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November 9, 2009
Butcher Block Treatment
Due to budget limitations we're doing oak butcher block counters in our kitchen. Is there anything we can do to make the finish look richer-- a certain type of oiling, treatment, etc. that we can do ourselves?
Comments
What characteristics look "rich" to you? The really high end butcher block is thick, end-grain, and I think maple. Or are you thinking of trying to make it look like a different material altogether.
Posted by: BHS at November 9, 2009 12:56 PM
A basic food safe mineral oil will protect the wood and give it a little shine. I use it on my cutting boards and top of my wooden desk.
But maybe you want something more elaborate?
Posted by: northsloperenter at November 9, 2009 1:39 PM
Tung oil. More specifically Sutherland Welles tung oil which is available at Mazzone hardware on Court Street. I believe most of their products are food-safe. Very easy to apply and maintain.
Posted by: southslope at November 9, 2009 1:49 PM
Hey, butcher block is a nice material, don't apologize! Mineral oil is what is usually supplied, but if SS says tung is food safe I wouldn't argue with him!
Anyway BB develops quite a bit of 'character' over time even when oiled.
Posted by: denton at November 9, 2009 2:37 PM
You could also install wood counters, not butcher block. The type of wood, cut, thickness, will make a difference in the appearance. Not all wood counters are the same.
Posted by: mopar at November 9, 2009 2:44 PM
Butcher block is made by laminating face strips of wood together so that the edge (quartersawn face) is the work surface. Wood is harder on the quartersawn (edge)face therefore it makes for a better work surface. Also, the wood will expand and contract more on the thickness than the width, contributing to a more stable construction. FWIW: I have been told that old school butcher blocks were made end grain to absorb the impact of a meat cleaver and produced a better cut in meat as the knife went into the fibers of the wood.
Since you are doing oak (white, I hope) a wire-brushing before finishing will produce a richer look. If you want darker, the aniline dye stain (from Sutherland Welles) is added to the topcoats of tung oil NOT to the unfinished wood.
Posted by: southslope at November 9, 2009 4:00 PM
Sand with the grain up to 320 or 400 grit, flood with mineral oil and let soak in for at least a couple hours keeping it wet. Then wipe dry. The more oil the richer it will get. To maintain just wipe with a damp sponge and occasional dish soap and more oil. That has worked great for me.
Posted by: dubstey at November 9, 2009 4:06 PM
http://www.finewoodworking.com/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesArticle.aspx?id=26893
Posted by: wyckoff at November 9, 2009 4:07 PM
walnut oil works too and will give it a bit of a richer finish.
Posted by: randolph at November 9, 2009 4:47 PM
Do you want to cut directly on the counters? If not, try Waterlox. If so, I would think mineral oil would be the easiest and most economical treatment. We have butcher block but don't cut directly on it (I actually like the way it looks more than I need the convenience of the surface)
Posted by: Bolder at November 9, 2009 5:34 PM
Definitely don't apologize about butcher block! I like it.
Posted by: bkrules at November 9, 2009 6:37 PM
Check www.butcherblockco.com and a few of the other suppliers. There are butcher block counters made in many different woods and the walnut & cherry are especially beautiful.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 10, 2009 9:00 AM
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