What is Butcher Block ?

Butcher block has gone from being the mainstay of butcher’s cutting boards to being commonly used as a material for home furniture.  Butchers block countertops and furniture have become extremely popular, largely thanks to the durability and relative price when compared to other materials.

The first butcher’s block was built in Michigan in 1881, using a technique called “wood welding,” which is basically gluing under high pressure. Butcher block is made by assembling small pieces of wood into a single piece, using glue to hold to boards together and was originally created, as the name suggests, to use as cutting boards by butchers. This need came about because the boards in use at that time were becoming unsanitary. Until that time, butchers would use a section of tree trunk.

There are several different types of block, and professional butchers usually prefer end-grain blocks because this tends to allow the knife to go between the grains and stay sharper longer. Sugar Maple is the preferred wood although other types of wood may be used – especially for home furniture.

Butcher block is used to form counter tops, table tops, cutting boards, workbench tops, kitchen islands, work benches, carving boards, dining tables; and even occasionally the traditional meat block. It is extremely easy to work on after production and was designed to allow the surface to be sanded down after cutting meat directly in the surface. Traditionally, a butcher would buy one as an apprentice and use one block throughout his career.

Although practical, their appeal as household furniture comes not only from the relative durability when compared to other products, but the true beauty of the material when finished with oils. Rolling carts are extremely popular and were the original household item as opposed to the professional block used by a full time butcher. These are often made using northern hard Maple wood or red oak and come with wheels fitted, a built in drawer and one or more drop leaves.

Many professional chefs prefer to use hardwood butcher block as a cutting surface because it is less likely to blunt a knife. Apart from that the natural beauty of the wood makes a welcome addition to any kitchen – professional or amateur. Often used as not only cutting boards, but kitchen islands and preparation carts. There are also a growing number of manufacturers making environmentally friendly butcher blocks  using renewable resources such as Lyptus wood, or recycling other woods.