Butcher block worktops

[MildDrPepperAddiction]

We've recently built an extension and I am looking at kitchens. I really love the look of a butcher block worktop, but I am put off because I've seen some that have gone mouldy/rotten around the sink.

Are they easy to keep good if kept sealed/dry? Is it worth it, or should I look at a different material?

My sister in law had them. She had to sand and seal once a year, despite this they still discoloured around the sink (she had a Butlers Sink so there was no draining board). Personally, I’d find that too much hassle and would go for the best looking and harder wearing alternative.

In my last kitchen i had full stave iroko which is wonderful. I only oiled it with osmo oil every two years. It does wear a bit more around sinks but you could put granite next to the sink and wood elsewhere?

I have oak work top - but I don't like the inset Belfast sink/ no drainer because the wood always turns black.
I have a ceramic inset sink with tiles on the narrow bit at the back and sides- been in 3 years, no marks.

I re-oil the tops with Danish oil once a year, takes about 3 mins and drys overnight.