Maintenance

Congratulations, you own a gorgeous, wood worktop…lucky you!
Whether you use your work surface for rough and ready chopping,
or as precious heirloom,
please keep a few things in mind:

Just use a damp sponge and soap…easy.
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners and standing water.
Do not rest hot dishes directly on the wood surface.

• Upon receipt, wipe oil on weekly for the first month.
• Then, oil monthly, using BioShield Herbal Oil.
• Wipe on, let sit for 20 minutes, wipe off.
• Carefully dispose of paper towels.
• Avoid using your freshly oiled surface for 12 hours.
• See finish manufacturers instructions for additional info.

• Upon receipt, wipe oil on weekly, for the first month.
• Then, oil monthly or as needed, using BioShield Hard Oil.
• Wipe on, let sit for 20 minutes, wipe off.
• Carefully dispose of paper towels.
• Avoid using your freshly oiled surface for 12 hours.
• See finish manufacturers instructions for additional info.

• Upon receipt, wipe oil on weekly, for the first month.
• Then, oil monthly or as needed, using Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner.
• Wipe on, let sit for 20 minutes, wipe off.
• Carefully dispose of paper towels.
• Avoid using your freshly oiled surface for 12 hours.
• See finish manufacturers instructions for additional info.

• Be vigilant during the first month, as your finish is still curing.
• Keep your surface clean, using mild soap and water.
• Light scratches may be buffed out.
• Surface may need refinishing, approximately every 5 years.
• See finish manufacturers instructions for additional info

Troubleshooting

Most issues relating to wood are due to a common culprit: dryness.
Not to fear, as worktops are easy to repair with a little care and elbow grease.

• Separations along the joints are due to extreme dryness,
  or simply not being hydrated enough.
• To repair, melt 1:4 paraffin wax and oil to fill all cracks.
• Continue to oil on a regular basis.

• Due to uneven moisture content between the top and bottom of the surfaces.
• Oil the concave side of the surface.
• Oil with vigor until the issue is corrected.

• Water spots, food stains will occur when allowed to sit on the surface for too long.
• Dark Rings: commonly caused by wet, corroding metal
• Lemon juice or white vinegar, allowed to sit for 30 minutes,
  does wonders on many stains.
• Using a very light touch, sand the surface (150 grit) until the stain is removed.
• Continue to oil on a regular basis.

• Knifes and heavy pans may take its toll.
• Using a very light touch, sand the surface (150 grit) until the knick is removed.
• Continue to oil on a regular basis.

• Please use a trivet when using working with hot pans.
• Light Rings: commonly caused by hot dishes, creating a waxy residue
• Using a very light touch, sand the surface (150 grit) until the scorch is removed.
• Hair dryers can help remove trapped moisture rings
• Continue to oil on a regular basis.

• Not a problem…wood is natural!
• Due to mineral deposits or a mixture of heart & sap wood.
• Enjoy the character of the natural distinctions within a tree.

Installation

Your Endurawood Butcher Block has been kiln dried to 6-8% moisture content. 
In the rainy season, it will absorb moisture and expand; when humidity decreases it will contract.
A 25” wide top can expand or contract by 1/16” to 3/16” in varying conditions.
When installing your butcher block, allowances should be made for these seasonal changes.

• Pre-drill screw holes.
• Be sure to wipe finish on all cuts, cut outs and drill holes.
• Do not over tighten the screws, as this can restrict movement.
• Use “Figure 8’s” to attach countertop to supports (cabinetry, etc)
• When using the “Figure 8” washers, the flat side around the small hole should face up.
• Fasten up from the bottom.
• Use a lag bolt, long enough to penetrate one half the top’s thickness.
• Use one bolt per foot to attach across the width of the surface
• Use one bolt every three feet to attach across the length of the surface