How to Finish Butcher Block Countertops for Kitchens

Installing butcher block countertops can transform your kitchen into a welcoming, rustic space. But choosing the ideal finish is crucial to protect the wood and make it last. There are pros and cons to common options like oil, wax, and polyurethane. Let's explore each in-depth so you can determine the best finish for your lifestyle and kitchen.

Understanding the Properties of Butcher Block

Butcher block countertops are constructed from hardwood planks adhered together in a strip or end-grain pattern. Popular woods include oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and hickory. Butcher block is naturally porous and requires sealing to prevent damage from spills, moisture, and everyday use.

The open wood grain readily absorbs oil and conditioners, allowing for penetration finishing. Butcher block needs reapplication of topical finishes like wax or polyurethane as they wear over time. Proper prep work like sanding ensures finishes adhere and withstand use.

Benefits of Butcher Block Countertops

• Warm, natural material that makes kitchens more inviting
• Durable and long-lasting with proper care and refinishing
• Easier on knives than stone surfaces; doesn't dull blades as quickly
• Can be sanded and refinished instead of needing full replacement
• Food-safe if sealed with non-toxic finishes like mineral oil

Choosing an Oil Finish for Your Butcher Block

Oil finishes like tung, linseed, and mineral oils are excellent options for sealing and protecting butcher block counters. Here are some key benefits of oiling your butcher block:

• Penetrates deep into wood pores unlike surface finishes
• Conditions and preserves wood to prevent drying and cracking
• Enhances natural wood grain patterns and color
• Easy application by simply wiping oil over the surface
• Mineral oil and beeswax are food-safe and won't impact flavor

The main drawback of oil finishes is the need for frequent reapplication. Every 1-2 weeks is ideal for high-use kitchen counters. But oiling is simple and helps maintain the natural beauty of your butcher block.

Choosing the Right Oil for Your Butcher Block Countertops

Consider the following factors when selecting an oil finish for your counters:

• Tung oil - Naturally resistant to moisture, heat, and stains
• Mineral oil - Food-safe; won't turn rancid or impart flavor
• Linseed oil - Penetrates deeply into wood; dries slowly
• Walnut oil - Good for darker woods like walnut or cherry
• Coconut oil - Anti-bacterial properties; solidifies so requires mixing with other oils

Test different oil combinations on scrap wood to find your ideal blend. Many people prefer a 1:1 mix of mineral oil and beeswax for butcher block counters, as it offers food-safe protection with easy application.

Tips for Oiling and Maintaining Butcher Block Countertops

Follow these best practices for oiling and caring for your butcher block:

• Sand counters with 220 grit sandpaper before the first oiling
• Wipe a thin layer of oil over the entire surface using a clean cloth
• Allow oil to soak in for 15-20 minutes then thoroughly wipe off excess
• Apply 3-5 thin coats initially, allowing 24 hours of cure time between coats
• Re-oil whenever the counters look dry, scratch easily, or water soaks in
• Clean with mild soap and water; dry immediately after to prevent damage
• Avoid harsh cleaners, standing water, or excessive moisture
• Consider resealing with beeswax if moisture resistance decreases over time

Using a Wax Finish on Your Butcher Block

Wax finishes like beeswax and carnauba provide a protective coating for butcher block counters. Wax has natural water-resistant properties to prevent damage. Key benefits of waxing butcher block include:

• Low-sheen, soft luster compared to varnish finishes
• Enriches natural wood tones; can be tinted to alter color
• Allows beautiful wood grain to show through
• Food-safe and won't impact taste or quality
• Buffs easily into the wood for effortless application

Since wax sits on the wood's surface, it requires frequent reapplication in kitchens, sometimes daily. It also won't penetrate deeply to condition wood like oil. But wax is simple to apply when the finish appears worn or dry.

Choosing the Right Wax for Butcher Block Countertops

Here are factors to consider when selecting a wax finish for your butcher block:

• Beeswax - Natural, food-safe option made from honeycomb
• Carnauba - Harder wax derived from palm leaves; more durable finish
• Candelilla - Vegan-friendly; made from shrub native to Mexico
• Blends - Combinations like beeswax-carnauba offer balanced properties

While pure beeswax is a top choice for food prep surfaces, a blended wax may provide better moisture resistance for high-use kitchen counters. Test waxes on scraps to compare.

Applying and Maintaining a Wax Finish on Butcher Block

Follow these tips when waxing your butcher block countertops:

• Ensure the surface is clean and dry before applying wax
• Use a soft cloth to rub a thin layer of wax over the entire counter
• Buff the wax into the wood using circular motions until evenly absorbed
• Continue buffing until achieving a smooth, unified sheen
• Allow wax to cure overnight prior to using the counters
• Reapply wax whenever finish appears worn, dull, or dry
• Avoid harsh cleaners; use mild soap and water and dry immediately

Sealing Butcher Block with Polyurethane

Polyurethane creates a durable plastic coating to protect butcher block counters. Oil-based and water-based options are available. Benefits of polyurethane include:

• Excellent stain, moisture, and scratch resistance
• Oil-based poly brings out rich wood tones
• Water-based has less odor and faster dry times
• More durable than wax or oil if properly maintained
• Hardest finish that prevents deeper knife marks

Drawbacks of polyurethane are the extensive application time and "plastic" appearance. It also requires sanding between coats to ensure proper adhesion.

Consider the following when selecting a polyurethane finish:

• Oil-based - Better moisture resistance; amber tone enriches wood
• Water-based - Fast dry time; nearly odorless
• Satin vs. Gloss - Satin is lower sheen while gloss is extremely shiny