custom butcher block countertops

Congratulations on the purchase of your new countertops and/or island tops. Nothing is quite as beautiful  or brings warmth to your kitchen like hardwood. Your custom butcher block countertops are made from solid hardwood lumber strips and feature edge grain construction. This means that you are getting a product that is extremely  durable and will not quickly dull your knives. With proper care, your tops can last a lifetime.   

Oil Coated Countertops 

 Oil coated tops are considered food safe. Therefore, you may do all your food prep on the surface of the  top.  

 Before use, we recommend applying mineral oil to seal and protect your tops. You will need to oil your  tops three times per week for the first two weeks and two times per week for the following two weeks. You  will need to regularly apply mineral oil to your tops. Your tops are sensitive to changes in heat and  humidity, especially in the spring and fall of the year. Your tops are designed to move with these changes.  As conditions in each home are different, you will need to recoat your tops at least once every 4 to 6  weeks. In some cases, more often. Do not allow your tops to dry out. This will lead to checking and  potential failure at the glue joints. 

 After use, we recommend using a mild dishwashing detergent and light amounts of water to clean.  Immediately wipe away the excess water to prevent penetration into the wood. As an alternative, you may  use white vinegar in the same manner or a diluted mixture of bleach and water. Caution should be taken  with bleach as it could cause discoloration of the wood. 

 Do not leave food products or liquids laying on the tops for an extended period of time. In cases where  stains or water rings occur, a light sanding with a 120 grit sand paper followed by a 220 grit sand paper may be required to remove the stain. Be careful to sand with the grain of the wood and sand an area larger  than the stain so as to blend and smooth out the affected area. Once the affected area is repaired, recoat  with mineral oil.  

Lacquer Coated Countertops 

 Lacquer coated tops are not considered food safe. Therefore, you do not want to do food prep on the  surface of the top. Use a hardwood cutting board for all your food prep. For normal cleaning, we  recommend using a mild dishwashing detergent and light amounts of water to clean. For further details  regarding the finish on our tops, ask you retailer for the Sherwin Williams Product Data Sheet or visit  Sherwin-williams.com, product CC-F101. 

General Recommendations 

 It is not uncommon for your top to have raised grain once you receive it. The top will feel prickly to the  touch. Light sanding by hand with a 220 grit sand paper with the grain is recommended. This is not  always necessary. Recoat with oil once the sanding is completed. 

 Avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on the surface of your tops as this will damage the wood and  cause unsightly discoloring. 

 Avoid direct sunlight as this can lead to your tops drying out in the affected area. An oiled top will  require more frequent care. 

 Always use a silicone caulk when installing sinks and faucets to prevent penetration of liquids into the  wood.