Having been around since the 1880’s, butcher block usage is here to stay. Previous to its creation, people used a round slab of a tree trunk to cut on. Today, instead of going out and cutting down a tree and slicing it for a cutting board, you can go to the store and pick one up. The modern day usage is easier to handle and care for then its predecessor.
Butcher block is made by gluing thick strips of wood together to form the item being made. Typically this wood is four inches thick. There are two types, end grain and edge grain. The end grain has the fiber of the wood set perpendicular to its surface whereas the edge grain places the wood pieces with the fiber parallel to the surface.
Usage of these items has spread from the meat packing plants and butcher shops to restaurants and modern homes. Butchers favor the design of an end grain because it will absorb the cut of the knife, helping to keep it sharp. Customarily a butcher would get his first cutting board as an apprentice. Then as the board wore down he would resurface it, keeping it throughout his career
Various items can be made using this assembled wood design. Most of the items made with this technique you will find in the kitchens of today. Sharp knives are sold with a holder made this way; they are placed decoratively on counters for easy accessibility. Many of these holders are made with light and dark wood alternated to make a design in color combination. Cutting boards are also made in this manner.
Carts can be made using this method, rolling out to help the cook when she needs more counter space. Kitchen islands and counter tops with this technique are being found in modern kitchens, as well as the matching cutting boards.
Tables are now being made like this and you can find them in many homes. You will also find tables made with this finish in restaurants. These can be made to order in all sizes and shapes to fit the need of each restaurant. The durability of the table makes them a good investment for a restaurant business or for a modern home.
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