How to Refinish a Butcher Block

If you have an older butcher block that has seen better days, it may be time to refinish it so that it looks better than new. Refinishing a butcher block will increase its attractiveness, and the seasoning process will prevent new stains and the absorption of bacteria. Filling in the wood pores so they repel food particles and liquids results in a butcher block that is safer and pleasing to the eye.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Wood putty (optional)
• Replacement screws
• Mineral oil
• Sandpaper, various grits
• Sander (hand, random-orbit or vibrating)
• Cloth

Instructions

Removal and Sanding

1. If your butcher block is screwed on top of floor cabinets, open cabinet doors below and remove any drawers to get a look at how it is attached. You may see about four to six screws holding it in place. Unscrew these from underneath with a screwdriver.

2. Take the butcher block outside and decide whether you want to keep the current side on top or flip it over. Some neglected butcher blocks may have warped so they are convex and will look better if flipped over, with the old woodscrew holes filled in with wood putty. Others may be fine keeping the existing top surface as is.

3. Sand the side you want on top, beginning if the wood is in rough shape with 80-grit paper and proceeding to finer grades. A hand, random-orbit or vibrating sander should suffice; a belt sander may take off more wood than you really need. If the butcher block is in decent shape, sand with 180- to 200-grit paper to remove grime and leave a smooth, new surface. Sand the four edges as well. Brush off the particles.

4. Apply a light coat of mineral oil to what will become the underside of the butcher block. Use food-grade mineral oil, available in most drugstores as mineral oil USP grade in the laxative section. Allow the oil to soak in for about 15 to 30 minutes. This will protect the hidden side of the butcher block from moisture absorption in a humid kitchen.

5. Replace the butcher block on top of your cabinets, using new screws to fasten them to the supports.

Oiling

1. Coat the top and sides of the butcher block with mineral oil, including the three sides not abutting the wall. Pay special attention to the edge nearest water sources, such as your sink. Apply about 1 oz. (2 tbsp.) per each square foot with a clean rag, rubbing the oil around evenly.

2. Try to repeat the coating with oil each night for a total of three applications, in each case letting the butcher block absorb the oil overnight. Keep bowls, appliances and other objects off the butcher block during this period.

3. You may complete up to six applications of mineral oil in the first week, but you may find the oil beginning to pool and puddle after three applications. Judge for yourself how much oil your butcher block can absorb. Try to repeat the oil application after two weeks, and every three to four weeks thereafter. Gauge the need for additional oil by how thoroughly a test drop of water beads on top of the butcher block without soaking in.

Tips & Warnings

• Warm the oil slightly in a microwave or pan if you are applying it in cooler seasons. Some owners use tung oil instead of mineral oil, preferring its more amber look. Many countertop manufacturers recommend coating the fresh surface with mineral oil, however, according to the Washington Post's "Know How" column. Don't worry about applying too much oil; more is better.

• Do not use vegetable or olive oils because they can turn rancid. Mineral oil remains safe throughout its life and poses no risk if your chopping knife touches the refinished butcher block. Try to keep water and spills off your butcher block, even after it is refinished. Moisture swells and may discolor the wood.

References

• What's Cooking America
• Cutting Through the Stains on the Butcher Block; Jeanne Huber; The Washington Post; 2006

Resources

• Butcher Block Maintenance