieties.

Walnut

Rich in color and grain variation, walnut is associated with intelligence, abundance and elegance.

Hickory

Known for its remarkable strength, hickory is native to American forests and has long been a symbol of our nation’s endurance.

Ash

Both lightweight and flexible, ash trees are symbols of healing and protection.

Cherry

In Japan, cherry trees represent love, purity and the transient nature of life, while American designers prize their sophistication, warmth and luxurious feel.

Elm

The often “wild” swirling grain of Elm gives it unique structural properties and in American culture it stands as an important symbol of liberty, cooperation and patriotism.

Beech

An elegant and smooth wood, beech is prized for its versatility and as a symbol of femininity, knowledge and learning.

Birch

A straight grained wood with satin-like luster, birch is a symbol of renewal, purification and good fortune.

Poplar

A resource for artists and designers for centuries and known in Roman times as the “Tree of the People”, poplar is linked to the ideas of democracy and community.

Craftsmanship Rooted in Heritage

Woodworking and furniture making are deeply connected to the stories and traditions of the Appalachian communities who work the land. Choosing Appalachian hardwood is an ecologically conscious decision that provides a renewable, ideal material for your home or office. It also provides important support to American foresters, mill workers, and craftspeople. 

At Hardwood Lumber Company, we craft heirloom-quality products by putting the finest materials in the skilled hands of our woodworking team. By matching the strength and durability of this genuine Appalachian hardwood with the dedication of our artisans, we offer you butcher block countertops rooted in heritage and built to endure.

Ready to build your dream countertop or chopping block? Shop our online store to begin designing a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your values, style, and story.

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To make the best choice, consider these tips to help select the right design and features that suit your home.

Evaluate Your Space and Home Theme

Understanding your kitchen’s current theme and space will help you narrow down your choices when selecting new cabinets. Here are a few questions to guide you:

• What theme is my kitchen? For example, oak cabinets would complement a rustic kitchen.
• What theme do I want for my new kitchen? Browse magazines and online sources for inspiration before shopping.
• What are the measurements of my kitchen? Going in without measurements can result in trial and costly error. Measure the height, width, and depth of your current cabinets.

Understanding Different Cabinet Styles

Kitchen cabinets come in many customizable designs - below are some popular styles: 

• Shaker cabinets - popular because they fit well with many kitchen styles and are recognized by their clean lines and simple design.
• Inset cabinets - a classic look featuring doors located inside the cabinet frame.
• Flat-panel cabinets - also referred to as Slab cabinets, they are designed without a frame or trim.
• Glass cabinets - for those who aren’t afraid to show off their kitchen utilities, glass cabinets are a unique choice.
• Open shelf cabinets -  open shelf kitchen cabinets have no door, and are great for those who like to display dishes and utilities.

Budget Considerations

Premium-quality kitchen cabinets can be a significant investment so it’s smart to plan your spending carefully.

• Determine your budget - Allocating a specific budget will help you manage your costs and ensure that you have room for custom details or upgraded hardware.
• Do your research - If the kitchen cabinet you prefer is out of your budget, explore alternatives made with different wood types. For instance, if walnut is out of your price range, check the pricing on ash doors with a walnut stain, which may offer the same presentation at a better price.
• Consider the value - Investing in higher quality wooden cabinets can add value to your home and be cost-effective in the long run. They are more durable, easier to maintain and restore than typical low-cost cabinets. 
• Financing options - It doesn’t hurt to check if your retailer offers financing on kitchen cabinets.

Kitchen Cabinet Inspirations

To get started brainstorming ideas for your new kitchen cabinets, consider these popular styles for your home:

• Rustic - keep the cozy theme alive with kitchen cabinets featuring distressed finishes and antique knobs, adding to the rustic charm.
• Farmhouse - shaker-style cabinets are perfect for creating a charming farmhouse setting, blending seamlessly with the rustic appeal of farmhouse-style homes.
• Industrial - metal cabinets complement the modern look of industrial-style homes, emphasizing a sleek look. 
• Contemporary - a clean and minimalistic design with flat-panel cabinets, ideal for homes that prioritize simplicity and functionality.
• Coastal - light colors and natural textures are enhanced by glass kitchen cabinets or open shelf cabinets, creating a coastal vibe.

Request a Free Cabinet Design Consultation

Let us help you turn your kitchen cabinet ideas into reality. Contact us today to book a free cabinet design consultation.

What Style Fits Your Home?

Before you get started on customizing your kitchen cabinets, it’s important to know that the options are endless. 

Are you living in a country style home? Rustic and warmth may be the route to go. 

Do you have a townhouse in the city? Minimalistic designs pair great with industrial themed kitchens. Below are a few of our favorite styles. 

• Farmhouse Kitchen: Warm and inviting with natural elements, a mix of open cabinets alongside glass and paneled kitchen cabinets creates a cozy and functional space.
• Coastal Kitchen: Bring beachside living vibes to the kitchen with light colors, natural materials, and patterned cabinets for a relaxed atmosphere.
• Industrial Kitchen: Metallic elements create distinctive features, complemented by kitchen cabinets like white shaker style cabinets for a sleek, modern look.
• Modern Kitchen: Simplistic styles and colors that focus on functionality make kitchen cabinets in a modern kitchen unique and efficient.

Materials for Kitchen Cabinets Customization

Choosing the right materials for your kitchen cabinets is essential for customization. Different wood patterns come in specific colors and weights, so understanding the materials will help you achieve your preferred design. 

• Hardwood: A classic choice, hardwood is always a great choice for kitchen cabinets and comes in a variety of options. Our favorite wood for kitchen cabinets is Maple, due to its  elegant appearance, but also long-lasting durability and strength.
• Softwood: Typically a lighter shade than hardwood, softwoods such as pine’s swirling patterns are a good choice for those who are looking for Farmhouse or rustic style kitchen space.
• Metal: Typically found in Industrial-themed or mid-century modern kitchens, metal is a durable choice that gives a modern vibe to a space.

Innovative Designs

For homeowners seeking a more unique and personalized look for their kitchen cabinets, there are plenty of innovative designs and custom features that can elevate both style and functionality. These creative options will not only impress guests but also make your kitchen a standout space.

• Integrated spice racks: Say bye to cluttered shelves by installing a custom spice rack directly into your cabinets. This not only reduces mess but also keeps your spices organized and easily accessible. 
• Pull-out bins: Hide your garbage cans with pull-out bins built into your kitchen cabinets. This solution frees up space while maintaining a clean kitchen design.
• Custom lighting: Motion-sensor lighting inside your cabinets adds both convenience and a touch of luxury. 
• Vented cabinets: Vented cabinets offer a unique design element. These can also serve as extra storage for non-kitchen items that may need more airflow.
• Custom peg systems: Keep your plates and kitchenware neatly arranged with custom peg organizers built into your drawer space.
• Smart technology: Upgrade your kitchen with the latest smart technology, incorporating voice-activated systems, touchless controls, and integrated lighting.

Custom Cabinet Ideas and Inspiration

In addition to innovative features, here are some ideas to help inspire your new kitchen cabinets.

• Glass cabinets: Show off your favorite kitchenware with glass-panel cabinet doors. You can choose from options like clear, stained, patterned, or even textured glass to add a touch of elegance and personality to your space.
• Metal cabinet doors: Perfect for an industrial-style kitchen, metal cabinets are both stylish and incredibly durable. You can opt for full metal doors or choose a metal fencing pattern for a more classic, vintage feel.
• Custom hardware: If you prefer a subtle yet impactful upgrade, custom hardware—like unique knobs, pulls, and screws—can make a big difference in your cabinet's overall look. This small change can add a touch of luxury or a pop of personality without overwhelming the space.
• Open-faced cabinets - Skip the doors entirely and go for open shelving to display your kitchenware. This approach keeps your essentials within easy reach while adding a sense of openness and organization to your kitchen.
• Two-toned cabinets - Can't decide on just one color for your cabinets? Go with two! Two-toned cabinets are an excellent choice for modern kitchens, combining contrasting or complementary colors to create a visually appealing look.

Customizing With Our Design Team

There are a multitude of cabinet styles and options available. It can feel overwhelming. If you’re planning to create your own cabinets with a style all your own, trust our design team to help you through the process.

From identifying your needs, designing a prototype, and manufacturing the final product, our cabinet team is equipped to bring your vision to life. Shop our cabinet options or schedule your design consultation today!

Understanding Kitchen Cabinet Materials

Kitchen cabinets are made with a range of materials. It’s important to know what cleaning products are best for your cabinet material. Here’s a quick overview:

• Wooden kitchen cabinets: Because wood is porous, non abrasive cleaners are ideal. A simple mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap works well. Alternatively, you can find gentle wood cleaners and soaps at larger retail stores.
• Metal kitchen cabinets: Clean with mild dish soap and a damp cloth or soft sponge.
• Laminate kitchen cabinets: Use laminate-specific cleaners or mild dish soap with a soft cloth or sponge.
• Glass kitchen cabinets: Use a glass cleaner and a soft cloth.

Cleaning Your Kitchen Cabinets

We recommend dusting off the kitchen cabinets regularly, and if you decide to wipe down the surface with cleaning products, dry immediately.

Sometimes, deep cleaning may be necessary for your kitchen cabinets. Here are a few ways to get the most out of your efforts.

• Empty kitchen cabinets: Emptying the cabinets will help find built-up grime and dust.
• Natural cleaning solutions: If dish soap or cabinet cleaner isn’t available mixing vinegar and water, or baking soda paste and water will do the trick for deep cleaning. It’s also an eco-friendly way to clean.

Avoiding Unnecessary Damage

Spills, stains, and hardware damage can happen unexpectedly, but there are ways to help prevent further issues when they occur.

• Sealing for wood cabinets: Apply a protective sealant to help prevent stains, dents, and warping.
• Maintaining hardware: Periodically check for loose screws and keep backup parts handy.
• Use dehumidifiers: Humidity in the summer can affect cabinets, especially those made of wood. Using a dehumidifier can help dry out wood and reduce the chances of damage.

Get in Touch With Our Design Team Today!

We hope the tips above help you clean your kitchen cabinets properly. If you’re looking for new kitchen cabinets or need design inspiration, contact our team today to get started!

One design element that has become an attractive feature of these compact abodes is the butcher block countertop. As both a functional kitchen feature and a style statement, butcher block adds a level of coziness common in tiny homes.

Butcher Block Basics

Butcher block, traditionally utilized in butcher shops due to its durability, has been repurposed in homes for its charm and utility.

Typically, these countertops are made from straight cuts of wood that are glued together to achieve a sturdy and resilient surface, perfect for food preparation. This style of construction is known as “end grain,” but today, there are several varieties of butcher block construction, including “edge grain” and “face grain.”

Why Butcher Block Countertops Work in Tiny Home Kitchens

In a tiny home, optimizing space and ensuring that every design element serves a purpose is critical. Here are some reasons why butcher block countertops are ideal for tiny homes:

Durability and Longevity: Butcher block countertops, with proper care and maintenance, can last for years. They are resilient to cuts and scratches and can be easily refinished to retain their original charm.

Space-Saving: In a tiny home, every square inch counts. The flat, smooth surface of a butcher block countertop doubles as a preparation area, eliminating the need for additional cutting boards or prep tables.

Aesthetics: Butcher block countertops bring a warm, rustic charm to tiny homes, enhancing their cozy and inviting ambiance. Wood is also versatile, meaning it’s a good fit for every style from cottage core to modern industrial.

Ready to add a butcher block to your tiny home? Shop our fully customizable countertop options.

Ideas and Inspiration: Adding Butcher Block To Your Tiny Home

There are so many ways butcher block can be incorporated into a tiny home, but here are some of our favorites.

Kitchen Island Countertop

A tiny kitchen can benefit from a multifunctional island topped with a butcher block countertop. It can serve as a prep station, a breakfast bar, and even a dining table, maximizing the utility of the space.

Built-In Stovetop

Consider integrating a stovetop into your butcher block countertop. This idea marries function and form, providing a cooking area without compromising on aesthetic appeal.

Foldable Countertop

For the tiniest of homes, a foldable butcher block countertop can provide a sizable prep area when needed and can be folded away when not in use, freeing up valuable space.

Integrated Sink

A sink integrated into the butcher block countertop offers a seamless design that is both visually pleasing and practical, as it eliminates the need for a separate sink area.

Mix and Match

Pair the butcher block countertop with other materials like stainless steel for a modern, eclectic look. The contrast of materials can create a visually interesting kitchen space.

Caring for Your Butcher Block Countertop

To maintain the durability and aesthetics of your butcher block countertop, regular maintenance is necessary. This includes cleaning the surface with mild soap and warm water after use, oiling it periodically to prevent drying out and refinishing the surface as needed to remove any scratches or marks.

Bold Style For A Tiny House Kitchens

Embracing the tiny home lifestyle doesn't mean compromising on style or functionality. With a butcher block countertop, you can add a touch of rustic charm to your home while maximizing your kitchen's efficiency. As with any design decision, it's all about finding what works best for you and your unique living space.

Shop our quality, handmade butcher block countertops. With customizable sizing options and CNC cuts, we can create exactly what you need to complete your tiny home!

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Before committing there are three truths you should know about Butcher Block to make the best decision for your dream kitchen.

Fact #1: Butcher Block Countertops Can Be Made With Exotic Wood Species

If you go to a warehouse big box hardware store you’ll see the exact same kind of butcher block countertop found in everyone’s home. One wood grain pattern and a limited color palette to match.

The truth is that any wood species can be made into a gorgeous custom butcher block countertop. At Hardwood Lumber Company, you aren’t limited to the off-the-shelf inventory of big box stores. We source everything from domestic classics like Oak, Hickory, Walnut, and Cherry to exotic and rare wood species like Purpleheart, Burmese Teak, and Tigerwood.

Shop Our Butcher Block Countertop Selection

You don’t have to settle for a limited selection or cookie-cutter styles that you see in-store. If you’re making the investment in a new countertop you should take the time to find a wood species you’re in love with because with proper maintenance these countertops will last decades.

Which brings us to our next fact…

Fact #2: Butcher Block Countertops Require Maintenance, and It's Easy

Yes, butcher block requires maintenance if you plan to regularly prepare your food directly on the countertop.

It’s going to need to occasionally be reconditioned with mineral oil to ensure it remains sealed to keep bacteria and moisture out. We typically recommend reconditioning your butcher block countertop once a month if it’s being used regularly.

The good news is that caring for your countertop can be done with low-cost, easy-to-find, and non-toxic, supplies. Your butcher block countertop’s best friend will be bulk medical-grade mineral oil.

Maintenance Tip #1: don’t spend more on mineral oil marketed for cutting boards, butcher blocks, or other wood surfaces. The exact same mineral oil is sold in bulk as a food-grade product online or in pharmacies.

Once a month, simply apply a coat of mineral oil to your butcher block countertop. Wipe up any excess with a soft, absorbent cloth. A plush, microfiber cloth meant for car detailing usually works fine. Give the oil a few hours to settle into the wood, then use another clean cloth to vigorously polish the wood and remove any remaining excess surface oil.

Maintenance Tip #2: Designate a food preparation counter space and only prepare food in that spot of your counter. Then that section will be the only section that needs monthly maintenance while the rest can be conditioned for either three or four months.

Maintenance Tip #3: You can avoid monthly maintenance all together by choosing to not prepare food directly on your butcher block countertop. This will allow you to use a different long-lasting finish rather than mineral oil. Keep in mind, your counter would not be considered safe for cutting and you would have to continue to use cutting boards. 

The good news is that hardwood cutting boards can be conditioned and made to last using these same maintenance tips. If desired we can match a set of cutting boards to your countertops for you.

Within your first year, you’ll be able to sight identify when your counter or cutting board needs reconditioned. You’ll notice the color change and even the change in touch, and it will be evident that it's time.

Fact #3: Butcher Block Countertops Make Great Kitchen Island and Bar Tops

You don’t have to use a butcher block countertop as a countertop. In fact, many of our customers love to use them as kitchen island tops or even bar tops, like the examples pictured below.

Butcher block is great for prepping drink ingredients like limes and lemons for cocktails or other mixed drinks. We also see homeowners opt for butcher block counters in their basement kitchenettes, outdoor bars, or screened-in patio tables.

If you’re limited on space but love the look and feel of authentic butcher block wood, don’t fret! Use these examples and see others in our customer gallery for inspiration using butcher block, live edge, and more in small spaces.

Butcher Block Should Work for You

Overall, it’s important to remember that butcher block countertops are designed to work for you. Whether you’d like to use it for every counter surface or a select space, it can be easily paired, sized, and cut to fit and provide you with a permanent food preparation area.

If you have any questions about incorporating butcher block countertops into your dream kitchen, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experts are happy to answer any questions or review any specialized customizations you may be interested in.

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Recent studies have revealed that exposure and consumption of nanoparticles like microplastics are capable of causing neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption leading to chronic health issues like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are microscopic flakes or specks of plastic that end up in your food or drinks. Technically, any plastic less than 5 millimeters in length can be considered microplastic.

The University of Vienna published a study observing these particles crossing the blood-brain barrier, an important internal immune system function that helps to protect your brain from harmful substances.

This has led to an increased importance in understanding the harmful effects of microplastic consumption.

How Microplastics Get Into Your Food

Nobody has a home recipe that calls for a dash of microplastics, yet they’re incredibly common in many modern households. In fact, a study published in 2019 by the University of Victoria revealed that the average American consumes between 39,000-121,000 microplastics a year.

And while there are sensationalist stories of “fake rice”, the truth is that plastic nanoparticles may be entering your food in simpler ways than you would like to imagine.

Identifying Sources of Microplastics in Your Cooking

Actively choosing to avoid plastic in your kitchen is a skill that quickly develops because once you start spotting plastic sources in your kitchen it's hard to stop.Here are some of the most common places plastic is making its way into your cooking:

• Plastic cutting Boards
• Cooking Utensils (Spatulas, Ladles, Slotted Spoons) made from plastic
• Spice Storage
• Olive Oil Bottles
• Cling Wrap
• Tupperware
• Plastic Cups
• Coffee Thermos
• Instant or Highly Processed Foods

How to Eliminate Microplastics from Your Kitchen

Identifying the sources of microplastics in your kitchen is only the first step. The next step is finding suitable replacements for these items.

Natural Food Preparation Surfaces

One potentially major source of microplastics in your kitchen is your food preparation surfaces. If you’re using a plastic cutting board, especially one that is heavily scored from use, there is a strong possibility of microplastic exposure every time you cook.

There are two ways to approach this problem.

The first option is to replace your plastic cutting board with a hardwood cutting board. Maintained with a simple food-grade butcher block conditioning these cutting boards can last a lifetime, and you’ll eliminate plastic microparticle exposure from your cutting board completely.

As a second option, you can eliminate cutting boards entirely and save cabinet space by upgrading your current kitchen counters to a butcher block countertop.

Butcher block countertops can be used for food preparation, and give you more space to work with as you chop, slice, and dice various ingredients.

Many homeowners find a happy balance in replacing their kitchen island top with butcher block to turn it into a dedicated food preparation space. This eliminates your need for cutting boards with lower renovation cost and overall project time than a full butcher block countertop.

Natural Cooking Utensils

The second major source of microplastics in your kitchen is likely from any plastic kitchen utensils.

Plastic kitchen utensils have become common in kitchens, but if you’re serious about eliminating microplastics these should be some of the first things to go.

Plastic cooking utensils can be replaced with bamboo, stainless steel, or another wood. While you’ll still need to keep an eye on your utensils for signs of degradation, these options will eliminate plastics from your kitchen utensils.

Other Vital Replacements

For some items like spices and olive oil, you may need to commit to buying only glass bottles as transferring from a plastic bottle to a glass bottle isn’t going to do much to curb your exposure to microplastics. The oil or spices have already been shipped and stored in plastic for weeks and have been exposed to plastic nanoparticles.

Making more of these small changes alongside replacing your plastic cutting boards and cooking utensils with natural hardwood or bamboo options goes a long way in reducing your overall yearly microplastic consumption.

For example, a person that regularly drinks bottled water rather than filtered tap water consumes approximately 90,000 additional microplastics a year.

Avoiding Microplastics Made Easy

If you’re just starting the process of getting microplastics out of your kitchen, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Our advice is to focus on one area first like your cutting boards.

Once you’ve completely eliminated microplastics from cutting boards, look to other areas where you can begin the process of replacing these items for healthier, more natural options.

Remember, any big or small changes you make will help to add up to fewer microplastics in your food. And it only gets easier as you continue to get these harmful materials out of your kitchen.

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Much like a carpenter's workbench or an artist's easel, your cutting board must be appropriately sized to ensure your work is done effectively and efficiently. So, let’s figure out what size cutting board you need.

The Sweet Spot: Finding the Right Cutting Board Size

So, how do you determine the ideal cutting board size for your needs? Here are a few handy tips:

Consider Your Counter Space

Measure your available counter space. Your cutting board should fit comfortably on your counter, leaving room for other items like bowls, utensils, and appliances. A basic tip is to aim to have your cutting board edge approximately 3-4 inches from the edge of the counter.

Think About What You Typically Cook

Think about your cooking habits:

Do you often prepare large meals that require a lot of ingredients? Or are you more of a minimalist cook, whipping up simple sandwiches and salads?

If you often find yourself chopping a variety of ingredients, a larger board might serve you best. Alternatively, a petite cutting board that gives you just enough space to slice up a few small ingredients may be all that you need.

Don’t Forget Storage Space

Storage is an often overlooked but crucial factor. Ensure you have a dedicated space to store your cutting board when it's not in use.

A larger board might be inconvenient if you lack sufficient cabinets to keep it off of the counter when not in use.

Keeping It Clean

Cleaning is another important consideration when it comes to your cutting board size. Larger boards can be challenging to clean in a standard-sized sink. You do not want to ever put your hardwood cutting board into the dishwasher or “leave it to soak”.

The dishwasher will saturate the wood of the board and the change in temperatures will weaken the wood and promote cracking.

Leaving your hardwood cutting board to soak invites bacteria and warping. All cutting boards should be cleaned after use and allowed adequate time to completely dry before being stored away.

Have the perfect cutting board in mind? Great! 

Shop Our Cutting Board Selection To Get Started

The Pitfalls of Improper Cutting Board Size

Cutting board size is more important than you might think. If you’re still thinking size doesn’t matter, consider these culinary cautionary tales.

The Cutting Board That’s Too Small

You’re cooking at home for your family. What should be a lovely home cooked meal quickly turns into a nightmare because your cutting board is too small.

Your food preparation becomes a cramped and messy affair. You have to chop carrots, onions, and bell peppers for a hearty stir fry on a cramped cutting board. Ingredients pile up, pieces tumble off the edge, and you risk cutting your fingers instead of your veggies...

We’re getting upset just thinking about this make-believe but all too real story.

The Cutting Board That’s Too Large

Same scenario: you're making a lovely family stir fry at home, but now the cutting board is too big. It’s bulky, cumbersome.

You know after you’re finished chopping you have to wash it. It can’t go in the dishwasher, but it barely fits into the sink and under the faucet. And the cabinet space is already so tight…

Take a deep breath. We can avoid this headache with the right size cutting board.

Fine-Tuning Your Kitchen Experience

The size of your cutting board is more critical than you might initially think. It can influence your cooking experience, your safety, and even the flavor profiles of your dishes. You might find that a change in size could make all the difference in your culinary endeavors.

At The Hardwood Lumber Company, customizing your cutting board is easy: select the size, thickness, and other features and our woodworkers will create a long-lasting product perfectly matched to your specifications! Ready to get started?

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Butch block can provide unique food safety benefits while also offering aesthetic appeal. We’ll share important food safety factors related to kitchen countertops, the unique food safety benefits of butcher block countertops, and how to ensure your countertops remain food safe.

Kitchen Countertop Food Safety Factors

While they aren’t often thought of as such, your kitchen countertops are as vital as any other appliance you use to prepare food. In fact, counters are often the unsung hero of the kitchen. Food is prepped, served, and sometimes eaten from your counters. This means that food safety is an important consideration in your choice of countertop.

One of the most important countertop food safety considerations is the material’s permeability and ability to resist bacterial buildup. Porous materials, like certain natural stones and wood, can trap bacteria in their pores, potentially leading to food contamination.

Additionally, materials that are susceptible to knife damage, like wood and laminate, can also increase the opportunity for contamination by creating scratches or scuffs that harbor bacteria.

Fortunately, the potential challenges of wood counters are also their greatest strengths. With proper care and attention, butcher block can be a very safe food prep surface.

The Unique Food Safety Benefits of Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block countertops have several characteristics that make them a food safe option:

Antimicrobial properties: Certain types of wood, like pine and oak, have been shown to possess natural antimicrobial properties that help kill bacteria, which can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. This is a significant benefit when compared to other materials, such as plastic or laminate surfaces.

Easy to sanitize with non-toxic cleaners: Butcher block countertops are relatively easy to clean and sanitize. Rather than using harmful chemicals, you can use natural cleaning methods such as diluted vinegar or a salt and lemon mix to keep the surface clean. This helps to maintain the surface without risking chemical contamination of your food.

Ability to be repaired: One of the advantages of butcher block countertops is that they can be repaired easily. If the countertop gets scuffed or damaged, light sanding and the use of mineral oil can help remove any stains or scuffs. This means you can maintain a clean, hygienic surface without needing to replace the entire countertop.

Remember, while butcher block countertops can be a food safe option, it's still crucial to maintain them properly. Regular cleaning and sanitizing are essential. Any damage should be repaired promptly to keep the surface hygienic for food preparation.

Ensuring Food Safety with Butcher Block Countertops

Maintaining the food safety benefits of butcher block countertops requires regular care and attention. Maintenance does not require special tools, or experience as much as straightforward, and observant upkeep.

Keeping Butcher Block Counters Clean

The first step to food safety is avoiding cross-contamination when possible. However, we know that isn’t always possible, so regular cleaning is vital to prevent bacteria from growing or spreading.

Fortunately, wood is relatively easy to clean. Properly finished wood can be wiped down with soap and warm water, and this will eliminate most harmful bacteria.

To make cleaning easier, be sure to apply mineral oil and wax to your wood counters as needed. This helps keep the wood grain hydrated and flexible. Doing so not only keeps your countertops looking great, but it prevents cracking, both visible and microscopic, that can create hiding spots for germs. Regularly waxing your wood countertops also makes them easier to clean by creating a thin, water-repellent barrier.

Repair Cuts and Gouges

Unlike other types of countertops, butch block offers a major advantage: it can be repaired. Wood is flexible, so it rarely breaks, but knives and other cooking utensils can score and wear down the surface. Like cracks, cuts, and gouges offer refuge for bacteria.

If your butcher block countertop becomes damaged or excessively worn, minor issues can be fixed with light sanding and the application of mineral oil. Sanding the counter down with increasingly higher-grit sandpaper will remove scratches, surface cuts, and smooth out gouges – eliminating areas to harbor bacteria.

Of course, the easiest way to repair damage is to prevent it from happening in the first place! So, save the chopping and heavy cutting for  a food safe cutting board, and use countertops for light for prep. 

Keep Your Counters Safe

Food safety in home kitchens is of paramount importance, and the type of countertop used can play a significant role in this. Butcher block countertops offer unique food safety benefits, but it is important to maintain them properly to ensure they remain safe and hygienic for food preparation.

By choosing high-quality products from companies like The Hardwood Lumber Company and following proper maintenance guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty and safety of a butcher block countertop in your home.

Remember, it's not just about having a beautiful kitchen; it's about having a safe and healthy one too.

Add a beautiful, food safe countertop to your kitchen and enjoy healthy meals with your entire family.

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The style isn’t without its detractors though, and there are definitely some elements that don’t age well you may want to skip over.

What Makes Farmhouse Style?

The central philosophy of farmhouse architecture and style is the intersection of form and function. In other words, farmhouses looked nice, but they also had to be useful for the purposes of farming and harvesting, and large enough for the farmer’s family.

These underlying needs led to common features like

• Large farmhouse kitchen sinks
• Wrap-around porches
• Open floor plans
• Central chimneys

Combined these features create homes that have a comfortable and classic country feel with natural lines and simple sensible structures built for the pleasures of living. Farmhouse style is currently popular, but it’s not the first country home style to become popular.

Country Home Decor Inspiration

Before modern farmhouse decor took over one of the most popular suburban interior design styles was country style. Country home decor uses many of the staples of farmhouse style, but rather than embracing rustic appeal, country homes often combined natural elements with refined style resulting in highly polished wood features like hardwood floors, along with detailed wooden stair rails and balusters.

Country-style homes often incorporated different decorative wallpapers and stylized light fixtures that are less sought after in homes today.

Farmhouse Decor Essentials

The fundamentals of farmhouse decor are part of what makes the style so versatile. Some of the common elements include:

• Natural Hardwood or Reclaimed Wood Accents
• Neutral Color Palette
• Vintage or Antique Features
• Exposed Ceiling Beams
• Soft Lighting

Often a farmhouse countertop will be made of butcher block, or for the truly rustic feel, even a live edge slab cut to size and shape with a natural unrefined edge.

Butcher block countertops carry on the farmhouse tradition of being beautiful to look at while remaining functional for your kitchen food preparation and cooking tasks.

These gorgeous North American hardwood pieces can be cut to accommodate large apron farmhouse sinks for the perfect put-together kitchen look. A properly maintained butcherblock countertop is even safe for food preparation.

Modern Farmhouse Style Inspiration

Now that farmhouse style has remained popular for years, there are nuanced elements of this interior design style.

Modern farmhouse often takes the fundamentals of this style and pairs them with more industrial elements like exposed brick, distressed metal, or vintage light bulbs and fixtures.

Other attributes you often see in modern farmhouse style include:

• Shiplap
• Stainless Steel
• Indoor Plants
• Mason Jars

Modern farmhouse style isn’t afraid to incorporate colors like black and white into its muted color palette. Traditional farmhouse style uses vintage furnishings and accents to incorporate color, while modern farmhouse style intentionally places woven materials, like blankets and decorative throws, as colorful focal points.

What to Avoid in Farmhouse Style

Our goal isn’t to dissuade anyone from features in farmhouse style that they might like. The fact is that some of the style features of farmhouse decor have drawbacks and we want to be sure that homeowners are aware.

Sliding Barn Doors

The sliding barn door has become a staple of the modern farmhouse style. It can work in special applications, but it’s unlikely to meet what you want from a door.

For example, sliding barn doors don’t latch closed like a traditional door. This gap allows both light and sound to easily pass from the room to the rest of the house. In the age of work-from-home and Zoom meetings, this might not be ideal.

The other significant drawback to consider is that you’ll lose a significant amount of wall and floor space so that the door is able to slide. This is largely the reason why these doors may not be as ideal for your ideal basement den or hallway. The truth is many home spaces are not designed to accommodate barn doors.

Open Shelving

Open shelves in kitchens are a hot trend right now, but they can be tricky. While using them for certain items, like smaller kitchen appliance and dry ingredient storage, open shelving exposes clean dishes to dust, grease, smoke, and more.

Given the extra work likely involved with keeping your dishes clean in an open shelf kitchen we recommend homeowners steer clear of using them as a primary form of dinnerware storage.

Make Farmhouse Decor Yours

The truth is that if you start out decorating your home with farmhouse fundamental style in mind you’ll be creating an interior design canvas with a lot of versatility that can transform over time.

The beauty of farmhouse style is that you can balance having a cohesive fundamental style with details that are all your own. Don’t hesitate to contact our millwork experts at Hardwood Lumber Company for all your farmhouse decor needs.