| Edgegrain Butcher Block Countertops |
Frequently Asked Questions - Q: What species of wood is best for countertops?
- A: Maple is considered the best wood to use because of its tight grain and because it doesn't splinter easily. Ash, Oak and Cherry also work well. We have made butcher blocks of mixed species, (i.e. maple, cherry and walnut - each strip is alternated).
- Q: How do I finish my countertop?
- A: If you are not going to use it as a cutting board, we suggest you varnish the butcher block with a good commercial polyurethane such as Varathane or Duraseal. Four coats should do it. If you intend to use the top for food preparation, use olive oil or salad bowl oil. Apply and let it soak in; then wipe off the excess oil with a paper towel. If the grain raises after the first oiling, sand the top lightly. The oil should be reapplied as often as necessary as this seals the pores.
- Q: How do I clean butcher block?
- A: A varnished top can be cleaned with white vinegar and water, about a cup of vinegar to a gallon of water. Varnished floors can be cleaned the same way. Use a damp cloth to clean. Vinegar is a good cleaning agent and takes care of bacteria also. On a surface sealed with olive or other oils, cleaning the butcher block varies with the foods prepared. When preparing vegetables or fruits only, a damp cloth will do the job. When preparing meat, fish, or dairy products, first clean the surface with soap and water. A slice of lemon rubbed over the top will take care of bacteria. You can also use grapefruit seed extract. A few drops on a damp cloth should do it. Grapefruit seed extract is an excellent bactericide, and is perfectly safe to use. By the way, most people are surprised to learn that wood holds less bacteria than plastic does.
- Q: How do I measure a butcher block and how thick should it be?
- A: Most butcher block countertops are made 1 1/2" - 1 3/4" thick. If the top is part of an island, you might want an overhang of 1" to 2". The top will be made to the exact size requested. Please allow for width/length variation when measuring in conjunction with another surface or wall. Unfortunately, we can not do any custom cutting or fabrication of multiple countertops.
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The Hardwood Lumber Company P.O. Box 15 Station Road Burton, Ohio 44021 (800) 798-1269 (440) 834-1891 (440) 834-0243 (fax) Monday-Friday 8am-4pm EST |
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