CARE AND THE MAINTENANCE

Care and maintenance for Hardwood Countertops, and Kitchen Island Tops

Hardwood countertops and kitchen island tops are a perfect combination of beauty and functionality. These natural solid wood tops bring an affectionate radiance to any kitchen. Besides the warm look that these natural materials provide, they also stand out for their remarkable functionality. Being hard, dense and durable, and imparting no taste or odor to food, hardwoods like beechwood, maple, black locust, or cherry are ideal for fabricating countertops, butcher blocks or cutting boards. The butcher blocks are made of hardwood strips glued together using waterproof glue. This is the perfect kitchen countertop for a cook, who does plenty of slicing and dicing.

Here are some other characteristics of the hardwood countertop:

• It is excellent for chopping, rolling out the dough, and working with bread; it is also gentle with china and crystal items.
• Nicks, cuts, and scratches give it character and charm.
• It is one of the most sanitary surfaces available; the wooden butcher block is naturally inhospitable and resistant to bacteria. Studies have shown that Salmonella bacteria live longer on plastic surfaces than on wood.
• Requires rubbing down with mineral oil periodically to protect its finish.
• Prolonged exposure to water should be avoided for extended life.

Wood is a natural living material, subject to natural forces. We want to draw attention to the maintenance instructions for your solid wood countertop, island top, or butcher block. Following these directions carefully, will result in having an easy to maintain, a great-looking custom countertop that will last for many years.

The primary care and maintenance for hardwood countertops:

Our tops are plastic sealed before shipping. The top has to be oiled when it is taken out of the packaging. All sides of the countertop should be oiled (top, edges, and bottom) the way described below. After the countertop is in place, it is best to apply three successive coats of mineral oil and then keep applying one coat per month, or as needed, on an ongoing basis. For extra protection, melt a 1 to 4 mixture of wax and mineral oil and apply it to your top. This mixture will constitute additional protection against stains and moisture.

• The Tung oil does not require pre-warming. You can place it in a pan with hot tap water if it was previously stored in a cold environment, but do not heat the oil on a stovetop.
• Pour a small amount of mineral oil on a paper towel or pour it directly onto the top.
• Wipe the oil onto the wood, leaving a thin layer of oil (remember to oil all the top’s edges).
• Let the top soak up the oil for about 20 – 30 minutes, and then remove the excess oil with an absorbent paper towel.

 Do not cut, drill, or change your top in any way without thoroughly refinishing all exposed surfaces.

Do not use or spill vinegar on a top that has a mineral oil finish. It might cause cupping, cracking, and warping that is beyond repair.

Do not use harsh detergents or chemicals.

Do not place these tops near excessive heat sources such as stoves without proper insulation between the heat source and the edge of the top.

Do not expose tops to excessive heat, cold, or moisture! Please do not use the hardwood top as a hot pad and do not place on it items like microwave oven, dishwasher or stove burners.

Cleaning your top:

• Scrape any food particles or foreign matter that may have adhered to the surface with a steel scraper or spatula.
• Brush or scrape any loose particles from the top surface.
• Dip a washcloth in warm soapy water and wash the top.
• Wash out the dishcloth in clear warm water, wring it out, and go over the surface again.
• Take a dry cloth and go over the entire surface. Dry it thoroughly.
• Apply a coat of mineral oil to all surfaces once a month or as needed.

Solving hardwood countertops related issues:

Almost all issues on solid wood countertops, island tops, and butcher blocks are caused by dryness. Your butcher block will look great and have a long life if properly treated with mineral oil regularly. For specific problems, see the following: