FAQ's
Why Choose Hudson Block Co.?
Hudson Block Co. is proud to say that our entire product line is 100% made in the USA. As a sister company to Hudson Shuffleboards, known for the best craftsmanship and butcher block playfields in the industry, we understand the importance of selecting choice woods and paying close attention to the finest details. Our unique background, proven experience, and quality craftsmen will present you with a butcher block product that is second to none.
What’s the Difference Between an Oil-finished Top and a Sealed top?
Butcher block countertops and islands can be purchased with an oil finish or a sealed polyurethane finish. Customers who would like a more natural appearance or use their surface for direct cutting will want an oil finish. Hudson Block Co. seasons all oil-finished surfaces with an FDA approved food safe mineral oil to allow for cutting and food preparation. Standing water should be avoided and spills should be wiped up immediately to prevent discoloration.
Customers who will not be cutting directly on the surface and prefer to have a surface that is virtually maintenance free will want our polyurethane finish which seals and protects the wood with a clear satin coat for superior durability. This application is ideal for countertops that will experience standard use, mild food preparation (rolling dough), and have either over or undermounted sinks.
How do I Clean and Maintain my Butcher Block Surface?
Countertops, islands, and cutting boards with an oil finish are thoroughly seasoned with Hudson Block Co. Mineral Oil and Hudson Block Co. Wood Conditioner prior to shipment. To preserve the like-new appearance, application of Hudson Block Co. Mineral Oil and/or Hudson Block Co. Wood Conditioner is recommended on all surface areas every 2-4 weeks depending on usage and dryness of wood.
When cleaning, use a hot water and soap solution on your butcher block product. Do not use bleach or rough materials to clean your oiled butcher block. Lemon juice may also be used to neutralize odor from garlic, onions, etc.
Countertops and islands finished with polyurethane are water resistant and may be cleaned with a warm soapy water solution or Formula 409. Use a hand cloth to dry the surface top after cleaning. Scratches and gauges may develop over time with heavy use and may need care depending on preference.
How do I Remove Scratches, Stains, and Discolorations?
To remove minor stains and discoloration on oiled surfaces, salt can be sprinkled on the top and rubbed with a damp sponge or cloth. For stubborn stains, discolorations and scratches Hudson Block Co. recommends using a 220 grit sanding block in the direction of the grain. Once the wood is sanded smooth and all debris and dust are cleaned off, rub a generous coat of food grade Hudson Block Co. Mineral Oil with a clean rag in the direction of the grain. Let the oil stand overnight for maximum absorption. For extra protection, apply 1 coat of Hudson Block Co. Wood Conditioner.
What’s the Difference Between Hudson Block Mineral Oil and Hudson Block Wood Conditioner?
Hudson Block Mineral Oil is a made from food safe virgin mineral oils and vitamin E that is tasteless and will not go rancid unlike vegetable oils. This is the perfect product for regular seasoning of your butcher block top or cutting board as its primary purpose is to keep the wood from drying and cracking. Our mineral oil meets FDA requirements (FDA 21 CFR 172.878 and FDA 21 CFR178.3620) for food contact surfaces.
Hudson Block Wood Conditioner is a special blend of mineral oil, carnauba wax and beeswax for the purpose of sealing in the oil and creating a water resistant surface to prevent the wood from drying and cracking. The protective waxes also help repair knife marks, deter bacteria and contaminants from penetrating the wood, and keep the surface looking pristine. Our wood conditioner exceeds FDA requirements for direct and indirect food contact and will not go rancid.
For optimal results, we recommend using both mineral oil and wood conditioner in tandem.
Is it Safe to Cut on a Butcher Block Surface?
Hudson Block Co. manufactures countertops, islands and cutting boards that are finished with a mixture of food grade virgin mineral oils and vitamin E, making them safe for cutting. Our mineral oil meets FDA requirements (FDA 21 CFR 172.878 and FDA 21 CFR178.3620) for food contact surfaces. In addition, the mineral oil is produced in the absence of allergenic materials such as nuts and gluten. We do not recommend using cutlery on our polyurethane-finished tops.
Contrary to popular belief, cutting on wood surfaces is safer than cutting on plastic. Studies show that bacteria may penetrate wood but it is short-lived and does not multiply. Whereas bacteria that penetrates knife grooves in plastic multiplies and has a longer life span despite thorough cleaning (Ak, N. O., D. O. Cliver, and C. W. Kaspar, 1994). The bacteria that have been studied includes Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter jejuni. Keeping these findings in mind, Hudson Block Co. recommends separate cutting boards for prepping meat/poultry and fresh produce to avoid cross contamination.
REFERENCE: Ak, N. O., D. O. Cliver, and C. W. Kaspar. 1994. Cutting boards of plastic and wood contaminated experimentally with bacteria. J. Food Protect. 57:16-22.
The following is another recommended study:
Sur Guat Goh, Afsah-Hejri Leili, Chee Hao Kuan, Yuet Ying Loo, Ying Ling Lye, Wei San Chang, Puspanadan Soopna, Mohd Shahril Najwa, John Yew Huat Tang, Rukayadi Yava, Mitsuaki Nishibuchi, Radu Son. March 2014. Transmission of Listeria monocytogenes from raw chicken meat to cooked chicken meat through cutting boards. Food Control, Volume 37, pages 51-55.
Click Here to View Printable Version
Hudson Block Co. is proud to say that our entire product line is 100% made in the USA. As a sister company to Hudson Shuffleboards, known for the best craftsmanship and butcher block playfields in the industry, we understand the importance of selecting choice woods and paying close attention to the finest details. Our unique background, proven experience, and quality craftsmen will present you with a butcher block product that is second to none.
What’s the Difference Between an Oil-finished Top and a Sealed top?
Butcher block countertops and islands can be purchased with an oil finish or a sealed polyurethane finish. Customers who would like a more natural appearance or use their surface for direct cutting will want an oil finish. Hudson Block Co. seasons all oil-finished surfaces with an FDA approved food safe mineral oil to allow for cutting and food preparation. Standing water should be avoided and spills should be wiped up immediately to prevent discoloration.
Customers who will not be cutting directly on the surface and prefer to have a surface that is virtually maintenance free will want our polyurethane finish which seals and protects the wood with a clear satin coat for superior durability. This application is ideal for countertops that will experience standard use, mild food preparation (rolling dough), and have either over or undermounted sinks.
How do I Clean and Maintain my Butcher Block Surface?
Countertops, islands, and cutting boards with an oil finish are thoroughly seasoned with Hudson Block Co. Mineral Oil and Hudson Block Co. Wood Conditioner prior to shipment. To preserve the like-new appearance, application of Hudson Block Co. Mineral Oil and/or Hudson Block Co. Wood Conditioner is recommended on all surface areas every 2-4 weeks depending on usage and dryness of wood.
When cleaning, use a hot water and soap solution on your butcher block product. Do not use bleach or rough materials to clean your oiled butcher block. Lemon juice may also be used to neutralize odor from garlic, onions, etc.
Countertops and islands finished with polyurethane are water resistant and may be cleaned with a warm soapy water solution or Formula 409. Use a hand cloth to dry the surface top after cleaning. Scratches and gauges may develop over time with heavy use and may need care depending on preference.
How do I Remove Scratches, Stains, and Discolorations?
To remove minor stains and discoloration on oiled surfaces, salt can be sprinkled on the top and rubbed with a damp sponge or cloth. For stubborn stains, discolorations and scratches Hudson Block Co. recommends using a 220 grit sanding block in the direction of the grain. Once the wood is sanded smooth and all debris and dust are cleaned off, rub a generous coat of food grade Hudson Block Co. Mineral Oil with a clean rag in the direction of the grain. Let the oil stand overnight for maximum absorption. For extra protection, apply 1 coat of Hudson Block Co. Wood Conditioner.
What’s the Difference Between Hudson Block Mineral Oil and Hudson Block Wood Conditioner?
Hudson Block Mineral Oil is a made from food safe virgin mineral oils and vitamin E that is tasteless and will not go rancid unlike vegetable oils. This is the perfect product for regular seasoning of your butcher block top or cutting board as its primary purpose is to keep the wood from drying and cracking. Our mineral oil meets FDA requirements (FDA 21 CFR 172.878 and FDA 21 CFR178.3620) for food contact surfaces.
Hudson Block Wood Conditioner is a special blend of mineral oil, carnauba wax and beeswax for the purpose of sealing in the oil and creating a water resistant surface to prevent the wood from drying and cracking. The protective waxes also help repair knife marks, deter bacteria and contaminants from penetrating the wood, and keep the surface looking pristine. Our wood conditioner exceeds FDA requirements for direct and indirect food contact and will not go rancid.
For optimal results, we recommend using both mineral oil and wood conditioner in tandem.
Is it Safe to Cut on a Butcher Block Surface?
Hudson Block Co. manufactures countertops, islands and cutting boards that are finished with a mixture of food grade virgin mineral oils and vitamin E, making them safe for cutting. Our mineral oil meets FDA requirements (FDA 21 CFR 172.878 and FDA 21 CFR178.3620) for food contact surfaces. In addition, the mineral oil is produced in the absence of allergenic materials such as nuts and gluten. We do not recommend using cutlery on our polyurethane-finished tops.
Contrary to popular belief, cutting on wood surfaces is safer than cutting on plastic. Studies show that bacteria may penetrate wood but it is short-lived and does not multiply. Whereas bacteria that penetrates knife grooves in plastic multiplies and has a longer life span despite thorough cleaning (Ak, N. O., D. O. Cliver, and C. W. Kaspar, 1994). The bacteria that have been studied includes Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter jejuni. Keeping these findings in mind, Hudson Block Co. recommends separate cutting boards for prepping meat/poultry and fresh produce to avoid cross contamination.
REFERENCE: Ak, N. O., D. O. Cliver, and C. W. Kaspar. 1994. Cutting boards of plastic and wood contaminated experimentally with bacteria. J. Food Protect. 57:16-22.
The following is another recommended study:
Sur Guat Goh, Afsah-Hejri Leili, Chee Hao Kuan, Yuet Ying Loo, Ying Ling Lye, Wei San Chang, Puspanadan Soopna, Mohd Shahril Najwa, John Yew Huat Tang, Rukayadi Yava, Mitsuaki Nishibuchi, Radu Son. March 2014. Transmission of Listeria monocytogenes from raw chicken meat to cooked chicken meat through cutting boards. Food Control, Volume 37, pages 51-55.
Click Here to View Printable Version
