Wood and Butcher block Countertop troubleshooting guide.

"Premium Wide Plank"^TM

Your new top comes with a stain, water, and alcohol proof finish designed to last for decades.

The wood members have been kiln dried, triple straightened, and is of premium choice. They are as blemish free as possible.

You may expect some minimal amount of curving or warping and checking in each top.

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 well.	Details such as this 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	Finish is flaking at sink opening. Wood underneath looks bare and split.	Damage to the original finish has not been dressed with oil to reseal these small openings.	Occasional coats of Linseed or Tung oil to reseal and build up the finish at the sink opening.
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 or our special restorer oil.
Finish	Staining, spotting, water rings, food stains, etc.	Excessive scrubbing or washing over time, without oiling or waxing have removed the finish.	Send for our "finish restorer" and apply several coats as directed.
Splitting, End checking,	Excessive open splitting at glue joints. Large open checks at board ends.	Possible heat or humidity source. Possible manufacturing defect. (Tight splits and checks would be normal)	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	Remove source of heat and moisture. 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 or wax and buff (wipe down) the top with a paper towel. Leave untouched overnight.

BUTCHER BLOCK TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

PROBLEM

TO REPAIR

Send for our "finish restorer" and apply several coats as directed.

Remove source of heat and moisture. 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!