The average cost of a butcher block counter in the United States is $3,500 for material and installation. Prices range from $50-$100 per square foot, depending on the thickness of the butcher block and the type of wood.
Types of Wood for Butcher Block Counters with Price
The most common type of butcher block counter is Hard Rock Maple. Maple has a light but neutral tone and, on average, costs $40 – $60 per square foot. The most expensive butcher block counters are teak or maple. On average, teak butcher block runs $100-$200 per square foot, and walnut costs $75 – $300 per square foot.
Here’s a look at the types of butcher block with their average costs per square foot.
| Wood Species | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Red Oak | $15-$50 | Straight grain, easy to work with, and accepts finishes well |
| Birch | $25-$75 | Affordable and durable, offering a light, clean look |
| Acacia | $30-$100 | Durable and resists stains and knife marks – provides a unique grain pattern |
| Beech | $40-$100 | Adds warmth and is a dense material appropriate as a chopping block |
| Maple | $40-$60 | Widely available, offers a neutral tone and a food-safe surface |
| Cherry | $50-$275 | Provides a smooth wood grain and rich cherry color |
| Bamboo | $50-$125 | Eco-friendly and offers extreme density making them an excellent countertop material |
| Walnut | $75-$300 | Durable, offers some bacteria resistance, and a deep color |
| Teak | $100-$200 | Easy to maintain, doesn’t trap germs or debris, and offers color contrast |
How Much Does it Cost to Have Butcher Block Counters Installed?
Butcher block installation costs $10 to $100 per square foot or about $50-$100 per hour, depending on the complexity of the job and your location. Ask about installation costs when ordering butcher block countertops for an accurate estimate.
If you have some construction experience and help to lift the counters, you can install butcher block yourself.
Butcher Block Grain Type
There are two butcher block grain types: end grain and edge grain. Edge grain is the most common and features long strips of wood glued together. End grain is a more expensive type of butcher block featuring short strips of wood glued vertically to create a checkerboard pattern.
Cost of Butcher Block Countertops vs. Quartz Counters
The average price of butcher block counters is $3,500 for material and installation. The average cost of quartz countertops, including material and installation, is $2,850.
Whether butcher block or quartz will be cheaper depends on the product you choose. For example, a low-cost butcher block like maple or acacia will be less expensive than a high-end quartz counter.
Cost of Butcher Block Counters vs. Granite Countertops
The average cost of granite counters is $3,250, including material and installation. The average price of butcher block counters is higher at $3,500.
Costs will vary by location and the specific material you choose. Shop around to see if butcher block or granite is cheaper based on the varieties you like most.
Where to Buy Butcher Block Counters
You can find butcher block at local flooring and home improvement stores. A quick Google search for butcher block counters for sale will yield results in your area. You can also purchase butcher block counters from the following big box stores.
- Ikea – Ikea offers particle board countertops with a thick wood veneer. These are not authentic butcher block counters, but they can give you the look at a fraction of the cost.
- Lowes – Lowes offers a few different species of butcher block, including Acacia, Rubberwood, and Birch. They have several colors and a range of patterns, including straight and chevron.
- The Home Depot – The Home Depot offers a more extensive line of butcher block with many finished and unfinished counters available. Some of the wood species they carry include Walnut, Teak, Birch, Acacia, and Maple.
- Lumber Liquidators – Lumber Liquidators sells finished and unfinished butcher block slabs. They offer the following wood species: American Walnut, Maple, Acacia, White Oak, Teak, and Cherry.
