AN interior designer has shared the kitchen countertop to avoid at all costs.
The decor expert warned her followers that a popular material can go moldy quickly.
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In her video, TikTok user Julie Jones (@juliejonesdesigns) explained: “We are in the porous category of things I wouldn’t purchase based on my 14 years as a residential interior designer.”
She told viewers that porous can often equal “mold and mildew or dirt trappers.”
Julie addressed the pros and cons of butcher blocks on kitchen countertops.
The TikToker explained that the material is suitable for dry zones such as desks or bar areas.
Alternatively, Julie advised her followers to steer clear of using butcher blocks anywhere near sinks.
She explained: “Once installed, sinks are sealed onto the countertop with caulking and although it does a good job it doesn’t last forever.
“So the smallest amount of water that is allowed to get into the interior of the butcher block can cause mold.”
Julie warned viewers about the “great care and maintenance” it takes to prevent this from happening.
“In my opinion, it’s just not worth the risk,” the interior expert said.
She also added that the pores in wood can also become a breeding ground for germs.
Julie revealed that this was an additional reason for avoiding using the material in areas where food prep occurs.
Despite the many cons, she revealed the material does feature in her kitchen but at her bar area.
“My bar is also triple sealed with polyurethane to ensure no liquid can come through,” she explained.
Julie suggested opting for butcher block laminate to create the same warm aesthetic without mold or germ risks.
TikTok users took to the comments section to share their thoughts on the advice.
“I once RENTED a house that had butcher board countertops,” wrote one viewer using the face palm emoji to illustrate their frustration.
Another follower said: “Yes! We had butcher block countertops and after three years we removed them because one, [they] stain easily, and two, it started separating where they glued each piece.”
“I love ours as our island, but I couldn’t imagine how gross it would be if it was by the sink,” commented a third person.
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