Simple Fixes For A Butcher Block Cutting Board
A butcher block is a wonderful accessory in a kitchen. But since it is made from natural wood and is not sealed, problems can cause them to change the shape, warp or even crack when not cared for properly or simply because of the change of season. Always keeping it dry and away from heat prolongs its life, but when a problem does occur, there are several things you can do to fix them.
Warping – A block can warp when there is an imbalance of moisture between the top and bottom of it. In order to correct the problem oil applied on the concave side will work. If it has been an ongoing problem though, some plastic taped to the bulging side and then oil placed on the reverse daily will allow it to get back into shape over time.
The wood can split on the cutting board or the edges may crack because it hasn’t been oiled regularly or there has been excessive exposure to heat. The splits are natural and can be expected and usually don’t require any fixing. But if they are truly unwanted, they can be fixed with wood filler. Fill the split with the wood filler and let dry, after that a little sanding is needed to get rid of any excess and re-oiling the block.
Stains – If food or liquid is left on the chopping board for too long it will cause staining. This can be corrected with some lightweight sandpaper and then a little re-oiling of the board. Sometimes no treatment is needed as with time, the stain will slowly disappear into the grain of the wood and no longer be seen.
When cutting on the board, it is important to distribute the cutting evening over the whole surface of the wood so it wears evenly. Continuously cutting in the same place will cause dents and gouges in wood. Sanding out the dents and gouges can be done though and always remember to re-oil the board when done.
Not all problems need to be fixed, like dark streaks in the wood. Those are natural occurrences because of the coloring of the wood and add personality to the wood. When a butcher block is properly taken care of it can last many years. And, if any problems do pop up, some simple fixes is usually all that is needed to get it back in shape quickly and usable again.
If you enjoy cooking, then the butcher block is something you need. Nearly everyone has a butcher block in their kitchen, do you?
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