Installation, Care & Maintenance Guide
Thank you for choosing a Hardwood Lumber Company wood countertop. Proper finishing, installation, and routine maintenance will ensure long-term stability, beauty, and performance.
Design
We offer butcher block and wide-plank countertops in a variety of finish options:
· Acrylic Polyurethane
· Mineral Oil
· Polyester (Full Fill)
· Rubio Monocoat
· Salad Bowl Finish
· Unfinished
A range of edge profiles is also available to complement your design.
Finishing your Wood Countertop
Prefinished with Mineral Oil or Salad Bowl Finish
Follow the same care and maintenance guidelines used for cutting boards or food-prep surfaces.
Important: The underside must be sealed with a polyurethane sealer to help balance moisture and minimize movement.
Prefinished with Acrylic Polyurethane or Polyester (Full Fill)
Refer to the Varnished Butcher Block Tops cleaning recommendations in this guide.
Unfinished Countertops
Unfinished wood must be finished and installed within one week of delivery to prevent moisture imbalance that may lead to warping, bowing, or cracking.
Food Preparation & Chopping Surfaces
If the surface will be used for food preparation:
1. Apply a generous coat of mineral oil or butcher block conditioner to all surfaces (top, bottom, and edges).
2. Allow the oil to absorb for 2–4 hours.
3. Wipe away excess oil.
Repeat this process for at least two coats before use.
If the grain feels slightly raised after the first application, lightly sand with 150–180 grit sandpaper, wipe clean, and reapply oil always finishing with a wax.
For long-term care, refer to the Cutting Board Care & Maintenance Guide.
Non-Food Preparation Surfaces
For decorative or general countertop use, seal all surfaces with:
· Commercial-grade polyurethane, or
· Waterlox® finish
Follow the manufacturer’s application instructions. Three to four coats are typically recommended.
Rubio Monocoat Finish
Rubio Monocoat provides a durable, matte appearance and is certified for food contact once fully cured.
· Clean using Rubio Monocoat Surface Care products
· Maintain with Rubio Monocoat Renew as needed
· For refinishing, use Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C
Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive pads.
Installation Instructions
Install countertops within one week of delivery.
· Secure all four corners
· Fasten every 18"–24" on larger tops
· Pre-drill screw holes
· Use 1"–1-1/4" wood screws for 1-1/2" thick tops
· Ensure at least 1" of screw penetration into the wood
Countertops may be attached directly to cabinets or with angled support brackets.
Do Not:
✘ Glue countertops to cabinets or installation surfaces — this restricts natural movement and voids warranty coverage.
Overhang Support
· Overhangs up to 8" typically require no additional support
· Overhangs exceeding 8" require structural support such as angled brackets, legs, or a skirt board
Flat brackets are not recommended.
Proper support is the customer’s responsibility when using the countertop as a tabletop or free-standing surface.
Cleaning Recommendations
Varnished / Sealed Surfaces
Clean with:
· Mild soap and warm water, or
· Vinegar solution (1 cup vinegar per 1 gallon of water)
Dry promptly.
Oiled Surfaces
Clean after use with:
· Mild soap and warm water, or
· Full-strength white vinegar
For deeper sanitation, 3% hydrogen peroxide may be used.
Allow surfaces to dry completely before re-oiling.
Odor Removal
Natural methods for refreshing the surface:
· Lemon or lime with coarse salt
· Baking soda paste
Wipe clean and dry thoroughly.
Important Care Guidelines
✔ Clean spills promptly
✔ Dry surfaces after cleaning
✔ Maintain finish regularly
✘ Do not soak
✘ Do not allow standing water
✘ Not dishwasher safe
Excess moisture can cause movement or surface damage.
With proper care and maintenance, your wood countertop will provide decades of service and develop a rich, natural character unique to your home.