The Cons: Wood Countertop Weaknesses

Water Damage

In its natural state, wood is not waterproof. Water damage is the primary concern for people weighing the options of a butcher block countertop over a traditional tile or granite top. This is not nearly as much of an issue as it once was. To effectively combat water damage, Walnut Wood Works offers three finishing options, each with a unique set of sealing characteristics.

Finishing with Tung Oil To Prevent Water Damage

Tung Oil is a time-tested standard. It has been used as a wood finishing agent and sealant for thousands of years. It does a decent job of waterproofing but requires a periodic top coating with beeswax to maintain a level of water resistance that can hold up in a kitchen environment. Tung Oil countertops are best suited for people who want to use their entire counter as a cutting and chopping area. The extra maintenance can be a worthwhile tradeoff to have this unique ability.

Finishing with Hardwax Oil To Prevent Water Damage

Hardwax Oil  is a new generation of high tech oil. It has been specifically engineered to form a highly water resistant bond with the wood fibers themselves. We call Hardwax Oil our 95% waterproof finish. Hardwax Oil maintains waterproofness for all daily tasks. However, if it is left wet for a few days, it has a tendency to leave a mark. You can spill water, wine, juice, etc. on a Hardwax Oil finished butcher block top with no concern for damage as long as it’s cleaned up.

Finishing with Conversion Varnish To Prevent Water Damage

Conversion Varnish is another high tech product that has changed the way that a butcher block countertop is cared for. Conversion Varnish is 100% impervious to water damage. We have never had a single report of water damage with a conversion varnish top. A Conversion Varnish finished countertop can be treated as any other solid surface, with no special care or maintenance required.

May Need Refinishing and Maintenance

Over time, wood countertops will show wear and tear. Many people who purchase a butcher block countertop want this. Aged wood has a character that you can’t get with other materials. The maintenance of your wood countertop largely depends on the finish you choose.

Maintenance for a Tung Oil Finished Top

With Tung Oil, maintenance is ongoing, so there will never be a need to “refinish” your countertop unless you elect to sand out knicks and scratches that accumulate over time.

Maintenance for a Hardwax Oil Finished Top

A Hardwax Oil finish will require a “refresher” every 2-5 years depending on usage. This involves a light scuff sand and wiping the finish on with a rag.

Maintenance for a Conversion Varnish Finished Top

Conversion Varnish should never need to be refinished unless it’s scratched through the finish, in which case a refinish may be necessary or wanted.

Scratches and Dents

Oil finished tops age with the rest of the home. They lightly scratch and dent and take on a beautiful patina that becomes part of the kitchen. We recommend that scratches or marks be sealed with Butcher Block Conditioner and left alone to add to the rich beauty of the piece. If you desire to remove scratches or stains (on an oil finished top), you can sand the imperfection out with 220 grit sandpaper. After sanding, remove all dust and apply several coats of Butcher Block Conditioner to get your top back to new condition.

Aging with a Tung Oil or Hardwax Oil Finished Top

Hardwax Oil ages very similar to Tung Oil. Scratches and dents become part of the top and add to its natural beauty. Scratches can be top-coated with Hardwax Oilat any time to bring back the protection of the original finish.

Aging with a Conversion Varnish Finished Top

Conversion Varnish is a very hard topcoat, it tends to repel scratches and dents more so than our other two finishes. That being said, it’s still wood underneath and it will still scratch and dent if subjected to very rough treatment. Scratches are best treated with a light coating of beeswax.