There’s no getting away from the fact that solid wood worktops are absolutely stunning, no matter your style of kitchen. Irrespective of whether you choose a warm, honey oak worktop to compliment a country style kitchen or a cool, almost black walnut worktop to finish off a cutting edge designer kitchen, you can be sure that when you invest in a solid wood worktop, your money is being spent wisely.
When you choose your solid wood worktop, things like the length of worktop that will work best for you will be pretty much determined by your room. The width of worktop that’s likely to tick your boxes however will be determined by more subtle things; like the overhang you want and whether you have standard or super-sized appliances. Finally, the best thickness to choose is almost certainly going to be driven by your budget.
But one thing that people often struggle with is whether butcher block or full stave solid wood worktops are a better. And like most things interior, there isn’t a simple answer to this question. That’s why, in this article we’d like to share with you the ups and downs of each in order to help you come to your own conclusion. That said, if you fancy chatting through the options rather than reading about them, you can always get in touch!
What’s a butcher block solid wood worktop?
A great way of adding a cheffy look to any kitchen, butcher block worktops make a real culinary statement and are exceptionally good value for money. The ideal backdrop to a range of modern or vintage kitchen appliances, you know when you choose this option, you’ll enjoy years and years of natural beauty.
This type of worktop is made by bonding together narrow blocks or staves of wood and pressurising them to create a strong fix. In the good old days this process would have been carried out by hand, but today it is most commonly done by machine. These worktops are created by cutting out a pattern in each block that resembles interwoven teeth. These “teeth” allow the staves to fit together tightly and stay that way. In effect, this works a bit like a giant jigsaw puzzle and means a smooth and strong end result.
What’s a full stave solid wood worktop?
Full stave worktops require significantly bigger blocks of wood to start with, albeit they are constructed in a similar way to butcher block worktops, simply using pieces of wood on a much bigger scale. Most typically a full stave worktop will be made up of blocks that are 40 to 50mm wide and will run the full length of the worktop. Full stave solid wood worktops are effectively a half way house between butcher block worktops and wide plank worktops which are made from one single piece of wood.
The pros and cons…
While each option is extremely appealing, there are two key features that separate them. They are:
- The price. Because butcher block solid wood worktops are made from small blocks of wood, typically sized anything from around 4cm wide to as much as 30cm long, they are generally much cheaper than full stave worktops that call for a much bigger piece of wood to start with.
- The look. When you choose a butcher block worktop, there’s no getting away from the fact that you’ll be able to see every block of wood that’s been used in its construction. Most people agree that this is highly appealing. However, some people don’t want that look and it has to be said that what you miss out on slightly with butcher block worktops is the visible grain and the deep interest of the wood. With full staves of wood, there’s the capacity to see more of the depth and variety of the wood’s character.
How do you choose?
Like most things in life, you need to take into account how much you have to spend as well as the final look you are hoping for. If your budget is (almost) without limit, then you’ll simply be able to choose the option you like best. However, if your budget is limited, it’s a case of looking at the most attractive option to suit your pocket. No matter which you choose, the great news is that because wood is a completely natural product, irrespective of which species, grade or style of solid wood worktop you choose it’ll look magnificent and will last for a very, very long time.
If you’d like some help to choose the right worktop for your kitchen project, why not get in touch? At Wood and Beyond we have lots of ideas to help you get the most from your choice, no matter if you have a lot or just a little to spend!
—
FAQ
Question: What factors determine the length and width of a solid wood worktop?
Answer: The length of worktop that will work best for you is pretty much determined by your room. The width of the worktop is likely to be determined by more subtle things; like the overhang you want and whether you have standard or super-sized appliances.
Question: What is a butcher block solid wood worktop?
Answer: A butcher block worktop is made by bonding together narrow blocks or staves of wood and pressurising them to create a strong fix. These worktops are created by cutting out a pattern in each block that resembles interwoven teeth. These “teeth” allow the staves to fit together tightly and stay that way, resulting in a smooth and strong end result.
Question: What is a full stave solid wood worktop?
Answer: Full stave worktops require significantly bigger blocks of wood to start with. They are constructed in a similar way to butcher block worktops, simply using pieces of wood on a much bigger scale. Full stave solid wood worktops are effectively a half way house between butcher block worktops and wide plank worktops which are made from one single piece of wood.
Question: What are the key differences between a butcher block solid wood worktop and a full stave solid wood worktop?
Answer: The two key features that separate butcher block and full stave worktops are the price and the look. Because butcher block worktops are made from small blocks of wood, they are generally much cheaper than full stave worktops. When it comes to the look, with butcher block worktops you’ll be able to see every block of wood that’s been used in its construction, while full staves of wood offer the capacity to see more of the depth and variety of the wood’s character.
Question: How can one choose the right worktop for their kitchen project?
Answer: You need to take into account your budget as well as the final look you are hoping for. If your budget is (almost) without limit, then you’ll simply be able to choose the option you like best. However, if your budget is limited, it’s a case of looking at the most attractive option to suit your pocket.