Well here we are again coming into the hot summer nights once again. For those of you with Mineral Oil Butcher Blocks, hydration is key. Heat causes a slew of problems for hardwood including cracking, splitting and even complete seperation in some instances. With this in mind, get out your mineral oil out and soak that butcher block. If your not already, you should be oiling once a week to ensure your countertops and cutting boards maintain a proper moisture level to make it through the hot season.
Butcher Block failure occurs for two reasons, excessive heat or excessive cold. Maintaing the proper moisture level and climate is imaparitive in the fight against the two. Ensure you keep your blocks in a climate controlled environment and keep them full of oil. If you plan on leaving the house for a summer getaway then oil before you leave and set the thermostat for auto around 72-75 degrees. This will ensure your blocks do not loose to much oil from heat evaporation and cause severe drying.
For first time buyers just receiving their butcher blocks it is vital that you immediately remove your butcher block from the shipping container asap upon receipt or you will certainly face cracking, splitting and or possible seperation. Although in most cases these issues are never catastrophic because wood is an excellent medium that can be repaired, but of course at extra cost to you. Leaving your butcher block countertop or cutting boards in the shipping container will void a warranty instantly anywhere you go. So buyer beware this is nothing new.
It is your responsibility to ensure you do not leave your your blocks in these shipping containers for any reason as they are meant for shipping only and will not protect your blocks from moisture loss or excessive temperature changes that may cause moisture loss. So get those tops out of the crate and into a temperature controlled room and oil it immediately to restore it and protect it.
Again for snowbirds and people leaving their blocks for exstensive time should ensure the environment is safe for you block as long as you are away and keep them oiled.
With all that being said enjoy your butcher block to the fullest extent by getting out your cutlery and get to chopping. Invite your friends and family over for summer nights dinner and show them just how much fun owning a butcher block can be.
Peace, Love and Light to all
The Butcher Block Top
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