Maintaining Butcher Block Countertops
Sealing butcher block countertops is a crucial part of maintaining and preserving their lifespan. This is due to the porous nature of hardwoods and the natural environment of a kitchen. In addition to protecting the wood from absorbing or losing moisture, properly oiling a butcher block countertop protects your family. From repelling moisture and liquids to prevent stains to being safe to use for food preparation, food-safe oil is the key. These types of oils won’t contaminate your countertop with dangerous chemicals.
The most common problem homeowners have with butcher blocks is simply caused by letting the countertop dry out without oil maintenance. Always keep in mind, if the hardwood countertop has a dry appearance then it could use a revitalizing oil treatment.
Oiling a Butcher Block Countertop: Frequency
Oiling a hardwood isn’t a permanent “finish”. Instead, oiling is a continuous treatment to prevent the wood from absorbing or losing moisture due to the environment. As we have discussed in our previous blogs, how often to oil butcher block depends on multiple factors including:
- Age
- Frequency of Regular Usage
- Any Sanding During Cleaning
- Environmental Conditions (winter time, proximity to the stove, ect)
How to Oil Butcher Block
Clear Off & Clean the Countertop: Once a butcher block is clear and clean of any debris or stains, it's time to add oil
Oil Application: Before adding oil, countertops should be thoroughly dry. Then pour a food-safe oil directly onto the butcher block and rub in with a clean cloth. Keep adding oil a bit at a time until the entire countertop, including the sides, has been coated in a thin layer of oil. Leave the oil to soak into the butcher block before adding another coat, repeat until the oil is no longer being absorbed.
- Newer butcher blocks will soak in a lot of oil so you don’t have to worry about getting too much on the countertop. As this process is repeated throughout the years, the countertops will gradually lower their absorption.
Remove Excess Oil: Using a clean cloth, wipe away any excess oil and let the wood dry. This can take up to 24 hours to be fully cured and ready to protect your countertop from moisture, stains, and scratches. Generally, most food-safe oils give your butcher block counters a low sheen, matte finish.
Butcher Block Countertop Oil
With various uses for butcher block countertops, there are a variety of finishes to choose from. However, there are only a few that is safe for food preparation including:
- Food-grade Mineral Oil
- Walnut Oil
- Beeswax
- Wood Conditioner (Mineral Oil and Beeswax Combination)
- Tung Oil
Using water-resistant, food-safe products helps protect your countertops from excessive moisture, stains, and scratches. Furthermore, they won’t develop an odor, turn rancid, or moldy like vegetable cooking oils. Nor will they peel, chip, flake off to contaminate food like varnishes and polyurethane finishes.
Want to learn more about butcher block countertops and see if they are a great addition to your home? Reach out to one of our hardwood experts at Heritage Oak today!