Since wood is known to absorb moisture and moisture helps create an environment for bacteria to grow, are butcher block countertops sanitary and safe to use?  Most butcher block manufacturers claim that these countertops are some of the most sanitary in the countertop market.  Some people who do not advocate the use of butcher block countertops complain that they have to be cleaned and scrubbed thoroughly with soap every time they are used.  But when a person really thinks about it, don’t all cutting boards have to be cleaned this way before they are used?

Some advantages of butcher block countertops have that other countertops don’t is that it can be sanded down and refinished or oiled if it becomes stained, scratched or otherwise damaged.  No other countertop, including more expensive ones such as granite, marble, and corian, can claim this advantage.  Even when it is sanded down, it doesn’t have that patched up look.  It looks completely new!  Regular maintenance on the countertops helps to minimize the need for the whole countertop to be sanded down.  Routine light sanding with a block sander and applying mineral oil about every six weeks will keep the butcher block countertop looking great.

Another advantage of butcher block countertops is that a home owner will get an extremely pleasing look for a fraction of the cost of other countertops.  A person may choose to just do a portion of their countertop in butcher block, such as an island or area by the stove.  The great thing about butcher block countertops is that it goes well with other types of countertops and a vast array of appliances.   Also, sharp knives will not become dull after repeated use on the butcher block countertop. Remember that butcher block tops require maintenance to keep them sanitary and looking new for years. It is important to use cutting board oil regularly to make sure you can achieve the look, and food ready surface you are looking for.

Some of the sturdier butcher block countertops are made of Hard Rock Maple or Appalachian Red Oak.  If left unsealed or oil-finished these types are perfect for preparing and cutting food directly on them.  If a homeowner chooses another type of wood, especially expensive, exotic woods, he or she may want to consider having the countertop sealed and not use it for cutting on.  Most special order woods are not strong or hard enough to cut directly on them and can become damaged beyond repair if they are repeatedly used for such type of work.

So if you are shopping for a new kitchen countertop, you might want to consider the beauty, practicality, and durability of butcher block countertops..

Few people actually enjoy their kitchen enough to really spend time in it, that is the kind of time needed to promote family unity and overall life satisfaction.  So the question comes up – why not do a little remodeling to make it more family orientated?  After all, the kitchen is the hub and heart of your entire home.  This is where you eat, pay your bills if you don’t have an office in your home, and you also like to entertain in there.  So this might entail installing a few extra cabinets and maybe even re-arranging the ones you have.

So to get the kitchen of your dreams, it would be reasonable to get knowledgeable professionals to give you some design ideas as well as types of cabinet material that would fit your budget and blend into your already existing kitchen.  Also, keep in mind that in an open kitchen that leads into a living room or dining room, islands can be a nice way to break up the space and add extra seating and storage. So after all the ideas and suggestions are given, you decide that for the way your particular kitchen was designed, you have more than ample room to add an island.

Here are a few good reasons why putting in an island works.  First, they work because they can be accessed from all sides like a regular kitchen table.  Second, they become the focal point of a kitchen because they have the look and feel of furniture, rather than just a component.  Third, they can accommodate multiple cooks, kids doing homework, etc…

Now, what kind of island do you want. You may want to decide on a typical simple flat surface counter to match the countertops of all your other cabinets which are laminate, therefore making it easy to match. Kitchen islands can be custom-made using a variety of materials for the base and the countertop.  Or this may be a project you may want to take on yourself.  Either way,  it is a simple solution and contributes a simple elegant look to the kitchen.  This would also add much added working space and storage areas.  To add personality and style, you can add architectural details such as bump-outs, corner posts, inset areas and open shelving.

When it’s time for a new countertop, there is a lot to know, but this process doesn’t have to be difficult.  After all, decorating style is what makes a home and presents your personal expression.  So it should be a style that suits your life and works for you and your family.  Begin your search by thumbing through decorating magazines and then clip out the pictures that please you, whether it is the color or pattern or texture that grabs your attention.

Also keep in mind your own personal entertaining style.  Do you entertain a lot, and does everyone tend to gather in the kitchen?  You may also want your new kitchen to be casual, not formal.  With hundreds of options for your new countertops, it’s best to narrow the scope by deciding on your color scheme and then picking the texture that best suits you.

Keep in mind that countertops are made of lots of different materials – solid surfacing, natural or engineered stone even ceramic or glass tile.  But if you are looking for the best selection or colors and patterns and the lowest price, laminate is your choice.  There is a large variety of patterns and colors that range from vibrant pure colors to many patterns that simulate the look of stone and wood – at a fraction of the cost that you would pay for real thing.

When it comes to the edging of your countertops, formica countertops offer more choices than other materials.  It comes in a wide range of rolled edges as well as beveled.  And only laminate can be formed into a seamless cove backsplash to keep all those nasty spills form going behind the cabinets.

Several things you want to keep in mind when installing laminate countertops in the proper way of keeping them clean so they will last and stay as beautiful as the day you installed them.  If you stay on top of it, cleaning is simple and easy.  Just use a damp cloth or sponge with a mild soap or detergent.  If you get a didfficult stain such as tea or coffee, it can be removed by using a mild cleaner and baking soda – mixing to achieve a paste consistency and using a stiff nylon bristle brush.  Don’t scrubb to hard and do so for about 15-20 strokes so as not to scratch the finish.

Some recommended household cleaners are Formula 409, Dawn, Glass Plus, Fantastic, Windex, Pledge, Mr. Clean and Top Job.  Beware of acidic or abrasive cleaners as they can damage laminate surfaces, so do not use them.  Also beware of hair, textile and food dyes as these too can cause permanent damage.  If you do have one of these spills, you would want to wipe it immediately with dishwashing detergent or an all-purpose cleaner.  Be sure to always rinse the surface several times.