How to Care for Maple Blocks and Tops
Recently, we at Omega Shelving have expanded our line and ventured into butcher blocks and countertops to enhance our wire shelving storage. With the popularity of our new product transforming kitchen storage, we thought we’d discuss caring for maple butcher blocks and countertops. That way our customers know just how to clean their blocks and tops and ensure they last for years to come.
This article is a basic guideline on how to care for genuine maple. While it is geared towards our products, the knowledge in this article can be used for other brands as well.
Maple Butcher Blocks and Countertops
Maple is the most practical butcher block and countertop material in our line. Beauty and practicality are reasons for maple cutting boards, blocks, and tops. They provide a superior cutting surface while the uniqueness of each block strip sets it apart from factory models.
Our maple shelf blocks are food-safe and easy to maintain. All maple wire shelf butcher blocks tops are pre-treated with a food-safe, natural oil finish that moisturizes and protects the wood and makes it safe for food preparation. We use a food-safe adhesive and sand it to a smooth finish.
We then add a food safe conditioner. Higher quality butcher blocks also use biscuits which act as a dowel to help strengthen the board for repeated use. Of course, our blocks use biscuits.
Caring for Maple Butcher Blocks and Countertops
The good news is caring for maple butcher blocks and cutting boards is easy and just another beauty of the product. Maple is resistant to knife gouges and cutting items. Eventually, your block will incur marks from use. A simple sanding with a high grit sandpaper will bring your block back to its original state. Sand in the same direction of the wood grain. Sand evenly as well. 120 grit or higher is a good place to start.
In addition, re-apply a food-safe mineral oil to help maintain integrity and luster. Howard’s food-safe is one of the most popular, available at many local hardware stores as well as the big boxes. Stay on top of this and apply every 8 weeks. Be sure to double check that you are using a food safe conditioner, Conditioner creates a seal to help fight off bacteria and germs. Wash with warm water and soap. Wipe with a clean cloth or towel. Also, for the butcher block enthusiast, beeswax will add beauty and life as well.
Lastly, rotate your board occasionally to prevent warping. If you are handy and own a router, you could clean up the sides with a selected bit.
For more information on butcher blocks and countertops, including butcher block inspiration, head to our blog! As always, if you need any help or require assistance caring for maple butcher blocks and countertops please contact us and we will be more than happy to answer your questions.
