Custom butcher block countertops and island tops

Choosing a butcher block top

Wood. Hard rock maple is light, very hard and the most popular choice. Black walnut brings deep chocolate browns, American cherry starts pale and ripens to a warm red-brown, and red oak has bold, open grain with golden tones. Commercial-grade maple is a heavy-duty option for big work surfaces.

Grain. Edge grain shows long, straight rails and works for almost any countertop. Blended grain joins shorter pieces end to end for a more rustic look at a lower price. End grain turns the wood on end for the classic checkerboard, the best surface for serious chopping and the easiest on knives.

Thickness. 1-1/2 inches suits most countertops. Thicker tops, from 2-1/4 up to 7 inches for end grain, make a statement on an island and add heft for a prep station.

Finish. The natural oil finish is food safe and made to be cut on; it needs a coat of oil about once a month. Varnique is a sealed semi-gloss that wipes clean easily, best with a cutting board on top. End grain comes with Boos Block Board Cream.

Island tops. Plan about 24 inches of length per stool and a 10 to 12 inch overhang for knees. Overhangs past about 10 inches need brackets or corbels underneath.

Common questions

How is a custom size priced?

Like John Boos prices custom work: from the smallest Boos stock size that covers your length and width, in the wood, grain, thickness and finish you pick. Exact stock sizes add straight to your cart; custom sizes and edges are confirmed by our team before we order.

Which wood is best for a butcher block countertop?

Hard rock maple is the most popular: light, very hard and the best value. Walnut gives a rich dark look, cherry warms and deepens with age, and red oak shows bold grain.

What is the difference between edge, blended and end grain?

Edge grain uses long rails running the full length and suits most countertops. Blended is edge grain with finger-jointed rails, a little more rustic and the best value. End grain is the classic checkerboard, the toughest surface for heavy chopping.

Oil or Varnique finish?

The natural oil finish is food safe, so you can cut right on it, but it needs re-oiling about once a month. Varnique is a sealed semi-gloss finish that is easier to clean; use a cutting board on it.

Can you make sink or cooktop cutouts?

Yes, in edge grain tops. Add a note with the sink or cooktop model and position, and we confirm the price with you before ordering.

Do you install?

Yes. Our Keene team installs countertops and islands across the Monadnock region. Tap the quote button and your top comes with the request.