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Frequently Asked Questions

Will my wood top withstand water and stains?

Our permanent finish is water, stain, and chemical resistant. Tops finished with Food Grade Mineral Oil will need regular maintenance, and standing water should be avoided. Spills should be wiped up immediately to avoid staining.

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

Tops finished with Food Safe 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 2-5 minutes, and then wipe off any excess.

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. Rather than cutting across the grains of wood, end grain construction allows the blade to slide between the grains of wood, keeping the blade sharp far longer than other cutting surfaces. End Grain construction is incredibly durable and functional.

Is wood safe to use as a cutting surface?

Yes, wood is perfectly safe to use for cutting or chopping.  Research indicates that bacteria, such as the salmonella often found on raw chicken, will thrive and multiply if not removed from plastic boards. On most wood cutting surfaces, the bacteria dies off within 4 minutes.

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 Food Safe Mineral Oil.

Why should I choose The Southside Woodshop for my wood countertop?

At the Southside Woodshop, we strive for the highest quality in everything we do, from the way we treat our customers to the fit and finish of our final product. Each custom-built top is in the hands of a qualified craftsman from the beginning to the end of the build process, ensuring consistency and quality.

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 finish.

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

Tops with our Satin Sheen permanent finish should not be used for cutting or chopping.  If you intend to use the surface for cutting or chopping, though, we recommend Food Safe Mineral Oil.

Can I have an undermount sink with wood countertops? 

Yes, our countertops are sealed to protect against water damage.

How long does it take to receive a wood countertop or butcher block?

Our turn-around time is the fastest in the industry at two weeks!

Is the size/shape of my top limited by the cabinetry it sits on? 

Nope!  With our proprietary invisible brackets we can build tops of any style (even end grain) with up to an 8″ overhang.  This allows for more design flexibility and added stability without sacrificing aesthetics.