Butcher Block & Wood: Natural material

Pros/cons:

  • Easy to repair

  • Can sand and refinish

  • Gentle on dinnerware

  • Can become more beautiful with age

  • Easily scratches and dents

  • Not heat resistant

  • Easily stains, but varnished butcher block is stain resistant 

  • Stains can spread and are harder to remove with oil-finished wood

  • Not good around sink area

  • Can harbor bacteria (if used as a cutting board)

  • Susceptible to swelling from water if not sealed/oiled correctly each year

  • High maintenance


How to clean and maintain butcher block/wood:

  • Soak up spills as they occur and never leave standing water on the wood. 

  • Clean regularly to prevent stains: Use a scrub brush or sponge and scrub counter with hot water and dish soap. Rinse clean dish cloth in hot water and wipe counters. Thoroughly dry countertops with a dry dish cloth or paper towel. 

  • Sanitize: Spray counter with undiluted vinegar (or 1:1 mixture undiluted vinegar and water). Let sit for a few minutes (not more), and wipe with a clean, damp dish cloth. 

  • Remove food particles: Use a scraper or spatula. For a varnish finish, use a sponge as scraper/spatula may be too abrasive.

  • Disinfect for food prep: Use 1 part 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide and 11 parts water. Spread around counter, let stand 10 minutes. Use a clean, wet cloth to rinse the solution off. Thoroughly dry with a dish cloth or paper towel. 

  • Protect: Re-oil your wood countertops once/month (no need to do this if you have a varnish finish). Apply food-grade mineral oil and let sit 30 mins to overnight. Wipe off excess with a paper towel. Seal in moisture with a board cream. Apply and let sit undisturbed overnight or for a few hours. Wipe off excess with a paper towel.