How Do I Take Care Of My Wood Products?

Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about wood maintenance…

Can I cut on the surface of my wood or butcher block counter?

Yes, you can cut on the surface if you have our mineral oil finish, and if you oil it regularly. If you have our protective finish we recommend using a cutting board. Yes, we make cutting boards.

Can I have an undermount sink?

Yes, our countertops are sealed to protect them against water damage. We offer both under-mount and over-mount cutouts. In fact, we offer all sorts of cutouts for sinks, posts, bulkheads etc.

How often will I need to re-oil my oil-finish butcher block countertop or butcher block surface?

For natural oil finish butcher blocks, we recommend that you re-oil all surfaces of your block every 3-4 weeks depending on your usage. When the butcher block becomes dry and lighter in colour you know it is time to re-oil your block. Wood is a live material and extremes of humidity and dryness can swell and shrink your butcher blocks enough to cause seasonal checks to appear. You can help preserve your butcher block by keeping your home humidified in winter and by refreshing your butcher block every 3-4 weeks with a generous coating of natural butcher block oil on all surfaces.

How do I keep my butcher block sanitized?

Keep your butcher block sanitized by simply wiping down the surface with a clean hot and soapy towel after each use and drying it with a clean paper towel or letting it air dry. If you want to sanitize the block more thoroughly use a diluted mixture of 1-5 ratio water to vinegar.

How do I get rid of any onion or garlic odours?

Use lemon or lime juice with a little salt. Sprinkle butcher block with coarse salt, cut lemon or lime into quarters to rub salt into board. Let sit for 2-3 minutes and then wipe the butcher block clean with a damp cloth. Use a clean towel to remove any excess water or let the butcher block air dry.

What if my butcher block is stained or discoloured?

Sprinkle coarse salt on your butcher block and then use a damp sponge or paper towel to rub the stain or discoloured area. The salt will absorb stains, flavours and odours. For tougher stains, try sanding down the area with fine-grit sandpaper. Once sanded, seal with butcher block oil.

Should I use the same cutting board for fish and poultry that I use for vegetables?

Although cutting boards do not harbour bacteria, using a separate cutting board for different food prep is a good habit. This will ensure protection against cross-contamination and prevent the spreading of certain food-borne bacteria such as E. coli.

How do I clean my butcher block countertop that has a protective finish?

We recommend a non-toxic wood cleaner. Soap and water will work best.