Comparing Composite Wood, Butcherblock, Wood Plank, Natural Live Edge, and Stone Options
Selecting the perfect countertop for your cabinetry or built-ins is an important decision that combines both style and functionality. At Perris Woodworks, we offer a range of countertop options, including MDF (painted or veneered), butcherblock, natural wood slab, and stone. Each material brings unique benefits and characteristics to suit different tastes and needs.
Engineered Composite Wood Countertops
Medium density fiberboard is a cost effective and sleek minimalist material for countertops. The uniform nature of MDF offers a smooth surface and takes nicely to a painted finish, allowing for a variety of design choices. The versatility of MDF also lends itself nicely to a veneer if you prefer a wood grain look, but want something more budget friendly than actual hardwood. MDF is low maintenance material, easy to clean, and resistant to minor stains and scratches.
MDF can be susceptible to water damage, but we use paints and clear finish that provides a sealed product which is well protected from everyday use. If the countertop is being installed in a high traffic or high use area like a kitchen workspace, MDF may not be the best choice as it will show more wear over time relative to a solid wood option.


Butcher Block Countertops
Butcher block provide a classic, warm, and durable solution to your countertop needs. These surfaces are made of solid wood stock that is face glued to create the impression of one solid slab of wood. This is ideal for work surfaces in a kitchen which will see high traffic. Butcherblock is made with varying lengths and widths of wood, offering a sustainable solution which can be custom cut to size and shape from the larger glued slab. These counters can be sanded and refinished over time to maintain their appearance and provide longevity.
Regularly maintaining butcherblock is very important. Sealing and oiling after installation is always recommended so that counters do not dry out and crack, however at Perris Woodworks, we provide butcherblock that is sealed and will not require oiling by the end user. Butcherblock is susceptible to stains if certain liquids are absorbed or heat is applied directly. Hardwoods stand the test of time on high traffic workspaces, however butcherblock is still prone to surface marks from knives or heavy objects if not treated properly.


Plank Style Wood Countertops
Similar to butcherblock countertops, we offer a plank style hardwood option. This is also a glued up slab of solid hardwood stock, however they are larger pieces of wood and have a more elegant appearance than butcherblock which tends to have a more rustic look.
For example, standard butcherblock counters will be made up of wood strips that are 1-3 inches wide and a few feet long. For longer slabs there will often be butt joints used to increase overall length of a counter. With plank style, stock used is often 5-8 inches wide and utilizes bigger lengths so the end product looks more like a continuous piece of wood.
Plank style offers the same advantages in durability and looks that butcherblock do, but the appearance offers more continuity of wood grain and lends itself nicely to a long kitchen island or large desk for an office.


Natural Wood Slab Countertops
Often referred to as live edge counters, natural wood slabs offer an authentic and unique look. A live edge slab typically consists of a single large slice of wood that spanned the width of the tree. Sometimes two slabs will be joined together to form an extra wide piece. The slab is usually cross cut to length but retains the natural curvature on at least one long side.
Each slab of hardwood is one of a kind with its natural grain textures and patterns. Like butcherblock countertops, natural wood slab is durable and when properly maintained can last a very long time. These are available in various wood species, finishes and edge profiles, offering a highly customizable look and feel. Since wood slabs are simply cut from a tree, this is a natural and eco-friendly option relative to composite man-made stone counter solutions.
Natural wood slab can be a costly option as it often utilizes higher end wood species. They also require regular maintenance including sealing to protect against cracking, moisture absorption and general wear. Because natural slab counters are thickly milled solid wood, they are often heavier than other materials and will require proper support from base cabinets.

Stone Countertops
Stone counters are a very popular option for kitchens, bathrooms, and other built in cabinetry. Typically available in granite, quartz, marble, and other man-made materials, stone offers paramount durability as it is highly resistant to scratches, heat and stains. Stone counters can add a luxurious feel to a space and help to elevate the design of a kitchen, bathroom, or office. Some stones are more porous than others and may require sealing initially or regularly to prevent stains and bacterial build up. Generally stone is very easy to clean and requires minimal upkeep, and for smaller jobs clients are able to find remnant stone pieces with their supplier for more cost effective options.
Stone countertops are often more expensive compared to other options. They also require professional installation, and we typically ask that a customer work with a stonework company directly to source their counters and complete the final install.

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