Is butcher block in the kitchen a good idea?

Is butcher block in the kitchen a good idea? A lot of people would be concerned that wood is high maintenance. Others would argue that wood bring warmth into the kitchen.  They would both be right. Yes, it is true that wood does require maintenance, but you can seal with a oils. Just be aware that not all oils are food safe, so make sure you get one that is.

I'm not a big fan of using butcher block on all my kitchen counters, but I am a big fan of using butcher block on an island. They gives you the best of both worlds. The warmth of wood, but in a smaller area, where it's easier to maintain.

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How about using just a portion of your counter top as a butcher block? What a great idea. Easier to clean and maintain a small area.

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Butcher block are beautiful, and they do bring warmth into a kitchen. Especially in today kitchen where there is so much cold stone, (granite or quartz) being used. As far as maintenance goes, you can use oil, (like tung oil or raw linseed oil) to maintain it, and you should have no problems. In the event that you do have stubborn stains that won't come out, you can simply sand it down, bringing back the beauty of the wood!!

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Granite vs Quartz?

The last 10 years or so, granite has been all the rage when it comes to counter tops. While it still is, quartz is steadily heading towards mainstream. Many people are under the impression that quartz is man-made. Not entirely true. Depending on the quality, quartz is 94% - 96% natural stone. Leaving 4% - 6% man-made. That is due to the bonding polymer agents. 

While granite is 100% natural stone, you are limited to what is produce by nature!

Granite

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Quartz

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You can see from the pictures above, it is a different look. Granite has a more linear look. Quartz has a more speckled look. But not ever piece fits that criteria. Granite, however needs to be maintained. Once a year you need to seal it. Quartz does not. It's maintenance free!! It also has a tremendous selection of colors. Personally I like them both!! And there is nothing to say you can't use them both in your kitchen. I know I did! Which one do you prefer? Or do you have a preference? Either way, quartz is here to stay, and I for one, like that!!

Granite or Quartz? Not Sure?

Granite Vs Quartz: Which is better? We all know that granite has been all the rage for kitchens and bathrooms for some time now. But I see quartz gaining momentum and even surpassing granite. As a Interior Decorator as well as a Home Stager, I try to keep current of what's hots and what's not. And lately, I've notice a trend towards quartz. And with good reason, here why:

1. There is no need to seal quartz, you do have to seal granite (unless engineered) every year.
2. Quartz is less porous then granite, making it more resisted to bacteria.
3. Quartz, although a natural stone, it is mixed with polymers resin, making it the best of both worlds, manmade and natural.
4. Granite, unless engineered gives off gasses called radon, which has been linked to lung cancer.
5. Granite has veins which can crack or chip. Quartz does not.
6. Quartz comes in many different colors.
7. Nothing beats the look of granite natural patterns.

According to the countertop industry trends, there has been a shift from granite to quartz. As a matter of fact, quartz has seen of growth of 13% as oppose to granite 5%. More and more designers and architects are choosing quartz over granite.

So what is quartz? Quartz is a silicone dioxide and forms individual crystals, patterns and colors. Quartz is then manufactured with a mixture of 93% quartz and 7% pigments and resin. The ratio can be change, the lower the quartz material, the lower the price and quality.

Falls of the Ohio State Park

Granite for all its beauty, has flaws. Engineer granite has the flaws engineered out, just like quartz.  Quartz seems to be the better choice, unless it's engineered granite. In which case, they became equal.

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Which ever you chose, you can't really go wrong. It's just a matter of preference.

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