Minecraft wiki entry for Metadata_variants, associated text: In 1.7.10, using commands to place a button with data value 0, 13, 14 or 15 results in odd behavior. The button appears as a full oak planks or stone block, until (possibly) another button is observed or an item of said button is obtained, at which point it uses item model of button. They do not appear to change shape when pressed in either case.