Frequently Asked Questions about our Custom Wood Countertops, Butcher Block Countertops and Bar Tops

What is the best construction style for cutting or chopping?

The best construction style for cutting or chopping is end grain construction, which is far more forgiving on knife edges and does not readily show knife marks. Rather than cutting across the grains of wood, end grain construction allows the blade to slide between the grains of wood, keeping the blade honed far longer than other cutting surfaces. End Grain construction is incredibly durable, stylish and functional. Cutting boards of yesteryear were produced in this construction style for a reason: because they last.

Is wood safe to use as a cutting surface?

Yes, wood is perfectly safe to use for cutting or chopping. In fact, studies have shown that wood is actually safer to use than plastic. Research indicates that bacteria, such as the salmonella often found on raw chicken, will thrive and multiply if not removed from plastic boards. On both new and used wood cutting surfaces, the bacteria dies off within 3 minutes. Researchers theorize that the porous surface of the wood deprives the bacteria of water, causing them to die.

You should, however, always be diligent in cleaning any cutting surface. Scrub your wood top or cutting board clean with soapy water and a small amount of bleach after cutting foods such as raw meat or poultry, and recoat regularly with a light covering of mineral oil to maintain a lustrous look. All of our wood tops use FDA approved glues and and are hand rubbed with mineral oil to assure that no unsafe chemicals are used in the construction of your cutting boards.

Why should I choose Grothouse Lumber for my wood countertop?

At Grothouse Lumber, we strive to bring the highest quality to everything we do, from our customer interactions to the construction and delivery of our wood tops. Each custom-built top utilizes the best possible raw materials, and our skilled craftsman labor over every detail, from the initial wood selection to the final finishing process.

We understand that you want a one-of-a kind product for your home. At Grothouse, we work with each of our customers individually to offer them a finished product that reflects their personal tastes and preferences. Not only that, but we stand behind every product we make with a lifetime warranty. In fact, our Durata® permanent finish is the highest rated finish on the market today, giving you years of maintenance-free service.

Can I put hot pans directly on the surface of my wood top?

We generally recommend that pots or pans straight from a burner should not be placed on the surface of a wood top. The heat can burn the wood, steam glue joints, cause cracking, or create bubbles in the permanent finish. For customers with a cooktop in or near their wood top, Grothouse Lumber does offer integrated trivets as an optional feature. The trivets make the ideal resting place for hot pots and pans, and are completely removable and dishwasher safe.

Can I cut or chop on a top that includes the Durata® permanent finish?

Tops with our Durata® permanent finish should not be used for cutting or chopping. While the finish is FDA approved for indirect food contact, cutting will leave knife marks and destroy the surface over time. The surface is perfectly suitable for rolling dough, pasta, or other similar food preparation activities. If you intend to use the surface for cutting or chopping, though, we recommend our food-grade mineral oil.

Will my wood top withstand water and stains?

Our Durata® permanent finish is water resistant, stain resistant, and chemical resistant. It is ideal for applications that include overmount or undermount sinks. Tops finished with our food-grade oil will need regular maintenance, and standing water should be avoided. Spills should be wiped up immediately to avoid staining.

Is the Durata® finish available for retail sale?

The Durata® permanent finish is a proprietary formulation that is only available on products manufactured by the Grothouse Lumber Company. It is not available as a standalone product.

How often do I need to re-oil my top?

Tops finished with our food-grade mineral oil will need to be re-oiled approximately once per month, depending on use. Heavily used tops may require more frequent oiling. Simply coat the top lightly with oil using a paper towel or rag, allow the wood to absorb the oil for 5 – 10 minutes, and then wipe off any excess oil.