If you are considering revamping your kitchen, start doing so by first replacing the cold and unappealing stainless steel with warm and comforting butcher block countertops. Available in a wide range of woods, these countertops are a new rage in the interior design industry. They not only add to the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen by warming up the space, they also provide an extremely practical surface to work on.

Choosing the right type of wood for such butcher block countertops is very important. As there is a huge range of wood available, picking the right type that suits your use and weather is not difficult at all. Following is a detailed account of many types of wood in which butcher block countertops can be found:

American Cherry
Primarily popular because of its attractive appearance, American cherry is native to North America. Butcher block countertops made of American cherry are used in kitchens and add to the decor with their stylish reddish brown tones. Sapwood of American cherry is cream colored. Together, these add a touch of grace to kitchens in any household.

Ash
Butcher block countertops made of ash bring out sunshine in your kitchen with their blond and gold hues. Available in many shades, such countertops will make your kitchen welcoming and warm. Sapwood which supports ash wood countertops is light in color while the heartwood is between the shades of light yellow to light brown.

Beech
Beech wood is strong, hard and durable as it offers resistance against shock and does not wear off easily. Sapwood in beech wood countertops is hinted with a red tone and the accompanying heartwood has a reddish brown tone.

Brazilian Cherry
There is a wide range of colors and shades when it comes to Brazilian cherry. The color of this wood enhances itself with age, making it one of the most beautiful looking varieties of wood. With its strength, appearance and durable make-up, Brazilian cherry is a highly preferred raw material for butcher block countertops.

Hickory
Hickory is used for both strength and appeal. As the hardest and most durable wood found in America, it offers top notch quality and a long life. Sapwood and heartwood used in hickory countertops have a brown and creamy combination which is neutral and complements the decor of many kitchen units.

Knotty Alder
Knots of knotty alder vary in colors and textures giving this wood a distinct touch all over its surface. Sapwood of knotty alder is observed to be white in freshly cut wood but changes its shade and tone with exposure to the environment. Its light brown heartwood on the other hand, is hinted with red.

Knotty Pine
With pale yellow sapwood and reddish brown heartwood, a butcher block of knotty pine has a distinct, smooth texture. This lightweight and light colored wood gives butcher block countertops a rustic appeal and is a popular woodused in many kitchens.

Mahogany
Mahogany proves to be an ideal solution for those looking for both style and practicality in kitchen countertops. With a reddish brown tone that strengthens with time, butcher blocks made of mahogany are strong, durable and beautiful and are a popular choice of customers.

Maple
With heartwood in reddish brown tones and sapwood in pale white, Maple is primarily considered by clients looking for a brand new butcher block countertop. Maple is highly recommended for customers who are looking for something that adds appeal to their house while also being extremely functional.

Poplar
Sapwood and heartwood of poplar wood is streaked instead of being in a single tone. Most significant between the two is heartwood which is streaked in green and purple shades all over the surface of the wood. Green shade on the other hand grows darker as the wood remains exposed to sunlight. This straight grained wood has an amazing texture to offer with great strength and durability.

Red Oak
A butcher block of red oak offers a lot of creative freedom while offering practical butcher block countertops at the same time. The sapwood and heartwood of red oak are white and reddish respectively which proves to be a stylish addition for any kitchen.

Spanish Cedar
Spanish cedar has a distinct aroma which adds to its appeal, making it a highly desirable raw material for butcher block countertops. Its medium toned texture combined with reddish brown color adds to the interior of a kitchen. What makes it even more practical is its durability and decay-resistance.

Walnut
With tones that perfectly suit various types of interior settings, walnut wood provides a warm and calming atmosphere in most kitchens. The sapwood of walnut wood has a tan tone while the heartwood is rich chocolate brown with hints of dark purple in it.

White Oak
Butcher block countertops made from this light toned wood are known for their long life and durable nature. Sapwood of white oak features a light color while the heartwood has a slightly darker brown tone to it.

Mixed Wood
Butcher block countertops that are made from mixed wood come in two varieties. Customers can choose from a choice of two strips or alternating strip. By choosing the mixed wood variety, you can combine types of wood that add to the appearance of the kitchen while adding to the durability of your butcher block countertops.