The 2×4 butcher block is a great addition to your kitchen if you are looking for a sturdy, durable table top that can stand up to the heat and strain of chopping and slicing. A wood kitchen countertop may seem like the perfect material choice for a countertop, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind before deciding which type of wood is best for your kitchen. The type of wood used in your wood kitchen countertop can greatly affect its longevity and its ability to resist stains and scratches.
Heat: Do you have a gas cooktop? Do you live in an area where it frequently heats up quickly, such as in a hot shower or over a stovetop? If so, you will want to choose a wood kitchen countertop made from a hard wood such as maple, oak, pecan or birch. Hard wood countertops are more dense and solid than soft woods. It will take longer to heat up and burnish food because it does not absorb moisture so rapidly. This will also prevent your countertop from becoming too hot for your family’s health.
Stains and Scratches: The type of wood that you use in your wood kitchen countertop will determine how easy it is for stains and scratches to set in. Ash is one of the least stain-resistant woods. It will discolor quickly when acidic foods or drinks are introduced to the surface. If you do not want to have an open wound on your countertop, consider a hard wood like cherry or oak.
In addition to staining and scratching, wood kitchen countertop materials can develop unevenness over time if they are not sealed properly. This is even more true for the tops of appliances and cookware. To maintain the smooth appearance of your countertop, seal your wood kitchen countertop material with a water-based Polyurethane coating. This coating will help eliminate surface staining and help protect your countertop against food and acidic spills.
Do Not Overpolish: Some people mistakenly think that using heavy duty household cleaners to clean their wood surfaces is a good idea. However, this practice can leave a dulling residue that will be very difficult to remove. Instead of using harsh cleaners, you should instead lightly sand your wood surfaces using coarse abrasive materials (such as steel wool or sandpaper) in preparation for stain or scratch application. After applying the cleaning solution, allow it to sit on the surface for a minimum of five minutes. This will allow the cleaner to permeate the surface and dissolve any excess dirt or food residue that may be sitting on your wood surface.
If you are using a liquid bleaching product to treat your wood surfaces, you should only apply it to the outermost third of the surface. Applying the bleach solution too close to the surface of the wood can result in a chemical reaction that will cause the wood to become damaged over time. Instead of bleaching your wood, you should instead use a soft cloth dipped into the solution. This will allow you to buff the wood without having to worry about damaging the wood. Buffing will also help remove any stubborn stains that have built up over time. Before applying the final coat of stain or coloring, allow your wood surface to dry thoroughly between layers of drying.
Cleaning Your Table: One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to refinishing their butcher block table tops is not cleaning them properly. When it comes to cleaning your table top, you should only use mild household cleaners that are safe for household use. You should also keep your table top covered and stored in a clean area until the job is complete to prevent any unnecessary dust particles from accumulating. The longer you allow the build-up of dust on your table top, the harder it will be to refinish.
Finishing Your Table: Once you have cleaned and polished your top, the next step is to apply a thin clear varnish over the entire surface of the wood. The clear varnish will help protect your table against dust build-up. It will also help your table top last longer as the wood surfaces will be sealed tight. This process should be done very carefully to ensure that all the edges of the wood are sealed and free of imperfections. Once the varnish has been applied, you can then apply an electrostatic charge finish to the top. This process helps to protect the surface of your table top against damage from electric current.