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Can butcher block be an inexpensive alternative to granite?

By
Home Stager with Abella Home Staging & Redesign

Can butcher block be an inexpensive alternative to granite? To tell you the truth, I hadn't though about it until now! But after doing some research into the matter, I've come to the conclusion that it can definitely work. As a home stager and redesigner of Abella Home Staging & Redesign, I often come across problems in the kitchen!! Usually if i recommend replacing countertop, I will recommend replacing it with a laminated countertop, due to the fact that most homeowners are not willing to incur the expense. But if the home is in an upscale neighborhood laminated countertops may not be the best choice. Replacing it with granite may be more then the homeowner is willing to spend and it may not be cost effect. Will the ROI be worth the cost? 

Why not consider butcher block counters as inexpensive alternative to granite? They bring a natural element into the space and they are beautiful to boot!! Yes they cost more then laminated but they are much cheaper the granite!!

Stillwater Story

 

How beautiful is that counter top?!! Now you're probably thinking well how expensive is it? Usually butcher blocks are not cheap but thanks to Ikea you can purchase a butcher block that's 96 5/8 long by 25 5/8 wide by 1/12 thick for $169! It can be cut and stained to any color you like. The colors choice can be endless!! So my next question, what about resale value? Well, we are seeing more and more different finishes for countertops, like recycle glass countertop and concrete countertop, I think butcher block countertop will do very well, better then laminated!! With more buyers looking to go "Green" wood is a great product. In the end I've decided that butcher block countertops can be a inexpensive alternative to granite. What do you think?

 

Victor Zuniga
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties - San Diego, CA

I haven't seen too many of these counter tops recently but I have seen them in some older homes. if they're refinished they can look really great but if they're not taken care of or redone they can make a buyer think twice.

Jul 25, 2011 06:28 AM
Carmela Abella
Abella Home Staging & Redesign - Port Jefferson Station, NY

Victor, you're so right. But like anything else you must maintain in order to keep the value!!

Jul 25, 2011 06:58 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Carmela- my gosh I haven't heard butcher block mentioned in years.. but why not?  I agree with Victor, that if it has been cared for, butcher block can look nice.  I think your darker stained counter looks great!

Jul 25, 2011 09:25 AM
Carmela Abella
Abella Home Staging & Redesign - Port Jefferson Station, NY

Kathy, I too have not though about it until now, but what a nice alternative! Of course it goes without saying YOU, must maintain it!!

Jul 25, 2011 09:46 AM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Carmela, I use butcher block a lot-it is a great idea and looks beautiful-did not know IKEA carried it so inexpensively so thanks so much for the tip and reminder.  Those counters look rich and clean!

Jul 25, 2011 11:02 AM
Carmela Abella
Abella Home Staging & Redesign - Port Jefferson Station, NY

Joanna, I know it quite inexpensive at Ikea. And I love the way it looks!

Jul 25, 2011 12:14 PM
Maria Tobin
Staged For Success - Huntersville, NC
ASP, IAHSP

Carmela - the countertops are beautiful.  Just one more thing to love about Ikea!

Jul 25, 2011 03:02 PM
Gina Metzger
Spaces Refined Inc. - Lake Zurich, IL
ASP, IAHSP

Love it. I am doing an redesign install for a mixed granite outer space with a butcher block island. Widely used concept in higher end homes in my area. Certainly taste specific. If my client is not moving, we are free to explore custom options!

Jul 25, 2011 05:55 PM
Janet Jones
Just Your Style Interiors, LLC - Kihei, HI
Home Staging, Interior Redesign Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

Hi Carmela--this counter top is beautiful.  I have seen more butcher block being used lately, but generally in combination with granite.  This is a great, inexpensive option to achieve a higher-end look than laminate. 

Jul 25, 2011 08:33 PM
Carmela Abella
Abella Home Staging & Redesign - Port Jefferson Station, NY

Maria, I love Ikea, it's just too far for me to get too!!

Jul 26, 2011 02:06 AM
Carmela Abella
Abella Home Staging & Redesign - Port Jefferson Station, NY

Gina, I think butcher block for the island is a great idea! It is a great idea for higher end homes!

Jul 26, 2011 02:07 AM
Carmela Abella
Abella Home Staging & Redesign - Port Jefferson Station, NY

Janet, I'm going to start to recommending it more often. I especially like it with granite. Stone and wood great combo!

Jul 26, 2011 02:09 AM
Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging
Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR
"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

Carmela ~ a contractor client of mine uses those IKEA butcher block counters in some of his kitchens, and it looks great!  I especially like the darker one in your photo.  Thanks for the tip!

Jul 26, 2011 06:53 AM
Carmela Abella
Abella Home Staging & Redesign - Port Jefferson Station, NY

Hello maureen, Glad to hear that he is using Ikea. I think it has real vaule for the price!!

Jul 26, 2011 09:35 AM