FAQ

highly recommend sealing your block within 3 days of unpacking it to help keep it looking great for
years. To be cautious, we list 24 hours on the block instructions.
If you do not seal the wood, it will more than likely dry out and could crack. If you seal with an oil finish,
periodic maintenance applications of oil (1-2 times a year) will be needed. Sealing oils may include tung
oil, linseed oil, etc. Additionally, you have many options in polyurethane, lacquer, etc. Most importantly,
make sure you seal all six sides of the block.
Help! I opened my block, but I’m not ready to begin my project!
If you’ve opened the plastic and have to delay, keep your block out of the elements lying flat. If you live
in an extremely dry or humid area, laying a blanket over the block will help with protection.
How do you seal the butcher block?
You will want to choose a sealant depending on your needs. Is this an area you need to keep food safe?
Would you like little to no maintenance? For example, mineral oil is food safe, but will require
maintenance. If you plan to cut food directly on your top, you will choose mineral oil. If you like to keep
your block looking pristine and opt to use a cutting board, you may want to choose a polyurethane which
will not require maintenance. Once you determine your needs, a quick visit with your Home Depot paint
specialist can shed some light on what type of sealant you should use. Follow the directions for the
specific product you’ve chosen.
Are these butcher blocks completely solid?
All Hardwood Reflections butcher blocks are 100% solid wood.
Are your stains FDA approved for food preparation?
No, not at this time. If you want a food-safe sealant we suggest mineral oil.
Can Hardwood Reflection butcher blocks be used outdoors?
While outdoor use was not the intended purpose for our blocks, we know that it has been done!
The key here is to seal the block so that the elements do not get inside. This causes the wood to warp.
Rain, sun, snow and humidity are elements that you need to take into consideration when placing the
wood outdoors. We are wood experts, but not necessarily seal experts. This would be a good question for
the paint specialists at Home Depot. We assume that they would recommend a marine grade seal of some
sort.
What’s the difference in the finished and unfinished blocks? What is UV finish?
Finished Butcher Block - Your finished block is ready to install. You may move straight to adding
legs for a table or a base for a desk. A lightly soapy rag is all you will need to clean the block. Avoid
harsh cleansers. If your block is UV finished, it will not need upkeep. If your block is oiled, additional
mineral oil should be added when the block is getting dry, allowing some time to absorb. We do not
suggest cutting a UV finished block, as this is a factory finish and will be near impossible to match on the
exposed area.