"Butcher block countertops aren't anything new, and it's been a popular material choice for years (including for Erin Napier!) because of the homey feel they lend to a kitchen. But while they look made for double duty, there are different opinions on the pros and cons of chopping food and ingredients directly on them. Turns out, as long as you're using a food-safe finishing oil and doing regular maintenance, you can cut food directly on the counter."
"But there are downsides to cutting on modern butcher block countertops, as many people on Reddit point out. Wood is very porous and therefore hard to sanitize, so you may be giving germs and bacteria a breeding ground if you begin chopping on your countertop (versus, say, a hard plastic cutting board). And cutting on your butcher block will also damage it over time with slice marks and stains."
Butcher block countertops provide a warm, homey aesthetic and historically were used by butchers for cutting meat. Proper sealing with a food-safe finishing oil and consistent maintenance can allow direct cutting on these surfaces. Wood's porous nature makes it more difficult to sanitize than nonporous alternatives, increasing the potential for germs and bacteria to accumulate. Regular chopping will produce slice marks and stains over time, and some homeowners have needed to sand and refinish before selling. Many people recommend using hard plastic cutting boards for easier sanitation and less long-term damage.
Read at Apartment Therapy
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