Deciding between the butcher block and Quartz is challenging. When remodeling and renovating your home, you will come across plenty of options to use in the kitchen for your countertops. Butcher blocks and quartz are the most famous ones.
Remodeling the house is already a cumbersome task. With all the confusion in mind, I would like to add another trouble to the already unmanageable list. To make things easier, we have put together all the necessary information you might require when choosing between butcher block and quartz countertop.
When the debate is between the butcher block and quartz countertops, one has to check out various features like durability, lifespan, and overall look given to the kitchen and factors affecting both materials.
Quality is the first thing that shoots up to any homeowner’s mind, especially when looking for hardware for the kitchen. While checking the quality, one has to keep both materials in mind. Besides, the budget and affordability also play an essential role in selecting any of the materials. How about we lay down all the necessary facts of butcher block versus quartz countertops to look at both the materials?
Butcher Block versus Quartz Countertops
This is a wooden countertop in which several pieces of wood are joined together by using glue. For an ideal kitchen countertop, sustainable and thick wooden surfaces are joined such that the result is a thick slab. Several pieces of woodwork are needed to make it strong and stable.
On the other hand, quartz is an engineered stone renowned for being a human-made stone joined together with resin. Undoubtedly, Quartz is one of the most concrete surfaces and durable materials that one can have as a kitchen countertop.
Read on for a detailed comparison of the features of butcher block and quartz countertops. Let’s begin!
Cost
When talking about the cost and affordability, butcher block countertops win the race (thanks to the incredibly low-costs.) Even compared with glass, marble, or even stainless steel, butcher block remains the most affordable option. When you are not planning to pay buckets of money for just your kitchen’s remodeling and installing the countertops, this is the one for you.
The Quartz gives a classical look, but the price is high. You will have to pay a hefty amount to get it installed. So, if you don’t want to pay an ARM-long bill, then Quartz may not be the best choice.
Sustainability
Sustainability is another crucial aspect that must not be skipped while remodeling a kitchen. The environment friendliness of the butcher block has once again claimed its first spot. You can easily recycle the butcher block countertops and use it for several purposes. For an eco-friendly system and more sustainability, a butcher block is an ideal pick for the kitchen.
On the contrary, Quartz cannot be recycled, and it is not the most as good for the environment as its competitor. The Quartz is a human-made material which is not sustainable and friendly for the environment.
Maintenance
Butcher block countertops are not the best in terms of maintenance. These countertops require a fair amount of care every once in a while to ensure their durability. Failure to maintain the butcher block countertops properly might result in a damp surface. You have to keep it coated with mineral oil to ensure that moisture does not affect the countertop. So, be careful about the proper maintenance of these countertops.
At the same time, quartz material does not require frequent maintenance. No maintenance is needed for this material. You can occasionally clean it to avoid discoloration and food spillage. But there is no need for a regular maintenance process.
Stain Resistance
Butcher block is good with the stain resistance, but Quartz is excellent with the stain resistance. When working on the butcher block countertop, you need to be a little careful with the food that might lead to discoloration. But on the quartz surface, you don’t have to worry about discoloration stains. This is a great plus point for the quartz countertops backed by the fact that it requires no repeated cleanings.
Heat Resistance
Butcher block countertops are not the best with heat resistance. It would be best if you always had a potholder or a piece of cloth or towel to spread on the countertop. It will ensure that there is no damage caused by the countertop (because of the heat.) Whereas the quartz material is still good with heat resistance, you don’t have to be extra careful when dealing with hot pots and pans.
Scratch Resistance
Both butcher block and quartz material are exceptional with scratch resistance. You will not see a lot of scratches and dents on both the countertops.
Caution: If you prepare the food directly on the countertop, there is a chance that you will soon notice some dents on the surface of the butcher block countertop.
Design and Colors
If you compare butcher block versus quartz countertops, the butcher block countertops provide a rustic look to your kitchen. With the Quartz countertops, you do not have a lot of colors and designs to pick. So for better looks, butcher block is a perfect choice. However, the quartz countertop also adds sophistication to your kitchen.
Quartz countertops are an excellent option for kitchens because of their durability and long life. Unlike butcher block countertops, these countertops do not have the threat of bacteria generation. Quartz countertops provide better cleaning options and are not affected by the moisture.
However, if there is a money constraint and you want stylish-looking tips at affordable prices, butcher block countertops are ideal options. Remember, as a responsible homeowner, you have to maintain the countertop and keep it safe from moisture and water. It would help if you also sanitized the butcher block countertops to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Conclusion
Pick the best option based on your requirements, and make sure you have read the analysis of the butcher block versus quartz countertops. The choice of countertop comes down to how you want your kitchen to look like. All the other features of the countertops can be addressed later. Once you decide on the design and the theme of your kitchen, the rest of the journey will be smooth!
