Sealing Butcher Block Countertops with Mineral Oil
To seal butcher block with mineral oil, you simply apply the mineral oil generously, let it soak in, and wipe off the excess. You need to do it fairly regularly at first but then only about once a month after you've gotten through several applications.
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.
To start, walnut wood is strong and durable. This means that it is highly resistant to daily wear and tear. Nevertheless, it's a good idea to refrain from using a knife to cut food directly on the wood's surface.
Tung Oil is a time-tested standard. It has been used as a wood finishing agent and sealant for thousands of years. It does a decent job of waterproofing but requires a periodic top coating with beeswax to maintain a level of water resistance that can hold up in a kitchen environment.
Pros And Cons Of Butcher Block Countertops
They require regular upkeep; they're susceptible to nicks, scratches, and dings; they expand and contract with temperature and humidity; and they're porous.
Butcher block countertops are stylish and functional but take more care than other counter materials. Not only do you need to wash and dry them after every use, but you should also reseal them every six months.
Walnut Butcher Block Countertop Projects
This provides a better appearance and more durability than blended butcher blocks where short strips are joined together.
Butcher block countertops are so classic. But they need to be sealed to protect the wood from staining and water damage.
To disinfect your Traditions butcher block after cleaning use Lysol® or Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes. These wipes are available at Lowe's, and report to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria when used as directed.
At 1010 on the Janka scale, walnut wood is durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas like kitchen countertops.
If your butcher block countertop arrived unfinished, you will need to apply a finish to all faces of the top. See detailed instructions here. Do not install your butcher block countertop directly on a solid surface such as plywood, MDF, etc.
When it comes to sealing, Tung Oil for butcher block is your best bet! After two years of heavy use, our countertops finished with 100% Pure Tung Oil from Real Milk Paint Co. still look AMAZING!
Be sure you are ready to finish your butcher block within 48 hours of removing the shrink wrap. Why you ask??? Unfinished wood likes to adapt to its environment. This means if you're in a humid climate, the wood will absorb moisture causing it to swell and potentially crack or warp.
The best finish for walnut is a clear one. Several coats of Danish oil provide clarity. For protection, add a compatible clear topcoat.
Though excessive heat, moisture, or direct contact with knives can damage butcher block countertops, the same damage, if not worse, would form on counters made from other materials.
Not heat resistant: Unlike stone surfaces, you can't place hot pots and pans on the wood because it will develop burn marks. These too can be sanded and oiled out. Susceptible to water damage: Water can stain butcher block counters or create water rings.
Assuming you followed the instructions regarding finishing before installation, you will need to apply on your hardwood countertop a new coat of oil every month during the first year and once every six months or so ever after.
Let it soak in as much as possible and repeat this step until it reaches its saturation point– as long as your piece is still accepting the oil there is no such thing as using too much butcher block oil. After it is no longer accepting any more oil, wipe off any excess oil.
Mineral oil also provides the most matte sheen of all our suggestions. If your surface has a coating (polyurethane, lacquer, or varnish) it should be sanded before application since oils won't penetrate a glossy finish.
It's recommended to condition weekly for the first couple of months. Then, only condition once a month for the lifetime of the wood. The block should be oiled whenever the wood starts to look dry and chalky. This step is simple with Floor & Decor's wood conditioners made from food-grade oils and natural waxes.
Butcher block tends to be less expensive than granite, but can also increase home value. This countertop material is made of wood so it also has a variety of unique styles and patterns to choose from.