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Luxury Kitchen Series: Butcher Block Countertops 

8/16/2016

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      Typically used back in the 1920’s, butcher-block countertops were and still are excellent for food preparation. Today, many homeowners are deciding to use them more as a statement piece rather than for functionality. Often, a work island might have a butcher-block countertop while the countertops around the appliances and sink are made from another material. This creates a warm, traditional and very attractive look for your kitchen. Butcher-block countertops are also a top choice for those who love to work in the kitchen. 

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What are they made of? 

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​       Butcher-block countertops are crafted from different wood pieces of varying colors, brought together to form a pattern, typically alternating in colors and textures.  Once the pattern is determined and the different types of woods are selected, all of the wood is glued together, sanded and sealed to form a smooth, unified countertop. 

What’s the Cost?

New woods are being added to the lineup of butcher block and wood countertops every year, creating a wide variety of pricing. Butcher block or wood countertops on average are about $35-$200 per square foot.  This price can vary depending on the species of woods you use.
    Beautiful wood countertops are stunning and bring a great accent piece to your kitchen. Keep in mind that butcher-block countertops are not for everyone. Here are some of the strengths and weaknesses that come along with the beauty and convenience. ​

Strengths: ​

Weaknesses: ​

​Butcher-block countertops are ideal for those who enjoy baking and other types of food preparation; they handle cutting very well and do a good job of hiding cuts and scratches. The scars they accumulate give them character and are part of their appeal. After years of use, these kitchen countertops can be sanded and resealed, making them look new again, returning them to the warmth and beauty of natural wood. Butcher-block also goes well with a wide variety of cabinetry, flooring and other kitchen décor.  They are easy to clean and they don’t suffer from some of the weaknesses of harder countertops such as cracking or chipping.
​Butcher-block countertops need to be sealed when produced or first installed and they require periodic sealing over the years.  Without sealing, water can penetrate the butcher block and warp wood pieces, causing them to separate.  Unsealed wood can also harbor germs.  Long-term exposure to water is not good for the wood. If the surface is scratched below the level of the finish, oiling the area is needed.  In fact, some manufacturers recommend oiling butcher-block countertops every 1-3 months with linseed oil to keep out the harmful effects of water.
 
        ​Overall, if you enjoy working in the kitchen, you’ll probably love the functionality of butcher-block countertops and other wood countertops.  They are great for baking and other types of food preparation. The warmth and beauty of natural wood creates a very inviting space for homeowners and guests. 
Live your luxury.​
Live in Chicago or the North Shore?

Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer,
Amber Golob, by contacting her at
Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498.
 
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Luxury Kitchens: Laminate Kitchen Countertops

8/2/2016

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In the 70’s and 80’s, “cheap and affordable” laminate countertops were very popular because of the price and possibilities that they offered. Flash forward to the 21st century, though, and you will see many new homeowners unhappy with these chipped, burned, and very dated countertops previously installed within their homes. Today, many people – especially those interested in luxury interior design – are looking for a kitchen facelift. One of the easiest ways to do this is by replacing your countertops. 
Don’t be too excited to run away from those laminate countertops just yet though! With new technology and more options available, laminate countertops come in the widest possible range of colors and patterns currently on the home improvement market. From marble imitative veining, glass-like solid colors, or even the natural speckles and flakes of granite: all of these styles are available in laminate options now. 

What are they made of? ​​

          Laminate countertops are typically called “plastic laminate” because the surfaces are made of multiple plastic compounds.  Laminate countertops typically contain a hard particleboard core with layers of plastic laminate bonded over the top of it.  Many laminates are now made to mimic the look of more expensive surfaces like marble or granite. This has created a greater desire for these kinds of countertops than ever before.

What’s the Cost? 

           When getting a quote for your countertops, make sure that your quotes are broken down. This not only is telling you where your money is going, but may help you budget later on, as well. Custom laminate countertops usually cost around $7-$30 per square foot, depending on the brand, color, finish and edge style. A typical kitchen with 30 square feet of countertop area will cost you $210-$900, not including professional installation. As far as professional installation, this price will vary from your contractor, but it should be about $40-$65 per square foot or $1,200-$1,950 for a typical 30 square foot kitchen.
 
          Many home improvement stores, such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, sell prefabricated sections of laminate countertop for around $50-$200 per section. Sections typically come in different sizes and corner pieces, with backsplashes attached. Though typically cheaper to install, installation is not included in this price. Sheet laminate costs $30-$150 per sheet, depending on the size of the sheet, color, and style of the laminate. 

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Having unlimited options and low prices may seem like the obvious decision, but don’t be too quick on your decision yet. Laminate countertops are not for everyone. Let’s dive right into some of the strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths: ​

Laminate countertops are made with higher quality than ever before! The process has been refined to make them more durable. They also remain one of the most affordable types of countertops available. Laminate countertops come in the widest selection too, with a large palette of colors, hundreds of patterns and designs, and now, textured surfaces too.  For cleanup, there’s nothing easier than laminate countertops.  The surface is solid, without pores, so a soapy washcloth or sponge is usually all that is needed.  Laminate seams can also be hidden more easily than most countertop seams.

Weaknesses: ​

Laminate countertops can be more easily scratched than most surfaces so it is best to do any cutting in the kitchen on a cutting board. If you are used to setting hot pots or pans on your bare countertops, this material wont take that so well, because laminate is not heat resistant. The laminate surface that is scratched, burned or chipped is very difficult to repair.
 
          Laminate countertops offer attractive finishes in a range of colors sure to match your décor and they do so at very affordable prices.  In the end, this is the best choice for those with a limited budget, a position most homeowners are in, and someone who will be using the surface with the proper precautions. Because of the color selection, affordability and versatility, laminate surfaces are also popular for offices, laundry areas, workshops and other locations. 
Come back soon for our next installment of “Luxury Kitchens!”
​
​​Live your luxury.
​Live in Chicago or the North Shore?
Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498.
Written By: Aija Rozentals 
​Edited By: Kyle Thomas 

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