How Can I Repair My Butcher Block? - The Kitchen Countertop Site - Galleries, Remodeling Ideas, DIY Tips

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Wednesday, March 06, 2013

How Can I Repair My Butcher Block?

Having a quality butcher block in your kitchen is to be regarded as a great accessory that you can use whenever you need it. However, several problems may arise with your butcher block losing its initial shape, warping and even cracking especially when its surface is not properly cared for. Also, problems may occur due to changes in temperature because the butcher block is made from a natural wood.

Butcher Block by ButcherBlockCo

So, just like anything made from wood, the butcher block must be kept away from exposure to a very intense heat and dry in order to prolong its lifespan. When one of such problems occurs, you should use some simple fixes in order to correct almost any issue that can affect your butcher block.

Warping is most likely to occur due to a moisture imbalance between the top and the bottom of the butcher block. This issue can be remedied by having some oil applied on its concave side. When this measure is not enough, you should go for plastic taped right to the arched side. Next, you will have to apply oil to the reverse side of your butcher block in order to help it get back into its original shape with just a little time. Splits and cracks can also occur mainly because it’s a natural thing for wood to split over time. Normally, such cracks can be left where they are without any worry.

However, when the splits get way too large or the edges crack, you will have to take proper care of this problem. All you will have to do in this case is to simply fill the cracks with quality wood filler and let this filler dry before removing any excess of it. Next, you will have to re-oil your butcher block. Also, when liquids or foods remain on the butcher block for too long, they are very likely to cause staining. So, when this happens, you will have to sand your butcher block by using lightweight sandpaper and re-oil its entire surface. Over time, all the stains will disappear right into the natural wood grain until they are no longer visible.

When cutting on your butcher block, you will have to make sure that you distribute all the cutting evenly on the whole surface of the natural wood in order for your butcher block to wear evenly. For instance, by continuously cutting right in the same place over and over again, you will cause gouges and dents in the butcher block. However, you can sand out any gouge or dent and re-oil your butcher board when done. Dark streaks can appear in the wooden board and in this case no repair is needed because this is a natural wood coloring. In fact, such dark streaks will only add extra character to your butcher block.

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