Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if it is a Canadian Butcher Block Company countertop finished with a penetrating and waterproof organic oil called Soy Oil.

You should not put a sink in a wood countertop that has been finished with mineral or linseed oil, or with a film-type finish like polyurethane, conversion varnishes, or lacquer.

Canadian Butcher Block Company has two different finishes available. If you choose our Penetrating Block Oil finish, you can cut on your wood countertop daily with few problems. When you notice any scratches in the surface, gently re-sand your wood top and re-apply our Block oil finish. If you choose our Permanent Soy Oil finish, you should avoid cutting directly on the top. We recommend a separate cutting board for regular chopping. We can manufacture a cutting board that will complement your wood countertop.

Yes, we offer wood countertops made using FSC certified woods.

Yes! The Soy Oil based finish we use is processed from natural ingredients and is food safe. Preparing food on your surface such as rolling out dough or assembling a sandwich is fine. We do not recommend cutting on this finish however as it will mark.

If your top is protected with our Block oil / wax finish, it is completely food safe as well. This finish is designed to be cut on as it requires regular reapplication anyway.

You can, if you add our Set-Down Bar option. This option includes four stainless steel rods that are placed into routed slots in your wood top and raised approximately 1/2" above the surface. Without the Set-Down Bar option, wood tops have heat resistance similar to engineered stone/quartz. Hot temperatures or long exposure to temperatures over 200 degrees F. (93 degrees C.) is not recommended or covered by our warranty.

Yes, but why hide the natural beauty of the wood? With so many woods available, we are sure there is a natural wood that will work with your colour scheme and at a cheaper price than staining.

Yes. Because ranges are fully insulated today and certified safe to use, the heat from the burners travels up, not out, and poses no risk to your countertop just as it poses no risk to your cabinets.

Yes, you certainly can and we recommend it! Wood countertops are just as beautiful and practical in a bathroom as they are in a kitchen.

Pricing varies depending on wood species, cut-outs, custom shapes and finishes. Per square foot, installed, and ready for use, wood is favourably priced when compared to all other premium surfaces.

The only limit is the size of your kitchen.

Regular oiling is required on Mineral Oil / Wax finished tops / blocks. Permanent Soy Oil finished tops, under normal use, don't require any maintenance other than basic cleaning.

Wood countertops are less porous than natural stone. The wood itself is protected by a Permanent Soy Oil finish. As with any countertop, you must wash and disinfect it to keep it free of bacteria. End Grain tops finished with our Block Oil/ Wax have the added benefit of wood’s naturally inherent properties to kill bacteria. For further information regarding this, read the summary of a study performed by Dean O. Cliver Ph.D.: https://news.ncsu.edu/2014/09/cutting-boards-food-safety/

Any damage to one of our tops can be easily repaired. Usually you can do it yourself by following some simple directions from our staff. We also have a national network of service providers who can assist you with any repairs.

Clean your top with mild, non-ammonia soap; rinse, and disinfect with a 10-20% white vinegar/water solution.

Our warranty covers all manufacturing defects for one year. For details, please refer to our Product Warranty Information Sheet.