How long does a wood (butcher block) countertop last?

You can expect a wood (butcher block) countertop to last 60 years or more with normal care. Use of the countertop as a cutting surface will lower life expectancy to about 20 years or less. Regular application of food-safe oil is necessary to maintain water resistance of the surface. Also, the surface can to sanded and refinished as stains accumulate over time.

    Here’s a bar graph that compares the life expectancy of a wood countertop to other available materials.
    Go to our blog post What is the average lifespan of the parts of a house? for rating of other house components. To understand the basis, potential use, and limitations of lifespan ratings, see How accurate are the average life expectancy ratings of home components? Are they actually useful?   

Here’s links to some of our other blog posts about KITCHENS: 

• Does a refrigerator water supply line require a shutoff valve behind it? 

• Why is it important to use cabinet screws to mount the upper cabinets in the kitchen?

• Is a refrigerator receptacle outlet required to be GFCI-protected? 

• Is a refrigerator required to have its own dedicated circuit?

• Is a range hood exhaust fan required in the kitchen? 

• Why is an anti-tip device now required behind the range? 

• How far away from the sink can I install a dishwasher? 

• Can a dishwasher drain hose be connected after the sink trap (to the trap arm)? 

• What is a "high drain loop" or "air gap" in a dishwasher drain hose? 

• When were GFCI receptacle outlets first required in the kitchen?

• How far apart should kitchen counter receptacles be spaced?  

• How far above a kitchen countertop do electrical outlets have to be?

• Why is garbage disposal not allowed at a combination waste and vent (CW&V) under a sink? 

• Why do septic tank contractors want you to get rid of your kitchen disposal? 

• Is a range hood exhaust fan required to vent outside?

   Visit our KITCHENS and LIFE EXPECTANCY pages for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. 

NOTE: These life expectancies are based on data provided by InterNACHI, NAHB, FannieMae, and our own professional experience. Because of the numerous variables that can affect a lifespan, they should be used as rough guidelines only, and not relied upon as a warranty or guarantee of future performance.