Wood and Butcher block Countertop troubleshooting guide.

Edge Grain

Your top has been finished and sealed with pure Linseed oil.

This type of top will loose moisture easily.

It needs to be maintained with regular oiling with Linseed or Butcher block dressing oil.

These tops are made for cutting ,chopping, and food prep. They will acquire a pattern of use in time.

PROBLEM	DESCRIPTION	CAUSE	TO REPAIR
New tops
Checking, splitting,	Slight openings in the edge or end grain, Narrow splits in the top. These details do not hold filler .	These details are considered to be normal for wood countertops. They move slightly and are a part of the charm of natural wood.	New tops need to acclimate. They continue to change with the seasons as well. Wax or epoxy fillers in cracks and splits are a good temporary fix. Normal movement is a characteristic of healthy wood tops.
Shape deflection	Curving or warping.	Deflection up to 1/4" across a 42" top is acceptable and normal.	New tops need to acclimate. They continue to move and change with the seasons as well. no fix required.
Warping	Top is "cupping" upward at edges or "bowing" upward in the center.	Imbalance of moisture or heat content between top and bottom. Look for heat or moisture source that has not been sealed off at installation.	Reinstall top. Seal off dishwashers, microwaves, hvac ducts, etc. with sheet metal and caulking. Redirect any hi velocity hvac or blowers.
Warping	Top is turning downward at an overhang.	Lack of support at overhang	Install overhang support. Deflection of up to 1/4" across a 42" top is acceptable. Let top acclimate.
Existing tops
Finish	Dark or black area around a faucet	The faucet leaks. Blackness comes from constant wetness.	Reseal and possibly repair the faucet.
Finish	Shiny or dull areas in the finish.	Use of very fine or very course abrasives in local areas..	Scour the entire top evenly with a fine Scotchbrite pad. Apply a coat of dressing oil.
Finish	Staining, spotting, water spots, food stains, etc.	Excessive scrubbing or washing over time, without oiling or waxing have removed the oils that protect and seal the wood.	Buy some raw Linseed oil and apply several coats as directed.
Splitting, End checking,	Excessive splitting at glue joints. Large open checks at board ends	Possible heat or humidity source. Possible manufacturing defect	Contact us. Send sharp email photos of the problem and the surrounding areas.
Warping	Top cupping or bowing	Imbalance of moisture or heat content between top and bottom. Look for heat source that has not been sealed off at installation. Lack of support at overhang	Apply oil liberally to concave side. If not corrected within 2 weeks, tape plastic (i.e. plastic liners, dry cleaning wrap, etc.) to the convex side and oil the reverse side every day. Top will adjust to new humidity and correct itself. Install corbels or support at overhang.
"Board Creep"	At one or more glue line joints. Boards differ in height or position.	Natural movement in time. Often mistaken for splitting.	This is a feature of wood tops due to natural movement and expansion. It is not a problem.
Rail Expansion	One rail raised above balance of top	Raised rail expanding at faster rate than other	Continue oiling or waxing as instructed for regular maintenance. Top will adjust to new humidity and correct itself.
Damage	Nicks, gouges, dents, etc.	External environment	Such damage may accumulate over time. These may be minimized by using our "finish restorer".
Mineral Streaks	Dark streak in the wood	Natural discoloring of the wood due to mineral deposits	No repair needed – adds to individuality of your Butcher Block!
Residue on counter surface	Gummy residue on the counter top Areas of flat finish or lack of gloss.	Build up of excess oil Not removing excess oil after application.	This residue can be removed with mineral spirits or naphtha. Wet a piece of paper towel with mineral spirits, or naphtha. Apply liberally to the entire top. wait for the oils to start dissolving. If necessary scrub lightly with a 3M scotchbrite pad. Wipe the counter top down to absorb any dissolved or excess oil. Finish the process by wiping with a dry absorbent paper towel until the top is dry. Wait one day then re-oil and buff (wipe down) the top with a paper towel. Leave untouched overnight.

BUTCHER BLOCK TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

PROBLEM

TO REPAIR

Buy some raw Linseed oil and apply several coats as directed.

Apply oil liberally to concave side. If not corrected within 2 weeks, tape plastic (i.e. plastic liners, dry cleaning wrap, etc.) to the convex side and oil the reverse side every day. Top will adjust to new humidity and correct itself. Install corbels or support at overhang.

Continue oiling or waxing as instructed for regular maintenance. Top will adjust to new humidity and correct itself.

Such damage may accumulate over time. These may be minimized by using our "finish restorer".

No repair needed – adds to individuality of your Butcher Block!