How Much Do Butcher Block Countertops Cost in 2025?
Butcher block countertops cost an average of $3,750
Butcher block countertops cost between $500 and $15,000, averaging $3,750.
The cost per square foot ranges from $50 to $150, depending on wood type and quality.
The counter size, thickness, material, and custom additions influence the overall price.
Professional installation ensures a proper fit and finish, enhancing durability and performance while preventing potential issues.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
A typical butcher block countertop costs between $1,200 and $5,000, depending on the size and wood type, with an average price of $3,750. The total cost depends on the counter’s size, thickness, and material. Made from strips of hardwood glued together, butcher block countertops add warmth and natural beauty to your kitchen. They're a popular choice for those seeking a sturdy and charming alternative to granite or quartz. Understanding the costs involved and hiring a professional countertop installer ensures seamless installation, longevity, and function.
Wood Countertops Cost Factors
The top factors determining the price of a butcher block countertop include its size, thickness, and local labor rates.
Size
The size of your countertop plays a significant role in the overall cost. The bigger the countertop, the higher the price tag. Materials run between $50 and $150 per square foot, and installation adds another $10 to $100 per square foot. For larger kitchens with 50 to 60 square feet of countertop space, you might spend between $2,500 and $9,000—or even up to $15,000 for fully customized installations.
Thickness
Thickness matters when selecting your butcher block countertop. You'll often need 1.5 to three inches of thick wood for kitchens to ensure durability and a solid feel. Thinner wood—half an inch—might suffice in less demanding settings like a home office. Keep in mind that if your design includes corners or sink cutouts, you'll need specialty cuts, which can increase the cost.
Labor
Professional countertop installation costs between $10 and $100 per square foot, depending on the job's complexity. If your project includes detailed custom work, it can reach up to $150 per square foot. While this adds to the overall cost, hiring a local countertop installer ensures your countertop fits perfectly and lasts longer.
Butcher Block Countertop Cost by Type
There are several wood types to choose from when installing butcher block countertops, each with varying price ranges and benefits.
| Tree Type | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| Maple | $40–$80 |
| Acacia | $30–$100 |
| Walnut | $75–$300 |
| Red oak | $15–$50 |
| Cherry | $50–$275 |
| Teak | $100–$200 |
| Zebrawood | $200–$300 |
| Bamboo | $50–$125 |
| Beech | $40–$10 |
Maple
Maple wood countertops cost $40 to $80 per square foot. Flat-grain maple is hard with a clear grain, making it an economical and popular choice. They’re more cost-friendly and have a softer wood that is more easily scarred and nicked.
You’ll often find the light-colored maple mixed with dark walnut or mahogany for mixed wood counters.
Acacia
Acacia, also known as golden teak, costs $30 to $100 per square foot. Finished acacia can run over $100 per square foot, but due to its popularity, the price continues to drop.
Walnut
Walnut wood countertops cost $75 to $300 per square foot. Walnut is a stronger material that comes in a variety of hues. You might find that some of your other furniture is also made of this material.
Red Oak
Oak, a traditional American hardwood, costs $15 to $50 per square foot, depending on the species. White oak costs about twice as much as darker oaks, it’s also considerably denser and makes for a contemporary edge or end-grain counter.
Cherry
Cherry countertop prices range from $50 to $275 per square foot. Cherry has a rich red color and a smooth, even finish used in everything from butcher blocks to furniture. Be careful not to mistake the common cherry stain finish for real cherry wood, which mimics cherry wood's red look.
Teak
Teak countertops cost between $100 and $200. Teak has become an incredibly popular luxury wood for everything from countertops to floors and siding. Almost all teak countertops include custom design work.
Zebrawood
Zebrawood countertops cost $200 to $300 per square foot. Zebrawood comes from Africa and has distinct, attractive light and dark grains. It’s a very dense wood, making it quite durable for butcher block counters.
Bamboo
Bamboo counters cost $50 to $125 per square foot. You can find bamboo in several shades, with darker bamboo for variations in the finish. Like cherry, bamboo is strongest at the end grain.
DIY vs. Hiring a Wood Countertop Pro
Installing a butcher block countertop can be a DIY-friendly project since the material is lighter and easier to work with than stone. You might spend 10 to 20 hours installing, and materials cost between $100 and $500, which could save you 30% to 50%. However, be cautious—mistakes in cutting for sinks or joints can be costly, potentially requiring you to replace the entire countertop. For peace of mind and a flawless finish, hiring a local countertop installer is worth the investment. If your countertops require plumbing or electrical work, professional assistance is essential to avoid costly mistakes and safety hazards.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Butcher block countertops come in three main styles, each offering a unique look and function. Flat grain, also known as face grain, showcases the natural wood patterns, giving your kitchen a modern and elegant appearance. Edge grain is made from long, narrow wood strips, making it sturdy and providing a consistent grain pattern. End grain features a checkerboard pattern that is highly durable and perfect for heavy food preparation. Each style caters to different aesthetic preferences and usage needs, enhancing your kitchen's look and functionality.
With proper care, wood countertops can last anywhere from 20 to 100 years. To keep yours looking like new, clean up spills immediately and reseal the surface regularly—ideally once a month in the first year, then twice a year after that. Regular maintenance helps preserve the wood's beauty and durability for decades.
Wood countertops aren't hard to maintain if you keep up with regular care. Simply clean them with mild soap and water after use and reseal them monthly during the first year (then twice a year afterward). Using a food-grade oil or sealant protects the wood from damage. With a bit of routine maintenance, your countertop will stay beautiful and durable.
Wood countertops are sanitary with proper care and maintenance. By sealing them with a food-grade sealant and cleaning them regularly with mild soap and water, you create a barrier that prevents bacteria from getting into the wood. Always dry the surface thoroughly after cleaning to keep it hygienic and safe for food prep.
It's best to oil raw wood countertops once a month during the first year. After that, you can oil them twice yearly to keep them in good shape. If your countertop is professionally stained or sealed, you might not need to oil it as often. Regular oiling helps prevent drying and cracking, preserving the wood's natural beauty and durability.
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