NOTE: We recommend permanently finishing/sealing the top of your butcher block, rather than regularly conditioning it.
When finishing walnut, it is recommended to finish the bottom side first to ensure the applied product gives you your desired look and finish
When you purchase a Forever Joint Tops butcher block from us, your product will come with a non-permanent coat of FDA-approved mineral oil. This will give you the option to use your butcher block as a cutting surface or to finish/seal it with an oil-based product to get a strong, durable finish that will last for years.
The instructions for butcher block care differ depending on whether you are using your butcher block top as a cutting surface or not, so you’ll want to keep this in mind before you proceed to ensure the best outcome. Our butcher block care page will teach you:
If you’re looking for less maintenance and complementary beauty to your natural wood butcher block countertops, you likely will want a permanent sealer to help lessen the routine work. To seal your butcher block, we recommend using Waterlox® as a permanent finish and/or sealer.
Read more in our article on how to finish butcher block countertops.
One of the most effective butcher block sealers available on the market is Waterlox®. Waterlox® is a high-grade Tung oil and resin blend with a water-resistant finish that we've been recommending to our customers for years. Waterlox® butcher block sealer does a great job showcasing the natural beauty of wood while also providing long-lasting, durable protection.
In addition, Waterlox® butcher block sealer is food-safe, leaving the surface of your butcher block countertop non-toxic and ultra-safe for cooking, baking, preparing, and serving food on. However, you will want to refrain from using Waterlox® for cutting on directly.
Please note: Do not use Waterlox® on surfaces that you intend to cut on directly.
Additionally, Waterlox® butcher block sealer is heat-resistant and won't crack, peel, or chip. It is known for its great ability to lock out and protect against water, making it the perfect choice for butcher block surfaces.
Please note: Once you use Waterlox®, no regular oiling/conditioning is needed.
Waterlox® comes in multiple different sheens. Most likely, the Waterlox® Original Sealer/Finish will be a good start for your butcher block.
When applied, Waterlox® butcher block sealer will alter the coloration of the wood. It is an amber color and will slightly darken and alter the color of the wood, depending on the type of wood it’s applied to. Regardless, Waterlox® still maintains the natural beauty of the wood.
Please Note: Before you start using Waterlox® as a butcher block sealer, it's important that you read and follow the instructions on the can. For best results, please follow their step-by-step instructions on the Waterlox website.
Please allow seven days for the Waterlox® to completely cure before cleaning. It's recommended to use a damp (soft, lint-free) rag on the surface as needed. If heavier cleaning is required you can use Waterlox® Original Cleaner Concentrate (follow instructions on the label), or a non-abrasive diluted cleaner. Please avoid using ammonia and bleach products.
Need to condition your butcher block? Waterlox® is an extremely water-resistant sealer/finish that produces excellent results while being very easy to work with. This is a great product if your butcher block top is near a sink or any water source. Be sure to apply on the bottom side as well.
Other finishes can do the job well enough, but be sure you that you choose only an oil-based product to avoid problems with the food-safe mineral oil with which your butcher block has already been treated.
For cutting surfaces, be sure to use a high-quality bee’s wax or a food-safe butcher block oil. This must be done regularly to keep your top from drying out and cracking on the ends. Treat the bottom and ends of the butcher block as well. Some customers seal just the bottom with Waterlox®, and then apply butcher block oil on the top to make it easier to keep sealed.
If your butcher block cutting board or surface appears dry or “chalky,” it’s definitely time to treat it again. Remember, it never hurts to do this more often! Keeping it well-seasoned is critical to avoid cracking.
Studies show that hard wood has naturally-occurring antimicrobial substances that make it more sanitary than plastic, especially as the cutting boards age. So, using bleach or other harsh chemicals is not only unnecessary, it could even damage your butcher block cutting board or other butcher block cutting surface.
To keep your residential or commercial butcher block investment timelessly beautiful, you’ll also want to prevent it from drying out or cracking. Complete this simple process regularly for the best results for your butcher block.
A high-quality bee’s wax or butcher block oil are the best options. Treat the bottom and sides of your butcher block top or butcher block cutting board as well as the top to maintain a thorough seal.
We detail more about how to clean your butcher block in our article linked here.
Butcher block care for the different wood types - walnut, hard maple, red oak, and hickory. Find out more about how to install butcher block in our guide linked here.
Forever Joint Tops is your source for beautiful custom-made countertops, tables, desks, bar tops, kitchen islands, floating shelves, cutting boards, and more. Questions? Please contact our team today!