Butcher Block Countertops in Hampton, VA
We measure, supply and fit butcher block countertops on kitchen counters and islands across Hampton, Virginia.
- Quotes in writing
- 17 areas covered
Hampton Countertop Pros fits butcher block countertops in homes across Hampton. We measure your cabinets first, then have each wood top cut to fit them.
Which woods are used for butcher block
Virginia's food regulations, the rules for food businesses, say that wood shall not be used as a surface that touches food, apart from a few exceptions. One exception is hard maple, or another wood that is just as hard and close-grained. The rules say it may be used for cutting boards, cutting blocks and bakers' tables.
We can bring hard maple and other hardwood samples to your kitchen, so you can see them next to your cabinets.
How wood reacts to the air in your kitchen
The U.S. Forest Service's Wood Handbook says wood takes on moisture from the air around it. It says how much moisture moves between the wood and the air depends on the humidity and temperature of the air and how much water is already in the wood.
The handbook also says many of the problems with using wood come from changes in how much water is in it, or from too much water in the wood. Before you pick a wood, we'll talk through where the top will sit, for example next to the sink or the dishwasher.
Keeping a wood counter clean
For cutting boards, the USDA says you can choose wood or a surface such as plastic, marble or glass, and that those surfaces are easier to clean than wood.
The USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline says to wash cutting boards with hot, soapy water after each use, then rinse them with clear water and air dry them or pat them dry with clean paper towels. The USDA says both wooden and plastic cutting boards can be sanitized with 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water.
How butcher block is cut and shaped
OSHA says wood dust becomes a health problem when bits of wood from sanding and cutting get into the air. It says breathing them may cause allergy symptoms, other breathing problems and cancer.
Whoever you hire, ask them where your top will be cut and sanded and how they keep the dust down.
What sets the price of butcher block
We price butcher block countertops for your house once we've measured, and you get that quote in writing. Our price depends on the wood you choose, how much counter we cover, the edge you pick, and how many holes we cut for the sink and the cooktop, the burners set into the counter.
Not sure butcher block is the one? We also fit quartz, granite, quartzite, marble, soapstone and solid surface, and we can quote more than one.
What to get in writing
Ask for these in writing, whoever you hire:
- The type of wood and the thickness of the top.
- A drawing of the layout, with every seam and cutout marked.
- Which edge you are getting and which finish goes on the wood.
- Where the top will be cut and sanded.
- Whether taking out and hauling away the old countertops is in the price.
- Who disconnects and reconnects the sink, faucet and cooktop.
Questions about butcher block countertops in Hampton
Can you fit butcher block on just the island?
Yes, we can fit butcher block on the island alone and stone on the rest of your counters, and quote the two together.
Do I need a permit for new butcher block countertops in Hampton?
The City of Hampton says you don't need a permit to replace a plumbing fixture in the same location, other than a gas water heater. Water lines, electrical wiring, gas lines and sheetrock (drywall) are on its list of work that does need one. If your new top means moving the sink or adding an outlet, we'll check with the city's permit office with you before we start.
Can I cut raw meat right on a butcher block counter?
The USDA suggests using one cutting board for fresh produce and bread and a separate one for raw meat, poultry and seafood. It says this stops bacteria from the raw meat board getting onto food that won't be cooked. We'd keep a separate board for raw meat, even on a wood counter.
What happens when a wood surface gets worn?
The USDA says all wooden cutting boards wear out over time, and once they are very worn or have grooves that are hard to clean, they should be thrown out. On a butcher block counter, send us a photo and we'll tell you whether a countertop repair will do or the top should be replaced.
Can you replace my old laminate with butcher block?
Yes, we can take out old laminate or tile tops and fit butcher block in their place as part of a countertop replacement job.
Can you put in a backsplash at the same time?
Yes, we can. Once the butcher block is set, we do backsplash installation, facing the strip of wall just above the counter with tile or stone that goes with it.
Get a quote for butcher block countertops
Call us, or send the quote form with your ZIP code and the rooms you want done. We'll measure, go through wood types and edges with you, and give you a written quote. To see the other countertops we fit, go to the Hampton Countertop Pros home page.
Ready to talk about your countertop job?
Send the quote form with your ZIP code and what you need. We will get back to you with a written quote.