The natural and warm look of wood is a pleasing bonus to any room, but especially in the kitchen.  Chefs and home cooks have used butcher block countertops for ages because of their beautiful appearance, durability, and practicality.  Butcher block counter tops may not be as durable as some styles of countertops such as tile, granite and corian but are more durable than formica and laminate countertops. Butcher block countertops are usually made from oak or maple, woods that are known for their solidity, but they can also be purchased in cherry, teak, walnut, and almost any other type of wood.  Even exotic varieties of woods can be ordered to suit the homeowners taste.  On most oak and maple blocks, cooks can cut directly on the countertop without permanently damaging the surface or the knife edge and most knife indentions can be buffed out with light sanding from a sanding block and rubbing in a mineral oil.  The other types of woods are reserved exclusively for an aesthetic appearance and cannot be cut on.

If someone just prefers the look of butcher block countertops, but doesn’t actually plan to use the countertop for cutting they can have the countertop permanently wood sealed.  This way the countertop is easier to clean and maintain.  Sealed butcher block countertops also maintain a consistent color over time and are, by and large, water resistant.  Unsealed countertops or oil-finished countertops are used for cutting and chopping, but since they are unsealed or just oil-finished, they can warp or turn black from excess water.  To minimize this from happening, a person just needs to be diligent about cleaning and keeping the block moderately dry.  Also, it is wise not to install unsealed butcher block countertops near a sink or other water supply.

Even after a person has tried to main the appearance of their butcher block countertop, like with most countertops, everyday wear and tear may mar the appearance.  One of the greatest advantages of butcher block countertops, over other leading countertops, is their ability to be refinished.  Block countertops can be sanded down and refinished, achieving a brand-new appearance at relatively no cost.  When well cared for, butcher block countertops have the capability to last for an indefinite period.

Butcher block can be custom ordered to any size to fit any size countertop. If possible, installing the countertops yourself will save large amounts of money. With a little research and some elbow grease you will be suprised at how well of a job you can do on your own, while saving money at the same time.

Even if you do have to hire a professional for major upgrades, there are ways you can save money by doing things that you normally have to pay for. You can take care of some of the demolition yourself especially in a kitchen remodel as it will save money that you normally would pay the contractor. You also may be able to do some drywall work and also do the painting yourself. You can include your family on some of the work, have a painting party with family and friends. Include some beverages and a hot meal such as pizza and watch the volunteers flock to your house.

Instead of going to the bank and getting a loan for excess work on your home, try rolling up your sleeves and doing as much of the work as you can. There are always ways you can save money around you home. Watching for sales, cutting coupons, recycling, and even referbishing old items. There are certain times of the year when large ticket items go on sale, like before the end of the year. Retail store are trying to reduce their inventory before they have to pay taxes on it, this is a great time as a consumer to take advantage of items that need to be replaced or updated in your home. Most retail stores send out coupons in their mailers or even in your local news paper that you can use in store or even some retail store will take their competitors coupons.

With the world focusing on eco friendly items and recycling more and more people are trying to reduce their carbon foot print by reusing items they have and referbishing them. If you have a vanity in your bathroom that has seen better days, try sanding the wood and repainting it. This will breathe new life into older items and will give your home a new updated look that you are trying to achieve. You may also be able to use every day household items in ways that you may have never thought of before. You can recycle your slightly used shower curtain, from your newly painted bathroom, and use it as your new table cloth. You can create a stylish new dog bed out of old curtains and packing peanuts.

There are so many ways to save money around your house on home improvement projects, no mater how minor the project is. Something as small as replacing the wall plates around your home to something as big as replacing the flooring in your home will make a drastic impact on the look of your home, but doesnt have to make that same impact on your bank account. Doing as much as you can yourself will save you money as well as give you the satisfaction of knowing that all the compliments you will get will be for the work you did.