Need to Compare Wood Species?
What is the Best Wood for Butcher Block Countertops?
There’s no better material for butcher blocks than Appalachian hardwood. Augusta Surfaces products are made from timber harvested in the Shenandoah Valley, which grants our hardwood unique properties, namely its strength and tight grain patterns, resulting in beautiful, character-rich surfaces that will bring warmth to any home.
However, with so many species to choose from, you may be wondering: what is the right species of hardwood butcher block for me? While there are some variations in hardness, ultimately the answer boils down to aesthetics. Read on for a breakdown of all the hardwood species we offer at Augusta Surfaces.
Maple
Overall blonde in color with a tight grain, maple can include some natural color variation with significant amounts of honey brown and darker streaks. Its lighter sapwood can range from pale yellows to nearly white. In butcher block form, this creates a fine spectrum of cream and nutty tones and a clean, contemporary look that compliments most styles.
Durability: Medium hardness wood with wear-resistance — an ideal choice for high-use areas.
Walnut
Identified by its luxurious chocolate brown color that can fade into both deep caramel and lighter tones, walnut is a timeless classic for furniture builders. Its grain is generally tight but can appear wavy. Walnut is a preferred wood for sophisticated designs and a popular choice for adding contrast to lighter color palettes.
Durability: Medium-low hardness, resilient with proper care.
White Oak
White oak offers a more uniform color range, sitting squarely in the spectrum between light and medium brown with some occasional olive undertones. White oak has a tight grain that is known to exhibit occasional “flakes” – or ribbon-like patterns. All of this makes white oak a particularly flexible option that works well in both modern and traditional designs.
Durability: High hardness with resistance to moisture and wear.
Red Oak
Red oak is the most popular hardwood in the United States, often used for flooring, furniture, and cabinetry. As a butcher block, red oak offers a lower price-point option that’s highly durable and easy on the eyes with its colors ranging from deep brown grain to lighter caramel and pinkish tones.
Durability: High-hardness, extremely durable, though not as moisture resistant as white oak.
Cherry
A classic amongst furniture makers and collectors, cherry hardwood is prized for its red and pink hues that deepen in the sunlight through the years. With a tight grain that occasionally presents wave-like patterns, cherry’s cinnamon, salmon, and soft tan tones look great in traditional designs, or as warm balance to a cooler, contemporary palette.
Durability: Medium-low hardness but resilient for lower-use areas.
Hickory
A character-rich wood with high color contrast, Hickory is often sought out for its rustic appearance. Colors range from light creamy sapwood to medium rust and dark brown heartwood with sometimes coarse and variable grain. The densest American hardwood, Hickory is extremely durable and great for high-use areas like kitchens and workshops.
Durability: Very-high hardness with maximum resistance to dents and scratches.
Making the Right Surface Choice for You
The best hardwood for butcher block countertops depends on what’s best for you. If you're prioritizing hardness and longevity, maple or hickory are excellent choices. For dramatic visual appeal, choose walnut or cherry. And if you’re looking for something more versatile, white or red oak deliver both beauty and strength.
With so many species of great American hardwoods, choosing the right wood for your countertops can be a difficult task. Augusta Surfaces is here to help make sure you’re confident in your decision. Ready to make a purchase? Shop now.