Frequently asked questions

Do these butcher blocks come fully finished?

At Butcher Blocks Canada, we offer three options for finishing our butcher blocks to meet your specific needs. You have the freedom to choose from:

No Finish: If you prefer a natural and raw aesthetic, we provide butcher blocks with no finish applied. This option allows you to personalize and finish the surface according to your desired look and feel.

Oiled: Our oiled finish (beeswax and mineral oil) enhances the beauty of the wood while providing a protective layer. It enriches the natural color and grain patterns, offering a warm and inviting appearance. This finish requires periodic reapplication to maintain its luster.

Sealed with a Protective Finish: For those seeking maximum durability and low maintenance, our butcher blocks can be sealed with a protective finish. This option provides enhanced resistance to stains, moisture, and daily wear and tear, ensuring your butcher block remains beautiful and easy to clean for years to come.

What grade of wood are your butcher blocks made From?

Butcher Blocks Canada chooses premium, kiln-dried, and locally sourced material. Our butcher blocks are also made with premium thickness and length. Each strip is approximately 1.75" wide and runs the full length of the butcher block.

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes! In fact, for every order of two or more butcher blocks, a discounts of 25% is automatically applied at checkout to every additional piece of same or lesser value! (Discount not applicable on item of highest value).

What sets your butcher blocks apart from the rest?

  • Free shipping to anywhere in Canada

  • Reasonable pricing

  • No ugly gaped joints

  • No cracks

  • No moist lumber

  • No overseas-made quality

what should i seal my butcher block with?

If you plan on cutting directly on your butcher block, we recommend using food-grade beeswax and mineral oil to seal your block. This will need reapplication every few weeks, depending on how often you use your block. When the wood becomes dry and lighter in colour you know it is time to re-oil your block.

If you do not plan on cutting on your block, we recommend choosing the protective sealer. We use and love Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C, which is a water-repellant, maintenance-free finish, 100% food-grade, and specifically designed for wood.

Can i put a sink into a wood countertop?

Yes, absolutely, even an undermount sink! However, it will completely depend on what you use to seal your countertop. You would want to use a water-resistant or waterproof finish to seal your wood countertop, in order to protect it from moisture retention and water damage.

If, though, you’re using your countertop as a cutting surface and have sealed it with mineral oil, then we would not recommend putting a sink in. Mineral oil will not effectively protect the wood from water.

how long will it take before i get my butcher block?

All blocks are made to order right here in our woodshop in Toronto, Ontario. They are ready to ship out in one week or less. Shipping can take, on average, from one to two weeks. For remote locations, please expect a slight shipping delay.

how is my butcher block protected during shipping?

Your block will first be wrapped in paper and bubble wrap then placed in a custom wood crate for protection.

maintenance instructions

Butcher blocks sealed with protective finish

  • Clean the surface with a damp cloth and mild soap as needed. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.

  • Dry the surface thoroughly after cleaning.

  • Avoid placing hot pots or pans directly on the surface. Use a trivet or hot pad to protect the surface from heat damage.

  • Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining.

  • Avoid cutting directly on the surface. Use a cutting board to protect the surface from scratches and knife marks.

butcher blocks sealed with mineral oil/beeswax

  • Clean the surface regularly with mild soap and warm water, using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.

  • Dry the surface thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water damage.

  • Apply a thin layer of mineral oil/beeswax to the surface every three to four weeks or whenever the wood appears dry. Use a clean cloth to work the oil/wax into the surface, applying it in the direction of the grain.

  • Allow the oil/wax to soak into the wood for several hours or overnight if possible.

  • Wipe off any remaining oil/wax with a clean cloth.

  • Avoid exposing the surface to excessive heat or moisture, and use cutting boards and trivets to protect the wood from damage.

REPAIR

Because wood is a natural material, it will likely get scratched or dented with frequent use. Thankfully, this is easy to fix due to the porous properties of the wood. When you spot surface damage or minor blemishes on your countertop, follow these simple repair instructions:

1. By hand, use fine sandpaper to buff out the surface damage.

2. Clean with a damp cloth. This will raise the grain of the wood. Air dry before moving to the next step.

3. Sand the area once more. Remove wood dust with a clean, dry cloth.

4. Pour a small amount of your desired sealer on the sanded area. Use a plastic applicator or used gift card to spread the sealer.

5. Let it stand for 5 minutes.

6. Wipe off the excess with a dry cloth.

7. Protective sealer will take approximately 72 hours to completely set (do not wet the area until cured). Areas sealed with oil/wax can be used after 2 - 3 hours.

Note: Cloths used to wipe off excess protective sealer should be air dried and then disposed of.