Wood and Butcher block Countertop troubleshooting guide.

End Grain Chopping Block

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

This type of top will loose and gain 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 tim

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. End Grain tops need even support.	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 checks at board ends and on top. This effect can be quite dramatic.	Possible heat source.Cracks are due to drying out. 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. Corner Cupping means that the top is drying out on top. Center bowing means that it is drying below or wetness is building on top. Lack of support at overhang Top is drying out due to lack of oiling	Eliminate outside condition. Corner cupping: Wet the top with damp towels. Let surface dry when top has flattened. Apply oil liberally. Center bowing upward: Let top dry out, Oil. Install corbels or support at overhang. Tops must be oiled regularly or they will dry unevenly.
Damage	Nicks, gouges, dents, etc.	External environment	Such damage may accumulate over time. These may be minimized by using our "finish restorer".
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.

Eliminate outside condition.

Corner cupping: Wet the top with damp towels. Let surface dry when top has flattened. Apply oil liberally.

Center bowing upward: Let top dry out, Oil.

Install corbels or support at overhang.

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