As an essential and aesthetic piece of furniture, a butcher block table is greatly gaining in popularity for serious home cooks and kitchen designers alike. Originally developed over a century ago to meet the needs of the butchery industry, they are now a central feature in any kitchen being ideal for conveniently preparing and serving meat, vegetables, fruit, cheese and bread, without the need of separate cutting boards.
Durable and stylish construction
A butcher block table is made from solid, durable woods such as walnut, teak, ash, beech, hard maple and red oak. To be environmentally friendly it is good to look for manufacturers that use (Forest Stewardship Council) FSC-certified wood from renewable plants. These wood pieces are glued together with either end grain or edge grain to give strength to the wood and prevent warping or splitting. They are able to withstand use, and knife marks do not readily show on the surface. Rathermore, they do not damage and dull expensive knives. The cutting board need to be at least one and a half inches thick. The thicker the butcher board is the more durable it will be. The natural beauty of the wooden butcher block can be combined with strong legs and frames in wood, stainless steel and granite. This creates a working piece of furniture that is practical as well as stylish.
Additional features
There are a variety of designs available that come with additional features that can increase your work space area, provide additional storage and make food preparation more convenient. These features include shelving, storage drawers, utensil holders, knife racks, towel rails, removable cutting boards, bottle racks and drop-leaf tables.
Portable convenience
A butcher block table is also available with the option of rolling caster wheels. This makes it so convenient to move it where you want for food preparation; maybe near an electrical socket if you are using an electric knife, next to a window for extra light or to enjoy looking outdoors, sometimes into another room where you can see the television or keep an eye on the children. The wheeled option also means you can use it as a serving trolley to bring food into another room and move it around as you serve your guests.
Maintenance
Your butcher block table can be maintained with little effort. However, it is obviously essential to prevent the growth of bacteria which could result in food poisoning so basic common hygiene sense will involve clearing the surface with bleach or a natural vinegar solution on a regular basis. Mineral oil should be applied to the butcher block about once a month and left to soak in overnight. This seals moisture into the wood andvents it drying out and cracking. It also helps protect against germs. Unlike vegetable or olive oil, mineral oil does not leave any residual smell that would contaminate the taste of the food being prepared on the cutting board. Many websites and shops that sell butcher block tables will also stock food grade mineral oil.
Butcher block tables come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, shapes and materials, with traditional, modern and country kitchen styles. Therefore, they bring a classy and elegant touch to your kitchen design as well as being functional and useful, making food preparation a much more efficient and enjoyable experience.