Butcher Block Chopping Boards
by habits on Sep.29, 2009, under investment
Butcher block working boards are now extremely popular for home use. Originally started around a hundred years ago for use by professional butchers, the long lasting beauty has created a more general appeal. No longer are they exclusively for commercial use, and they are a popular addition to any one’s residential.
Most non commercial setting owners love the look of the Monarch butcher block for an island in their kitchen. Before the dovetailed blocks came along those butchers of past would use sycamore rounds to cut the meat on. Since they would split often it would end up being more of a health problem than anything. Now the butchers block is made from small strips of maple that have been laminated and fixed together.
These larger blocks can be used to cut even the biggest pieces of meat such as a commercial butcher might require. Having said that, the smaller chopping boards designed for use in the home are still as solid, but on a smaller scale.
There are two distinct types of butcher block – end grain and side grain, the difference being that the end grain – as the name suggests uses the end grain of a piece of wood, so that when a knife is used, it slips between the grains, meaning less damage to the knife and fewer sharpenings. Typically, a hard wood such as Maple is used, meaning many years of use.
The dovetail and double dovetail joint combined with pressurized glue application produces a solid, heavy finished product that will last many years, and certainly longer than a single piece of wood. The joints are almost impermeable to bacteria although exposure to hot water such as in a dishwasher should be avoided.
You may actually find these butcher blocks at auction markets, because they last so long and have been passed down through the years. You can find other butcher block tables that will fit in nicer with your decor. Coming with many types of looks and styles.
Burcher block furniture is a welcome addition to any home. They are warm, handsome and durable. This means they are actually better value for money in the long run than some of the cheaper alternatives. A butcher block cutting board will last a life time – or longer.