LL Flooring is an underrated gem for countertops. Because they specialize in wood, they often carry a wider variety of species than Home Depot, including maple, oak, and cherry.

They offer solid wood slabs (typically birch, acacia, or walnut) that are "unfinished," allowing you to stain and seal them exactly how you like.

If you want the "Ferrari" of butcher blocks, John Boos is the industry leader. Found at high-end retailers like or Sur La Table , Boos blocks are professional-grade and often used in commercial kitchens.