The Butcher block has long been around, since the beginning of use for those original butcher blocks. The Monarch Block is only one of a variety of those types of butcher blocks that are used by commercial meat cutters now going on 100 years. It’s become very popular for people to place into their kitchens.

Most home owners love the look of the Monarch butcher block for an island in their home. Before the dovetailed blocks came along those butchers of past would use sycamore rounds to cut the meat on. Since they would split often it would end up being more of a health problem than anything. Now the butchers block is made from small strips of maple that have been laminated and glued together.

Big, solid and long lasting, these butcher block chopping boards are usually made with the smaller residential in mind and it is unlikely that a full size commercial block would be used in the non commercial setting as they are not as aesthetically pleasing.

There are two distinct types of butcher block – end grain and side grain, the difference being that the end grain – as the name suggests uses the end grain of a piece of wood, so that when a knife is used, it slips between the grains, meaning less damage to the knife and fewer sharpenings. Typically, a hard wood such as Maple is used, meaning many years of use.

The dovetail and double dovetail joint combined with pressurized glue application produces a solid, heavy finished product that will last many years, and certainly longer than a single piece of wood. The joints are almost impermeable to bacteria although exposure to hot water such as in a dishwasher should be avoided.

Sometimes these boards are available used, either in flea markets or on websites such as ebay because they are so long lasting. the commercial ones tend to be less pleasing to the eye, but are extremely practical.

To find the best deal you should visit several different web sites, and read up on reviews. See what people who’ve bought the butcher block you’re looking at think of theirs. Pick out your favorite ones and picture which one would look best in your kitchen decor. Remember find one that will fit in with the theme of your room.