Frequently Asked Questions

Wood VS. Plastic

This article was researched by a customer of ours. We do not guarantee the source but found it very interesting and validating.
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Question: What if I order samples from multiple companies and the samples are different?

Answer: You are wasting your time and money ordering samples from many different companies. If we are all John Boos dealers they are all coming from the same place. If they are different it's because the sample is only 4"x4" and your top will be much larger. Since wood is a natural product it varies from stave to stave so all the colors you get from any sample may or may not be represented in your butcher block. Each species of wood has different variations of color from the closest toward the middle to the outside of the tree. Each tree also has varied colors. Therefore you can only consider an average of colors and the picture on the website best depicts the average colors. Ordering from one company over another based on the sample will only lead to disappointment. You should order based on service, experience, knowledge of the product, recommendations by John Boos, and price. Color will vary and they are all made by the same company. Color is not something guaranteed by any company.

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

Answer: You save money if you are able to take the standard sized blank and cut it yourself. If we modify to length, width, shape or custom cutouts the price can increase significantly. Call for quote.

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

Answer: All countertops subject to $25 UPS and $60 freight. This covers the cost of making sure the product will get to you safely 99% of the time.

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. Typical lead time is 2-5 weeks depending on product and production schedules from John Boos. Tops will drop ship directly from the manufacturer in IL to you via standard ground shipping.

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 countertop to receive a 5/16 by one and a half inches long lag bolt that you can buy in any hardware store. 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 stock most sizes small enough to ship UPS especially in maple. If in stock they can ship in 5 business days plus ship time. All other sizes not in stock usually take 3 weeks to ship plus ship time. Customizations that require CNC work add a week. Exotic woods can take six weeks. Varnique finishes can add a few business days to the ship date due to adequate dry time required. Lead times are not guaranteed. If there is a problem with the top it may be re-made making it ship late. If it is held up in shipping in any way it is beyond our control and we are not responsible for any guaranteed date of delivery.

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.