Wood Counter Tops...Do's and Don'ts

Yesterday I was working on a design for a customer, she wants a wood counter top. 

Nothing else. And to tell you the truth, I didn't know much about them, only that they are very high maintenance and expensive. So, I started doing my research and found a company to estimate her kitchen counter top...couple of hours later, I received the numbers back, and OMG...I knew they were expensive, but never imagine it would be that much !!...Now, I'm looking for more bids (price for the top was almost as the same as the cabinets) and I am almost an expert on wood surfaces !! 

That's there reason for this posting, just wanted to share with you this information and then you can make an informative decision if you are thinking about buying one

Wooden countertops bring a natural element to any kitchen style. 

Properly cared for, wooden counters can last many years. 

Moisture is an enemy to wood countertops. Sweating glasses and spilled liquids 

can quickly cause warping and damage the wood. 

Wooden countertops finished with varnish or polyurethane do not require the same 

level of care as unfinished wood. 

A finished countertop can be washed and dried with soap and water without ever 

needing to oil it. Unfinished countertops, however, can simply have scratches 

or burns sanded out without needing to refinish the surface.

A wood counter top or butcher-block top is not a continuous piece of wood; rather, 

it consists of sections of wood that are glued together and sanded. 

The pieces of wood are arranged according to the visible grains, which helps 

create a wide variety of looks. Wood countertops are sturdy but can be damaged 

from everyday use if certain precautions are not taken.

Butcher block counter tops made from wood add an elegant and refined touch to any 

kitchen. While the butcher block design is ideal for food preparation, its 

naturally porous wood tends to absorb juices and liquids from foods. 

Immediate and thorough cleaning, especially after cutting raw meat, is important 

for maintaining the life of the countertop and the health of your family. 

Advice to prevent damage to your wood counter top

1

Avoid placing hot pans or other cookware directly on a wood countertop. 

Wood countertops are not resistant to heat, and exposing them to heat can cause 

the wood to crack, warp or expand. Also, do not install appliances such as 

toasters or microwaves that emit heat directly on or near the wood surface. 

Instead, place heat-producing items on a trivet or a metal tray to protect the 

wood.

2

Cut food items on a cutting board instead of directly on the wood countertop. 

This will prevent your countertop from cut marks and scratches.

3

Wipe up spills immediately with a cloth to prevent liquids from seeping into 

the countertop and staining the surface.

4

Rub a mineral oil on the wood by using a soft cloth once per month to maintain 

a smooth surface. Apply as much mineral oil as the countertop will absorb.

5

Evenly apply a bee's wax once per month to seal the wood and prevent liquids 

from penetrating the surface. The mineral oil can be applied on top of the 

bee's wax.

Also, here are some instructions to clean and care for your counter top

1

Scrape any food stuck to the counter off gently with a spatula. 

Avoid using a scouring pad or abrasive cleaner.

2

Wash your wooden countertop immediately after use with a clean cloth or sponge 

in warm, soapy water. A mild dish soap will work fine.

3

Rinse out the cloth or sponge and wipe your countertop with plain water. 

Let the surface of the countertop dry completely before applying oil to it.

4

Sand out any scratches or burns with a 120-grit sandpaper and then follow with 

a finer 180-grit. Wipe the dust off with a cloth.

5

Pour food grade mineral oil, which is available at grocery stores, on the 

counter top and rub it in with a clean rag. Leave it on for about 30 minutes 

and then wipe off the excess with a clean paper towel. Oiling should always be 

done after sanding.

6

Use hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice on a clean cloth to remove stains from 

pots and pans. After removing the stain, you will need to re-oil the counter top.

If you think you can handle this material, the choices of wood are endless...from the most common Cherry, Teak and Maple, to the new Bamboo...construction varies too, thickness, finishes, etc... my personal advice, do your research !!