Thoughts on kitchen upgrade - Countertops (another one...)

[Justin Pumpr]

Hey all,

I know the countertops question has been asked quite a bit, but wanted to get some answers from people who have installed butcher block (Ikea specifically) in their rentals and how they have held up.

My kitchen will have terracotta tiles, so I'm thinking white cabinets with a light, neutral colour for the walls. I think butcher block will look great with this, but not sure if they will hold up over time.

I can seal them weekly for the first month, but once tenants are in then sealing them regularly after that is going to be really hard. Does anybody have any experience with anything like this? 

Here's a link to how it currently is: https://goo.gl/photos/uucuauZgjXesUZbg7

Unless I can find a slab of granite for $150 a slab, I'll be using either laminate, or butcher block, so no other suggestions please :)

Thanks as always!

[Gerald Demers]

Hello @Justin Pumpr, I personally would never do butcher block anywhere, rentals, my own home.  I think the upkeep is not worth the hassle.  And I can't see them looking good in a rental.

My other concern is hygiene.  Wood has pores.  Not a good place for uncooked chicken.  And will they use it as a cutting board?

My lower end rental use laminate and higher ones use granite or other substrate.  I am really not a fan of granite but it sells so I use it.  

Gerald Demers