Here's What Fans Really Think About Buying Butcher Block Countertops At Home Depot

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If you're planning a kitchen remodel (or kitting out a new one), choosing the countertop is probably the most crucial choice you'll make. If you're leaning towards wood, the butcher blocks at Home Depot come very highly recommended, with a high percentage of five-star reviews and very few negative ones. From "absolutely stunning" to "gorgeous" and "amazing," the compliments are flowing thick and fast for these natural beauties.

What began in the late 1900s as a near-indestructible surface for blacksmiths and butchers, these blocks have become popular choices for home kitchens, thanks in no small part to Julia Child, whose 38-inch maple wood countertop captured hearts across America. Home Depot's website lists countertops made from six types of wood: birch, walnut, maple, hevea, saman, and acacia. The Birch Wood Butcher Block, approximately four feet in length, is perfect for standard countertops, and its light colors and largely uniform grain will give your kitchen an airy, modern look. More than 3000 customers have given it a 5-Star rating, a solid indication of both its popularity and quality. A happy shopper, Frederic, gives three simple reasons for this: "Excellent quality, good price, efficient delivery." Another buyer, Kelly, is so happy with this purchase that she's ready to do it all over again: "We used these countertops in our last home, and loved them! Can't wait to remodel our new home with the same!"

The Saman Wood Butcher Block, eight feet in length with a nice, wavy grain and a live edge, really catches the eye. "These island countertops are absolutely stunning!" gushes Kathy, recommending the "They are hands-down, the star of the show in my newly remodeled kitchen. We conditioned them with beeswax and mineral oil. The color of the grain is stunning." 

While the birch and saman wood blocks are great choices for countertops, when it comes to kitchen islands, the Hevea Solid Wood Butcher Block with a square edge seems like the popular choice, with 85% customers recommending this product. Having said that, there are a couple of standout complaints in this case, especially with regard to consistency. "I was joining two of these to make a kitchen island. What I found is they were not square," Kevin wrote. Oscar, meanwhile, ordered two countertops that did not end up matching. "I ordered two tops, and they are made with different width boards. One is made with 1.5" and the other with 2.375"."

The other recurring complaint is damaged products being delivered. "Received the saman countertop with a large dent on the more attractive and usable side," Phil888 wrote. Another customer, Bron, faced the issue twice. "First one had a three-foot crack in it that extended down the side. Waited eight days to receive the replacement, which has an even larger crack. One cracked board can be forgiven, not two," they wrote.

Butcher wood countertops can last really long if you take good care of them. It's important to polish and seal them (Home Depot recommends doing this within 24 hours of unsealing the package your slab will come delivered in). How you choose to polish your countertop can change the vibe of your kitchen, from rich and elegant to light and easy. For example, applying layers of food-safe oils or beeswax will help in both conditioning the wood and preventing it from drying or cracking. This should be done at least once a month. It sounds painful, but the truth is that the biggest mistake people make when choosing butcher blocks is underestimating how much care and maintenance they require.