Use and Care Manual
8
Maintenance
PROTECTING THE SURFACE
Solid Wood Panel - Finishing your countertop with oil or oil-wax
□ One of the preferred nish procedures is to use oil or wax oil. Strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to the use of any
oil or oil-wax. Once installed, the working surface must be protected with a layer of oil (multiple applications may be needed) that
provides a barrier and prevents the ingress of water and dirt into the wood. Protective coating is sufcient when water remains on
the countertop after a spill, without tendency to spread and penetrate the wood.
Re-oiling
□ Oil the countertop every three (3) to six (6) months to restore coating and each time when the surface begins to tarnish or drops of
spilled water lose their natural shape and penetrate into the wood.
Other Finishing Methods
□ Other nishing methods are allowed that provide equal protection against moisture such as polyurethane. Please see nish
manufacturer’s instructions for nish application.
Care and Cleaning
□ Immediately remove any spills from the surface. Do not allow the water to lie on the surface for a long time.
□ Always use protective mats or pads under hot dishes, or leave them to cool on the stove.
□ When preparing food, use a chopping board and never do it directly on the countertop surface.
□ Use a soft cloth and warm water when cleaning. Never use concentrated cleaning detergents, especially those containing bleach.
□ Use special care products for wooden tops for daily care.
FOOD CONTACT CONSIDERATIONS
Requirement Description
Food Safe for Chopping
(FDA approved material)
□ Must be a closed-cell wood like birch, maple, walnut, or beech.
□ Food safe materials such as mineral oil with/without beeswax.
□ Chopping too heavily can make cuts into the countertop, which will expose unnished wood, making the
surface more difcult to clean, and potentially lead to permanent damage.
□ Sand away any cuts prior to re-oiling, and apply multiple coats to the sanded areas to ensure the
countertop remains safe and in good condition.
Food Safe for Contact Only
(FDA approved material)
□ Finishes that harden after application (such as polyurethane) are NOT to be cut on. Cutting could
produce small chips in the nish, and ingesting these fragments can be harmful. These surfaces should
only be used for general food contact and prep work.
Open Grain Woods □ Oak, elm, and ash have more open pores. Using a mineral oil/wax nish is not recommended.
Closed Grain Woods □ Woods like birch, maple, walnut, or beech are acceptable to use with a mineral oil and/or wax nish.