We finish the sides and legs (areas that do not come into contact with food prep) with either a polyurethane product or natural oils hand polished to produce a rich patina.

The food prep surface is finished with mineral oil or a product approved for food preparation surfaces called Good Stuff. Good Stuff is non-toxic, alcohol resistant and is FDA approved. It is manufactured by Michigan Maple Block Company, Petoskey, Michigan 49770 and is generally available anywhere fine, exotic woods are sold. Good Stuff is recommended for new wood surfaces. To apply to old wood surfaces, the wood must be cleaned down to bare wood and free of oil and dust.

Wood surfaces should be maintained by applying a boiled oil such as linseed oil or mineral oil or even olive oil product monthly to prevent the wood from drying out. You cannot oil a butcher block too much.

Food prep surfaces should be cleaned with a damp cloth for fruits and vegetables or soap and water when preparing fish, meat or dairy products. A slice of lemon rubbed over the top will kill any bacteria. You can also use a few drops of grapefruit seed extract on a damp cloth.

Other furniture care websites:
The University of Georgia