Butcher block treatment
Wood butcher block can take much hard wear and tear, be resurfaced or repaired, and continue looking good for many years. Before using a new butcher block, season it to prevent staining and absorption of food odors and bacteria. A mineral oil finish is preferable to polyurethane or varnish because the oil finish is easy to maintain and to repair if the wood surface is damaged. An oil finish helps to prevent the wood from cracking or pulling apart at the seams. Although boiled linseed oil will work, mineral oil is preferred because it will not turn rancid. Before applying oil to butcher block, warm the oil slightly. Apply oil with a soft cloth, in the direction of the grain, allowing the oil to soak in between each of the four or five coats required for the initial seasoning. After each treatment, wait about four to six hours and wipe off oil that did not soak into the wood. Re-oil the butcher block monthly or as often as needed.
