Question: Do you charge extra for non-standard sizes?

Answer: We charge for the next full rectangle up and you can chose to cut the top yourself, have your contractor do the cutting or we charge a nominal fee of $20 to cross cut and or $30 to rip.  Most companies charge $200 per cut so you save with Old World Butcher Blocks. 

Question: How do you make sure my countertops get to me in one piece?

Answer: Due to the abuse that freight companies put on the packages we require that the products be crated.  There is a $35 fee for smaller items that can be sent UPS, and a $65 for larger items that require to be shipped freight.  We have been in the business long enough to know how to package the items so they will get to you in one piece 99% of the time.  If your top is wider than 36” (not longer than) we ship it vertically which requires a lot more packaging so the crating fee may be $75.

Question: What type of sink is best to be used in my countertop?

Answer: There is no warranty for any sink with the oil finish because it is not waterproof so discoloration and even possible splitting can occur. With the varnique finish the surface is waterproof and therefore either sink option will be fine as long as the sink cutout is sealed with the varnique finish.

Question: Do you use finger joints in your countertops or full length strips?

Answer: We use full length strips in our quality countertops and recommend it as the most stabile method. For those who like the appearance of staggered but jointed strips and do not care quite as much about the longevity of the top we do offer one line of finger joined tops with the actual finger joints hidden and but joints exposed on the top for a natural and traditional staggered appearance.

Question: Is there anyone closer so shipping won’t be as expensive?

Answer: Shipping is free so you don’t have to worry about it.  All other internet dealers are shipping products out of the same place which is Illinois.  We inventory tops for fast lead times and ship those tops out of Washington, all tops that aren’t in stock ship out of Illinois.  You cannot get product faster than from Old World if we have it in stock. 

Question: How do I install the top?

Answer: The top is mounted by driving screws through the corner blocks in your cabinet base and into the underside of your countertop.  To do this pre drill the four outer most triangular corner blocks in your cabinet base with a 7/16 bit.  Then center up your countertop and from the under side drill a 1/4” hole through the hole in the corner block and into the bottom of the countertop to receive the 5/16 lag bolt provided.  Then simply drive in the lag bolts in the holes you drilled using the washer so the lag will not pull through and will allow for movement.  This method allows for the butcher block to expand and contract.  It is extremely important to follow these instructions or your top may fail.  If the top wants to contract and cannot it will split.  If it wants to expand and cannot it will warp.  Never glue the top down or it will not be able to expand and contract. 

Question:  Do you stock all the standard sized tops listed on your website?

Answer: We only stock 1.5” thick tops.  We try to keep the most popular sizes in stock and most every size in maple with oil finish.  Other less popular woods, thicknesses and sizes can ship in 3 weeks. 

Question:  Do I glue the top down?

Answer: NO!  Never glue down a butcher block because it cannot expand and contract. 

Question:  Do I need an underlayment to mount the butcher block to?

Answer:  NO!  The top needs to breath.  Underlayments cause the top to sweat and have expansion issues. 

Question:  Does the butcher block have a lip or self edge?

Answer: No, lips and self edges are only used in formica or corian type countertops to cover the underlayment.  Butcher block is a solid slab like slab granite that mounts directly to the cabinet base. 

Question:  How do I clean my butcher block?

Answer: Just use soap and water.  If it is a mineral oil finish you will need to re-oil once ever six weeks.   

Question: Does the butcher block stain?

Answer: The varnique finish is highly stain resistant but the oil finish does not prevent stains.  To remove stains you can lightly sand the area then re-oil. 

Question: Can I cut directly on my butcher block?

Answer: Yes, if you have the oil finish.  If cut marks start to get too deep lightly sand or scrape and re-oil.  If you have the varnique finish you will need to use a cutting board.

Question:  Can I sit anything hot on the butcher block?

Answer: You can sit hot coffee cups or hot plates on it but nothing scorching hot because it is wood and it will burn.  There is no countertop surface that you can sit hot frying pans on without it leaving some kind of mark other than concrete. 

Question:  Is the butcher block sanitary?

Answer: Yes, please read the wood vs. plastic article on this page. 

Question:  Why should I buy from your company over your competitors?

Answer: In most businesses you can read a sign that says: “Quality, speed, price; pick any two.”  At Old world you can have all three.  We offer the best price if you are comparing apples to apples.  Our speed is the fastest in the business if the product is in stock.  We sell only John Boos butcher block which is the highest quality from the company who has been in the business longer than anyone else. 

Question:  If you don’t have what I want in stock who might?

Answer: Unfortunately we know of no other stocking dealers for countertops but there are some who stock cutting boards and furnishings.  Just give us a call and we might be able to recommend someone. 

Question: What’s the difference between edge grain and end grain?

Answer: Edge grain is made with 1.75 wide strips that are as long as the butcher block glued together with the quarter sawn face or edge grain up.  End grain is made up of many little squares of wood with the ends (where you would see the rings) up.  The edge grain is the most stable glue up available for a sturdy long lasting top.  The end grain is not very stable so it has size limitations and thickness requirements but it is great for cutting on.