Putting butcher block around a sink is risky enough, even without the sinks being under-mounted. You definitely have to make sure to use silicone around the sink seam and also use a good wood sealer.
Undermount sinks are most commonly chosen as the best sink for butcher block countertop because they are stable, easy to install, and fit well into most kitchens.
You can't avoid getting your wood countertops wet when you're preparing food. The finish we use on butcher block is food-safe. It's not waterproof, but the type of moisture that touches butcher block shouldn't damage the wood as long as you clean up immediately after preparing your meal.
Installing Your Butcher Block Countertops
Screw and bolt the countertop pieces together and clamp in place. If needed, also add countertop support brackets. When dry, remove clamps and caulk with clear silicone along the walls and sink, if needed. Smooth silicone and let dry.
The only countertop that can actually be used as a cutting surface, butcher-block won't dull your knives like stone or concrete counters. The soft surface also makes for a quieter kitchen. And for those who are a bit clumsier, dishes are less likely to shatter when dropped on wood versus stone.
Flush mount farmhouse sink: some farmhouse sinks may be flush mounted, but may jut very slightly above counter level, depending on material. Drop-in farmhouse sink: an overmount farmhouse sink is a traditional option, but beware of the possibility of a dirt-attracting seam.
Answer: As long as a Wolf cooking product is installed in an opening as suggested by Wolf, the countertop surrounding the cooking product can be of any material and thickness including but not limited to: Butcher block.
Once installed, it's important to treat or seal the butcher block to keep it from drying out and staining. There are a lot of options for products to treat butcher block, but one of the simplest and least expensive is mineral oil.
Also called top-mount or drop-in sinks, overmount sinks have a lip that sits above, and covers a small area of, the countertop. They also have both pros and cons. This is an example of an overmount, stainless steel, double bowl sink.
While wood has anti-bacterial properties, you should still disinfect a butcher block countertop. After you've cleaned it off, spray a mixture of white vinegar and water on the surface, spread it around with a damp cloth, let it soak in for a minute or two, and then wipe it off.
Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
1. You'll have to take care of them. While pretty, butcher block countertops require much more maintenance than their marble or stone counterparts. You'll have to treat the surface with mineral oil to protect the natural wood and use sandpaper to sand down and fill in any nicks or scratches that have occurred.
When determining how often to oil a block, the general rule of thumb is once a day for a week upon purchase; once a week for a month; and once a month forever. The block should be oiled whenever the wood starts to look dry and chalky.
The ideal waterproof protection is a food-safe natural wood oil or hardwax finish that adds no flavors, scents or toxins to your food. Pour a generous amount of linseed oil, mineral oil, tong oil or INTERBUILD Hardwax Wood Oil (natural wood oils) onto a clean, lint-free cotton cloth.
To answer the question in short, yes polyurethane is food safe for wood countertops. Per the FDA to become food safe it must be fully cured and dried to the touch which ranges in times.
Follow these steps to easily waterproof your butcher block countertops with Polyurethane: Sand the counters until they're completely clean. Vacuum any dirt off the surface and apply a natural stain. Apply a thick coat of Polyurethane, a liquid coating that dries into a plastic.
It is important to finish and install unfinished butcher blocks and wide plank tops within one week after receiving to prevent any warping, bowing, or cracking. In drier climates, you should begin finishing immediately after receiving your butcher block or wide plank top.
Cut a Hole for the Sink
Make sure it's positioned square with the counter and in the proper location for plumbing. Drill several holes inside marked area large enough to accommodate jigsaw blade. For an undermount sink, insert jigsaw blade in the hole and cut about 1/4"-1/2" inside line.
Be sure to include any overhang you want the butcher block to have—as little as 1½ inches for a standard countertop or up to a foot for a seating counter—and keep it consistent and parallel to the front of the cabinets as you scribe.
Heat Resistant
Despite popular belief, butcher block countertops are more resistant to heat than granite when sealed properly. Hardwood surfaces also take longer to burn or char than any other countertop material, so you can feel confident using your curling iron or other hot tools in the bathroom.