https://chatgpt.com/s/t_6976ed62e72c81918b36048cf46a97cc

Short answer: yes, butcher block can work with that cut-out—but only if you design the support correctly. If you don’t, that notch becomes a stress concentrator and you’ll eventually get sagging or cracking right at the cut.

Let’s walk this through like a builder, not Pinterest.

The structural reality (important)

A 70" × 30" butcher block is basically a wide beam.

When you cut a 4–6" wide × ~12" deep notch into the wall side, you’re:

Removing material **exactly where bending forces are highest**

Creating two narrow “arms” on either side of the notch that want to flex independently

Even without monitors on it, a desk this wide will sag over time if it’s only wall-mounted on one side and file cabinets on the other—especially with a notch.

So the butcher block itself is strong, but the opening changes the rules.

What makes this safe vs risky

✅ More likely to be safe if ALL are true:

Butcher block is **≥1.75" thick** (2" is ideal)

Wood is **edge-grain hardwood** (maple, birch, beech—not bamboo)

The notch corners are **rounded**, not sharp (radius ≥ 1")

You add **continuous support along the wall side**

File cabinets are **tight to the underside** and not floating

🚨 Risky if:

Block is 1.5" or thinner