Hi AT,
My kitchen designer says that it is just fine to use butcher block countertop with an undermounted kitchen sink (I have also noted this combination in a number of design books and magazines).
But the carpenter who is doing the installation says that I should tile around the sink, as the butcher block could either rot, discolor, or come apart completely. Does anyone have any experience either way?
Thanks,
Uriah
Can anyone speak from experience and help out Uriah??
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They are probably both right. I've seen both cases. ones that were fine and ones that were a nightmare of damage.
Water is the enemy of any wood. Would you leave the buthcher block outside in the elements and expect it to be ok after a while?
To compound the danger you are probably taking a solid top and cutting a hole in itfor the undermount sink. The resulting cut now doesn't have any factory finish on it, if your top came with one. Plus those exposed edges are designed by nature to wick water up through the tree.
Your installer needs to very anal with sealing the top and those cut edges to protect them from the moisture from the sink. If you carpenter in doing the cutting and prep of the block for the sink, they should check with the fabricator about acceptable sealants and procedures. If it is being prepped off site make sure the fabricator does the same. You will probably also want to extend that sealant at least three inches from the cut out on the uderside as well.
Once in place, I'd suggest you be very careful with cleaning up spills around the sink and dont let the water in the sink get high enough to really soak the block edge.
Dishwashers are another source of moisture for block counters and you should probably check with the block manufacturer for procedures there too.
Having said all that, butcher block counter tops are extremely beautiful and I think are the nicest looking of all the choices. I've got them in my kitchen now.
I have maple butcher block with an undermount sink in my kitchen. We sealed the cut side with polyurethane and caulked the edge where the sink and wood meet with good quality silicone.
I haven't had any problems with water damage in the two years since I put them in. Of course, you do have to oil them regularly.
the dishwasher should not be problem if it is insulated. Cheap formica countertops have pressed wood scraps underneath and they've been fine for several decades.
My only unhappiness with having butcher block is that it does stain quite easily. Unless you are a careful cook or don't mind that "used" wood patina (think old cutting board) butcher block can be a headache. I think next time I'll go with engineered stone.