An essential feature of most modern kitchens are butcher’s block kitchen islands. Usually made from strong and durable maple, butcher blocks last a long time. They are mainly used as cutting and chopping boards hence the name butcher block islands. They come in a variety of designs and sizes.
One of the main advantages of having a butcher block island in the kitchen is to ensure that you have enough work space. With smaller and smaller apartments and even smaller kitchens, it is quite a task to have enough space for everything and this is where the importance of having a butcher block increases. So, from now on stop trying to make room, just go get yourself a beautiful island and cook it!
Choosing the right butcher block kitchen island will involve many considerations. Let’s take a look:
1. Price: Since they have almost become a household item, butcher block kitchen islands are not as expensive as they were when they first entered the market. Based on the size and the wood used, you can get one easily according to your budget needs.
2. Design: Pay attention to the design of the butcher block kitchen island because sometimes this can make all the difference. Go for something that fits your kitchen needs rather than one that just looks good. But the good part is that since it is made of wood, there is not so much chance to go wrong with any type. Again a note of caution, the wood will determine both quality and appearance. Besides the type of wood used, the finish can also vary so there are many that come with a glossy finish while others have a more natural and rugged feel to them.
3. Mixture: So before you choose one think about whether you want the butcher block island to blend in with the rest of the kitchen or stand out in contrast to other things or just be in sync. This will make your task much easier. So if you want to blend in with other things then choose the same shade of wood as used elsewhere. But make sure that if there is a minimal difference in the shade so that it does not match.
If you want the butcher block kitchen island to stand out on its own then it works if the kitchen is otherwise stainless steel. Therefore the wooden island will be the distinctive feature of the kitchen. If you prefer it to be just in sync with other stuff but not completely blend just go for a contrasting shade of wood for the island. Something that is clearly distinguished from the other but does not catch the eye.
4. Mobile: Another great feature of these kitchen islands is that they are mobile in case you choose the ones with wheels. But not all butcher block kitchen islands come with wheels, so find out which type you want. If there is space inside the kitchen then a mobile one is a better idea. However, for a small kitchen, a stable one can do the trick.
5. With storage: The main feature of the kitchen butcher block island can be called as providing a lot of space for chopping and slicing but it can also be extremely useful for storage purposes. So, instead of buying one that is just a block of wood, invest in one that also has cabinets and drawers where you can house your kitchen equipment. And most of these don’t even come at an extra cost!
6. Measurements: One thing I want to add (which may seem elementary to many people but is astonishingly missed by many) is – please always measure your kitchen or the area where you want to fit the butcher block kitchen island . Do not trust your instinct in this case because it can go badly wrong either with a gigantic island that takes up the entire kitchen space or a small one that looks ordinary. When measuring, add a few extra inches for walking space around.
A good idea is to get a butcher kitchen island that is compatible with your height. Standardized sizes are best but if you are getting a custom made one why not consider your comfort!
Butcher block kitchen islands are easy to maintain and care for. One important thing to remember is that a a coat of food safe oil needs to be put ever so often. It goes inside the pores of the wood block and protects it.
Order your butcher block kitchen island online
Amazon seems to be one of the best places to buy butcher block kitchen island from (sponsored link). Besides the best prices, their customer-friendly policies make shopping from them a pleasure. However, if you need to see and feel the butcher block island before you buy it, you’ll need to go to one of the big furniture stores to get the first-hand experience.
