The Grothouse Lumber Company

Wood Countertops ~ Butcher Blocks ~ Bar Tops ~ Tables

How to take Proper Care of your Wood Countertop

Ensure your counter top has been properly installed to allow for expansion and contraction by pre-drilling holes larger than the screws that secure the piece to the cabinetry.

Follow the instructions below based on the type of finish on your counter top.

Proper Care of Wood Countertops with Durata® Finish

Follow the instructions below to get the best possible performance from your Durata® Finish wood countertop:

1. Exercise care during the first 30 days of receiving your top as the finish is not completely cured and may be more susceptible to scratching. Wash only with soap and water during the first 30 days and avoid placing heavy items on the surface.

2. Following the 30-day break-in period, you may clean your block using anti-bacterial dish soap and warm water, Windex, or your preferred antibacterial cleanser. Thoroughly dry the block after washing.

3. Light scratches can be minimized with Butchers Wax.

4. Do not chop directly on a block with Durata® permanent finish. Use a cutting board.

5. Do not expose tops to excessive heat, cold or moisture!

6. Durata® Finish is permanent and does not require re-coating. It is waterproof and resistant to most household chemicals including bleach, vinegar, red wine and ammonia.

Proper Care of Wood Countertops with Grothouse Original Food Grade Oil

Follow the instructions below to get the best possible performance from your Original Food Grade oil wood top:

1. Wash your block by hand only using anti-bacterial dish soap and warm water. Do not submerge the block in water! Add a small amount of bleach or vinegar to the water for extra bacteria killing power after chopping bacteria-laden foods such as raw chicken. You can also rub the block with a half a lemon to kill bacteria. Our blocks are not dishwasher safe. Thoroughly dry the block after washing.

2. Periodically oil the block with Grothouse Original Oil. Allowing a butcherblock to dry out because of a lack of oil is the #1 cause of problems with butcherblocks. Oiling will help keep that beautiful sheen. Detailed instructions are included with The Original Oil.

3. Do not allow liquid to stand on the block for a long period of time; it will stain the block and cause the wood to expand, which may result in glue-joint failure and warping. Always wipe up moisture promptly.

4. Use a steel scraper or 220 grit sandpaper as needed to keep the top smooth and free of deep cuts or any food buildup, then re-oil the top.

5. If using your block for cutting or chopping, work with different areas of the block to help it wear evenly. Do not use a cleaver with a razor sharpened edge; it may chip out the wood.

Proper care of your countertop will ensure a lifetime of enjoyment and use!

If you have any questions please feel free to email us at glumber@glumber.com or call us at 610-767-6515.

Sincerely,

The Grothouse Lumber Company

6104 Buckery Road

Germansville, PA 18053 | Link