When we talk about butcher block workbench top, oftentimes what comes to mind of people, who aren’t too familiar with a work bench, is a workbench...

1. Butcher Block
Workbench Top
by
Kami J. Williams
Butcher Block Workbench Top

2. When we talk about butcher block workbench top, oftentimes
what comes to mind of people, who aren’t too familiar with a
work bench, is a workbench. Though a common mistake, one
should understand that a workbench top is just the top and
not the entire structure, without the stands, the workbench
drawers, and so on. As the name implies, a butcher block
workbench is a type of industrial furniture specifically used in
the kitchen, which means that it is designed to withstand the
heat of pots and pans, the constant exposure to moisture,
and of course, the cutting and chopping of the knife.
Of course, there are many other kinds of workbenches such
as a heavy duty workbench, a shop workbench, a folding
workbench, a portable workbench, and even a kid toy
workbench to name a few.
A butcher block workbench top is basically built to be a
heavy duty and sturdy furniture capable of withstanding
extreme temperatures, sharp metallic objects, stains, spills,
and of course, moisture. It is mostly used in the kitchen as a
stable surface where preparations for cooking can be done
securely and conveniently, though one may find other
applications for it. Likewise, a butcher block top may also be
used as a piece of furniture for dining, considering its
resilience to humidity and moisture.
The typical wood used to create a butcher block top is maple
since it is a sturdy wood variety though other varieties may
be used such as ash, tuff top, oak, and cherry just to name a
few. Depending on the person’s preference, the color of the
maple used to create the top can vary, from beige to dark
Butcher Block Workbench Top

3. brown, and in some instances, even black for that modern,
sophisticated look. Though maple can withstand an extreme
amount of punishment, it needs to be coated with a finish in
order to truly protect it from external factors. For butcher
block tops that will be used for cutting meat and other food
products, food safe oils such as oil and beeswax and mineral
oil can be used while a lacquer finish is best for a top that
won’t be used for cutting meat and other food products.
There are certainly many ways to get a butcher block
workbench top. For people who are handy with tools and
possess the necessary skills, they might find building one an
enjoyable project. As for others who don’t, there are many
tops that can be found for sale in both local furniture stores
and online butcher block top stores. Some of the popular
companies that specialize in butcher block tops are the
Michigan Maple Block Co. and Bally Block Company and the
AWP Butcher Block Inc.
Butcher Block Workbench Top