Cost of Butcher Block Countertops At Cutting Edge
Discover the cost of butcher block countertops, what affects pricing, and why Cutting Edge’s premium options are worth the investment.
If you’re looking for a stylish and functional addition to your designs, butcher block countertops can be an excellent choice. They’re versatile and durable and add natural warmth to any space. However, determining their cost can be challenging, especially when pricing varies based on wood species, finish, and customizations.
At Cutting Edge, we’ve spent over a decade creating custom butcher blocks. Our experience lets us explain the exact factors influencing the price and why our (more expensive) products are worth considering. In this guide, you’ll learn:
The Cost of Butcher Block Countertops Starts at $105 Per Piece
Before you dive into the pricing, all the costs in this article are based on retail pricing for edge grain butcher blocks. This is the most common butcher block construction method, created by running lumber to the correct width then turning them on edge and assembling the butcher block.
This method moves the edge grain of lumber to the top of the butcher block. Edge grain is more durable and stronger than face grain, which is what is typically used for slab doors.
You can recognize edge grain butcher blocks for their distinctive narrow slats (or laminations) running the full length of the countertop.
If you have a contractor account at Cutting Edge, your discount applies to the pricing for these products. You can request access to your contractor account to find accurate pricing online.
The base price for a raw 1” thick Red Oak butcher block is $105 for a 12” by 18” piece. Many factors affect this price, including the square footage. However, any of the options you choose will increase the price. Here’s a comparison of pricing for some of the popular options.
| Wood Species | 1" Thick | 1.5" Thick | 2" Thick | Finished With Food Safe Oil |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Oak (Price per Square Foot) | $70 | $105 | $140 | +$25 per square foot |
| Maple (Price per Square Foot) | $74 | $110 | $147 | +$25 per square foot |
| Hickory (Price per Square Foot) | $78 | $117 | $156 | +$25 per square foot |
| Walnut (Price per Square Foot) | $80 | $120 | $160 | +$25 per square foot |
| White Oak (Price per Square Foot) | $103 | $154 | 205 | +$25 per square foot |
| Rift Cut White Oak (Price per Square Foot) | $108 | $161 | $215 | +$25 per square foot |
Now that you know how the basic pricing compares, let’s look at what affects the price.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Butcher Block Countertops
Understanding what drives the cost of butcher block countertops can help you make informed decisions. Here’s what you need to know:
Wood Species
Hardwood species like Walnut or Rift Cut White Oak are more expensive than softer woods like Alder or Pine. Hardwoods are the usual choice due to their durability. However, if you’re working with a tight budget, choosing a softwood may be a good way to reduce the price.
Thickness
The thickness of the butcher block changes its price because increasing the thickness requires more material. Different butcher block styles are affected differently by thickness.
For edge grain construction, the most common option, and end grain (the checkerboard style) increasing the thickness means increasing the material used. However, increasing the thickness of face grain butcher blocks (built like a standard slab door) may mean using thicker lumber, which is more expensive.
Finishing
Adding a finish, such as food-safe oil, increases the price by at least $25 per square foot. This protective finish allows you to use the surface for food preparation, enhancing functionality and durability.
Profiling
Rounding corners or profiling edges adds elegance but also increases the price. At Cutting Edge, corner rounding is included in the standard cost due to CNC machining. However, edge profiling requires additional setup and manual work, costing at least $50 per piece.
Size
Larger blocks cost more because they require more material and labour. In addition, oversized blocks (wider than 32” or longer than 102”) may need additional jointing or pressing, adding complexity and increasing the price.
Customizations
Custom shapes, sink cutouts, or angled designs require extra labour for programming and manual cuts. These customizations are billed at $50 per hour.
Why Are Cutting Edge’s Butcher Block Countertops So Expensive?
If you’ve been comparing prices, you’ve likely noticed that Cutting Edge’s butcher blocks are at least 20% more expensive than those from other suppliers. At first glance, this might seem like a deal-breaker, but let’s review what this price difference means for you and your projects.
You can expect higher quality when you order a butcher block from Cutting Edge. We craft each piece with wood selected for its consistent colour and natural beauty. In comparison, other suppliers may use lower-grade wood or spend less time sorting for consistency, which can lead to a finished product that falls short of your expectations.
In addition, your countertop comes with a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects. This coverage means you can offer your clients a quality product and peace of mind.
Finally, you can request customizations to meet your specific needs, from angled or curved blocks to sink cutouts and more. While these features add to the overall cost, they allow you to create designs tailored precisely to your client’s vision. Our team handles these requests so you don’t have to worry about finding a third-party solution. You’ll save time, reduce hassle, and provide a unique product your clients will love.
Price Out Your Butcher Block Countertops Online
You now have the basic knowledge you need about butcher block countertop costs and the factors affecting their pricing. Every little detail impacts the cost, from the material used to the thickness and size to the customizations.
And, although butcher blocks from Cutting Edge are more expensive, you’re not just purchasing a countertop – you’re investing in superior quality. If you’re ready to calculate the cost of your project, learn how to price out your butcher blocks online. Don’t let incomplete pricing hold up your designs – find the information you need today.
