To tell the age of an old butcher block, look on the bottom of the block itself. If the unit was manufactured by the Wood Welded Companies, there will be a date stamp indicating the month and year the block was manufactured. For example, a date stamp of 10/16 indicates the block was built in October of 1916.
When was the first butcher block made?
The date her father or grandfather launched into corn and hog farming points to the date a butcher block became needed and might have been acquired. As noted above, this butcher block is not older than 1907, based on the variant of the company name once stamped on it.
Should you buy an antique butcher block or kitchen island?
Homeowners who choose to go with a unique antique butcher block, instead of a basic kitchen island, tend to be folks who enjoy the pride that comes with adding a piece of history to your home. While we don’t have a display to accommodate all 20+ blocks, we do have a booth at Lakewood 400 Antique Market in Cumming, Georgia.
What does a butcher block look like?
This block originally had cup-shaped metal bolt covers over the nuts. 98 pieces of 7/4 maple board make up the butcher block. The boards of "7/4 maple" stock were all cut to 16" lengths. The boards' widths vary, down to square (1 3/4" x 1 3/4"). The boards are stacked ends-up to form a true butcher block surface of end-grain wood.
What is a butcher block table?
These tables are perfect for use as kitchen islands. Our butcher blocks are genuine, original, historical artifacts. They have been recovered from all over the United States. Each uniquely expresses that early American craftsmanship showcasing double dovetailing and tongue and groove construction (those dovetails go all the way through the block).
What are old butcher blocks made of?
Traditionally made of hard maple, it was commonly used in butcher shops and meat processing plants but has now become popular in home use. The term “butcher block” can also refer to the pattern or style of a traditional block adapted to other functions, such as table tops and cutting boards.
Why are antique butcher blocks so short?
The boards were made smaller since the slab of wood could now be cut to any desired size. Since they were made smaller, they were also used to eat off of and some people referred to them as trenchers. Trenchers were originally pieces of stale hard bread that were used as substitute plates.
How much is a butchers block worth?
Butcher block typically runs between $30 and $40 per square foot, depending upon the type of wood you choose.
Why are old butcher blocks so thick?
The modern butcher block was always solid and usually very thick. The thickness was important for the longevity of the block and also for the stability the mass provided. Butchers needed a block that was stable insuring that the block would not move as large pieces of meat were placed on the block.
What can I do with an old butcher block?
Butcher block is a popular choice for kitchen countertops but we love to see it used in bathrooms as well. A bathroom vanity made from butcher block is a great way to add some extra warmth and interest to the space. Make sure to seal your butcher block to ensure that it remains water-proof for this high traffic area.
What is the difference between a cutting board and a butcher block?
There are a few differences between cutting boards and butcher blocks. The biggest differences are the size, weight, thickness, and purpose. Butcher blocks are heavier and thicker because they are used for butchering meat. Cutting boards are typically used for cutting smaller food items such as fruits and vegetables.
How much does a butcher block weigh?
DetailsButcher Block Countertop Edge TypeEased EdgeButcher Block Countertop Finish FamilyCountertop TypeIn-StockCountertop UseFeaturesAntimicrobialKitchen Product TypeMaterialSolid WoodProduct Weight (lb.)Returnable90-DayStyle3 more rows
Does butcher block need to be sealed?
Protect your beautiful butcher block countertop with a food safe sealer. Butcher block countertops are so classic. But they need to be sealed to protect the wood from staining and water damage. There are many different ways to seal your butcher block.
How often should I oil my butcher block?
When determining how often to oil a block, the general rule of thumb is once a day for a week upon purchase; once a week for a month; and once a month forever. The block should be oiled whenever the wood starts to look dry and chalky.
What kind of wood are butcher blocks made out of?
Butcher blocks are typically made from assorted pieces of hard maple, teak, birch, or walnut wood, giving the block a striped appearance.
How do you move a heavy butcher block?
Putting a butcher block upside down on a 4 wheel dolly is the best way to transport it on flat terrain or up a ramp or over a curb. When transporting the butcher block over stairs, however, use a locking belt to tie it tightly to the dolly.
What type of wood is used for butcher block?
MapleButcher block can be made from nearly any wood. Maple is one of the best and most popular for butcher block counters because it's hard and has a clear grain. Cherry and red oak offer rich color.
How tall should a butcher block island be?
Rob Johnstone: Most modern kitchen cabinets are constructed so that a 1-1/2″ countertop will put the work surface right at 36″ from the floor. That standard work height is the compromise the industry came to for the “average” person.
When was butcherblock invented?
1887It was 1887 in Effingham, Illinois when Conrad Boos developed his first butcher block for a local blacksmith. Helping to absorb the impact of blacksmithing tools on his custom made sycamore wood slab supported on three legs, Boos might not have known in that moment how much value his work would soon have.
Why is it called butcher's block?
The concept was to have a sturdy base on which to butcher meat, hence, the "butcher block". The physical act of chopping is also why these blocks are also commonly called chopping block as well.
How do you make a butcher block thicker?
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What are butcher blocks made of?
Butcher blocks are the same kind of craftsmanship. Consider their construction; they are all made of long pieces of end grain hard maple, and the tolerances in assembly are exacting. The joinery has to be perfect.
Do butcher blocks have a date stamp?
Generally the thicker the block, the better the grade, and the more coveted the block. Some of these blocks even have a date stamp on the bottom of the block.. These are original butcher blocks and came out of slaughter houses, meat markets, and general stores, Their tops are rarely perfect but still full of charm.
Where was the butcher block in the 1970s?
I got this butcher block on the Fischer family farm in Lewes, Delaware, in the summer 1970. Robin and I (Swarthmore College 1967 and 1965 respectively) were visiting schoolmate Donna Fischer and her first husband Carl F Goodwin (both Swarthmore class of 1968) on her parents' farm.
What size rods are used for butcher block?
BOLTS: The original block had four 5/8" through-rods, threaded 5/8-11 (NC, standard National Coarse threading). Adding the knife holders required new, longer rods (again, 5/8-11). All butcher blocks this size that I have seen have through-rods, but on some blocks, nut and washer are in a recessed hole, and the hole is covered with a wooden plug. This block originally had cup-shaped metal bolt covers over the nuts.
How wide are maple counters?
Long 7/4 boards (12 feet, not 16 inches) from this era were used to make maple counter tops. Older counters have boards as wide as 12 inches. Gluing (joining) boards edge-to-edge to reach the desired counter top width is sometimes called "jointed flat-grain construction". The counter top exposes boards of varying widths, some well-figured -- with a nice "grain" pattern, people say. But "grain" is the wood's small fibers ("That water raised the grain -- the board feels fuzzy." "The plane caught, it lifted the grain and made a small pock mark."). Pretty patterns that tree rings trace across a board's surface are the wood's "figure."
How big is a knife block?
The 2" thick knife holders on either side bring the block's dimensions to 31" x 35".
Will the country ever stack 400 lbs of rock maple?
This country will never again stack 400 lbs of rock maple together to sell butcher blocks to the world -- never mind that industrialized pork production caused this butcher block to be abandoned, and caused the market for all of them to disappear -- to disappear from family corn-and-hog farms, from neighborhood butcher shops (see, for example, the documentary film Food, Inc , available from amazon ).