18 June 2020 Summertime Care For Butcher Block With An Oil Finish

Summertime Care For Butcher Block With An Oil Finish

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Most butcher blocks come pre-treated with a food-safe, natural oil finish that moisturizes and protects the wood and makes it safe for food preparation, including cutting.

Summertime temperature and humidity changes could cause your natural oil finish butcher block to dry and crack.

With a little TLC now, you can protect your investment for the future.

summertime care TLC

For summertime care, apply John Boos Mystery Oil now, to help moisturize and restore your butcher block.

Mystery Oil is an all-natural blend of white mineral oil, carnauba wax and beeswax that restores wood by replenishing moisture lost through repeated washings and simple evaporation.

Summertime care Oil

Apply Mystery Oil liberally to the surfaces of your butcher block. Spread the oil using a clean, dry cloth. Wait several hours, or even overnight, for it to soak in. Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel.

Repeat every 3 to 4 weeks to keep your butcher blocks in tip-top condition and to extend their useful lives.

For extra summertime care, apply Boos Beeswax Board Cream after the Mystery Oil treatment to help seal in the moisture.

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28 May 2020 Customizable Country Work Table Fits Every Kitchen!

Customizable Country Work Table Fits Every Kitchen!

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Our John Boos Country Work Table is the most popular butcher block table we sell! Standing at a counter height of 35″, it is the perfect table for food preparation. It provides an additional work surface and more counter space for appliances, if that’s what you need. But the main attraction is that this table is customizable to fit your kitchen decor and space. Plus, with multiple add-on features, it can buy you more storage capacity, too! 

13 COLORS

country work table colors

The Country Work Table is available with a natural wood base (i.e., table apron, legs and shelf/shelves) or it can be finished with one of 12 colors. Nine paint color options run the gamut, from Barn Red to Clover Green and from Caribbean Blue to an orangish Spicy Latte. Or choose one of three wood stains in walnut, cherry or gray. You’re sure to find the hue that complements your kitchen decor.

7 SIZES

country work table sizes

The Country Work Table is available in seven rectangular sizes. The smallest is about 3ft long x 2ft wide and our largest is 5ft long x 3ft wide. Depending on its style and size, you might use your table as a kitchen island for dining, positioned in the center of the kitchen. Or you can set it against a wall and use it for added counter and shelf space. With so many sizes to choose from, you can design the table that best fits your kitchen space.

3 SPECIES

country work table species

Our Maple and Oak butcher block Country Work Tables are by far the most popular versions, tried-and-true for years. However, our newest addition with a blended grain walnut butcher block top is very trendy now, as more customers are gravitating toward the warmth and richness of walnut for countertops, island tops and cabinetry in their kitchens.

STORAGE OPTIONS

storage options

Everyone loves a little extra storage space, especially in the kitchen. Add a drawer to your table to tuck away cooking utensils and kitchen gadgets. Select a few wicker storage baskets, perfect for farmhouse kitchens. And order one or two slatted shelves if you need extra space for appliances, cookware or decorations. Finally, the addition of casters instantly makes your table portable, allowing you to move it when and where you need it, then easily store it until next time.

There are hundreds, actually thousands, of versions of the John Boos Country Work Table given 13 colors x 7 sizes x 3 species x 3 shelf options x baskets x drawers x casters, oh my! So certainly you can design a configuration that’s just right for you and your kitchen!

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7 May 2020 Now More Than Ever, We Are Baking

Now More Than Ever, We Are Baking

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Some of us love the smell of baking; others just savor the tastes. Some of us enjoy baking because we appreciate the science behind it. Recipes call for exact quantities or amounts of certain ingredients to be combined in rigid order, following a time-tested “formula.” Focusing on this step-by-step process can relieve our minds from worrying about other stress in our life.

Some of us enjoy the process of baking as much as the end result. Humans find few things more satisfying than checking a box and moving onto the next task at hand, especially in mouth-watering anticipation. The more daring among us even relish the chance to add a pinch of baker’s art to that recipe written by Mr. Science.

stress baking

Some of us, looking for productive ways to fill a sudden surfeit of idle time, are indulging in “stress baking” of late. Nothing like pounding and kneading bread dough to relieve some stress! And a little victory now and again goes a long way to help restore our senses of normalcy and accomplishment.

social baking
And then there’s “social baking” – the perfect new way to spend quality time with family. Cap off the experience by indulging in a delicious sampling of the fruits of your labor. And be sure to share! Baking is all about sharing, so don’t let the exultation end there. Celebrate your accomplishments by posting the experience on your favorite social media sites. It will inspire others to follow your lead!

If you’re an experienced baker, you already know that sturdy-but-smooth butcher block is the perfect work surface for baking.

The Butcher Block Co. offers a full range of butcher block tops for kitchen counters and islands, as well as butcher-block tables, carts, and cutting boards that can help make baking a breeze. And, if you’d like to take your home baking to the next level, check out our lineup of John Boos Bakers’ Tables. You won’t find a wider selection anywhere!

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1 May 2020 Seven Kitchen Design Styles That Americans (And We) Especially Like

Seven Kitchen Design Styles That Americans (And We) Especially Like

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Over the years, kitchens have evolved to become so much more than places in homes where meals are prepared and consumed. Today’s “great kitchens” also serve as family rooms, media centers, conference rooms and virtual offices. Now more than ever, with the kitchen serving as the hub of family activity as well as the focal point of the home, it’s important to choose a kitchen design style that suits the needs and tastes of you and your family. With that in mind, the Butcher Block Co. presents an overview of seven of the most popular kitchen design styles.

While a home’s overall design style can dictate, or dramatically influence, the style selection for your kitchen, that’s not always the case. Moreover, realize that most kitchens incorporate elements associated with multiple design themes. This causes the majority of kitchens to be classified into either of two broad style categories: traditional or contemporary.

TRADITIONAL

About one in three North American kitchens can be categorized as Traditional – i.e., incorporating aspects of design from across multiple centuries and common to both the English countryside and modern-day Europe. Considered classic and timeless, but never ostentatious, traditional-style kitchens feature such details as glass-front cupboards, painted wood cabinetry, and vintage hardware and light fixtures. The use of warm, rich colors and plush furniture makes traditional kitchens warm and comforting.

CONTEMPORARY

Kitchen Design Style

About a quarter of kitchens can be classified as contemporary – i.e., incorporating modern, state-of-the-art materials in efficient, minimalistic designs. In a contemporary kitchen you’re likely to encounter such materials as stainless steel, glass, concrete, and chrome used in combination with a simple but bold color palette – sometimes limited to black, white and gray. But it’s not likely you’ll find much decoration, since the Contemporary designer is mostly focused on utility and efficiency.

MODERN

Modern Kitchen Design Style

While “contemporary” and “modern” are synonyms, they describe kitchen design styles that are actually quite different from one another. Whereas the Contemporary style of design is focused on the present, the Modern style harkens back to the mid-century modern era of the 1950s and 1960s, and sometimes more broadly, to the decades of the 1920s through the 1970s. Modern kitchens often showcase wood as their featured material, and color palettes that incorporate earth tones. About one in ten kitchens follows the Modern style of design.

TRANSITIONAL

Transitional Kitchen Design Style

In this case, the term “transitional” alludes to a blending of two styles: Traditional and Modern. In the vernacular, we might refer to this style as a blending of the old with the new. For example, a Transitional kitchen might combine stainless steel or black appliances and fixtures with dark cabinets exuding warmth, all juxtaposed against neutral-colored walls. The Transitional design style is followed in roughly 15% of kitchens.

FARMHOUSE

Country Farmhouse Kitchen Design Style

Kitchens designed in Farmhouse style, typically described as open and inviting, encourage “simpler living.” Cabinets, tables, and chairs are made of quality hardwood. Such a kitchen might well showcase a farmhouse table, an apron-front sink, a wood-burning potbelly stove and a hearth. Another distinguishing characteristic of this style is its use of bright colors we often associate with rural settings, such as red, yellow, and blue, mixed with pastels.

COTTAGE

Cottage Kitchen Design Style

Designers employ the Cottage style of design when the objective is to create a casual and welcoming atmosphere associated with vacation or summer cottages designed for relaxation and entertaining. More often than not, a cottage-style kitchen is characterized by a light and airy look achieved through the use of light, muted colors; white beadboard cabinets; a farmhouse sink; wood floors that add warmth; and vintage light fixtures that provide a “retro” feel.

COASTAL

Coastal Kitchen Design Style

As one might imagine, coastal or beach-style kitchens are likely to be cheery and bright, illuminated by abundant sunlight and featuring gentle and soothing shades of blue, green, white, and beige (in a callout to sand-colored beaches). Lighting tends to be subdued, and seaside or maritime-themed décor typically features seashells, sea life, sailboats and fishing, for example.

We recognize there are numerous other kitchen design styles not covered here, and not one of them is wrong. What’s most important is that YOU find a style that invigorates you. And regardless of your design-style decision, know that the Butcher Block Co. can supply you with butcher block surfaces, furniture, and accessories to make yours a twenty-first-century kitchen: wood counter and island tops; island, dining, work, and bakers’ tables; kitchen carts; cutting boards and chopping blocks; and knives and knife blocks.

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24 April 2020 How to Clean, Rinse and Sanitize Wood Cutting Boards

How to Clean, Rinse and Sanitize Wood Cutting Boards

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With all of us hyper-focused on keeping ourselves, our families and our homes safe and sanitary, we at the Butcher Block Co. wish to share with you some butcher block best practices you should keep in mind every day, including helpful tips to clean and sanitize wood cutting boards.

It’s Important to Clean a Cutting Board Immediately after Each Use
We recommended that you wash any wood cutting board after using it lightly (e.g., for slicing fruits or vegetables). Wipe it down using a clean sponge with mild dish soap and water, rinse and dry. For a more heavily soiled board, you’ll want to follow a more rigorous, comprehensive cleaning regimen.

  1. Use a soft bristled brush, spatula or plastic scraper to remove any particles of food that adhere to the board.
  2. Add a small amount of mild dish soap to a bowl or tub of hot water. Dip a clean sponge or washcloth into the soapy water. Use the sponge or washcloth to clean the surface of the board.
  3. Rinse the sponge or washcloth. Now use it to wipe down the board with clear water.
  4. Once again, rinse the sponge or washcloth, wring it out, and use it to absorb any water that remains on the board.
  5. Finally, using a paper towel or dish towel, thoroughly dry the board’s surface.
  6. If cleaning both sides of a cutting board, be sure to store it on its edge until both sides dry completely.

Our butcher block experts warn that you should never submerge a wood cutting board in water or wash it in a dishwasher, even though you might come across tips online suggesting that the latter practice is acceptable. It isn’t.

Sanitize Wood Cutting Boards Occasionally, and after Handling Raw Meat
It’s wise to deep-clean your wood cutting boards once in a while, and especially after handling raw meat, fish or poultry. Some chefs and homemakers swear by a diluted bleach solution they spread over the board and let stand for several minutes before rinsing with hot water. Bleach advocates recommend a concentration of 1 teaspoon of household bleach in a quart of water.

Another alternative that is highly efficacious is using common first aid antiseptic hydrogen peroxide solution (3%) found in the grocery store.

  1. Pour it directly on the board and spread it around with a sponge. Clean and rinse the sponge.
  2. Let the solution stand for several minutes. Lightly rinse the board with clear water and wipe off the water with a clean sponge.
  3. Use a clean paper towel or dish towel to dab the board dry.

Note: Hydrogen peroxide is a drying agent, so be sure to keep your wood cutting board well oiled to prevent premature drying, cracking or splitting.

sanitize wood countertops

Here Are a Couple of Other Board Cleaning Ingredients You Might Want To Consider

Pure white vinegar (acetic acid), yet another disinfecting agent, destroys some (not all) bacteria and viruses. To apply white vinegar, create a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water. Soak a clean cloth in the solution then wipe down the cutting board thoroughly using the soaked cloth.
For removing grease on a cutting board’s surface try a paste of safe and natural baking soda and water. Simply massage the paste into the wood using a damp sponge. Rinse and dry.

These best practices and every day tips can go a long way towards keeping your cutting boards, chopping blocks and kitchen counters clean and food safe.

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16 April 2020 Butcher Block Co. Waterfall Edge Wood-Plank Kitchen Island Tops

Butcher Block Co. Waterfall Edge Wood-Plank Kitchen Island Tops

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The Butcher Block Co. Now Offers Wood-Plank Waterfall Edge Kitchen Islands
The waterfall edge design theme has taken hold and the Butcher Block Co. has responded. What makes a kitchen island a “waterfall edge island” is the distinction that its top continues vertically down the ends of the island, mimicking the cascading effect of a waterfall. It’s important that the horizontal-to-vertical transition(s) be especially smooth and appear nearly seamless. The resulting continuous-flow look is visually appealing and can have a profound impact on the feel of any kitchen, especially a contemporary one.

Waterfall edge closeup


Of course, a waterfall top can have a single vertical end, such as in the case of a kitchen peninsula or when upgrading a single end of a kitchen counter. Another variation involves adding a waterfall edge to both ends of L-shaped or U-shaped counters. Like water flowing over a rock surface, a waterfall edge wood top brings visual interest to both islands and peninsulas. A nice advantage of waterfall edge islands is the fact that they can serve as kitchen islands with seating when the top and ends of the island are wider (deeper) than the island cabinet they cover, allowing room to tuck in bar stools or chairs.

waterfall edge island

As mentioned, it’s critical that the horizontal-to-vertical corner transitions appear virtually seamless for a sleek, contemporary look. In order to achieve seamless-looking transitions, the Butcher Block Co. uses only wood planks long enough to span the total “combined length” (top + end(s)) of the contemplated waterfall edge island or countertop. There are limits to these combined-lengths; they vary by species.

Waterfall Edge Island


 Kitchens come in an incredibly wide range of colors and looks. That’s why the Butcher Block Co. offers counter and island tops – and now, waterfall edge tops – in 15 different wood species. So it’s highly likely we can create a waterfall island that’s perfect for YOUR kitchen. Over half of the species we offer are light or blond woods. Some introduce a hint of a soft yellow, a pinkish red or a light brown. Others showcase medium-to-dark browns. And whereas some woods are neutral or muted, certain others are visually striking. Whether you’re shopping for a waterfall island with a soft, soothing look, or one that makes a bold statement, we can help you bring the beauty of nature into your home.

15 wood species


BB Co. waterfall islands can ship either pre-assembled (provided the island top and sides are at least 1-1/2 inches thick); or knocked-down and ready to assemble on site. We recommend factory-assembled islands, but sometimes the ready-to-assemble option is the only practical solution, such as when home doorways are not wide enough for a pre-assembled island to fit through.

Create a clean, updated look in your kitchen with a unique waterfall design.
If you would like us to provide a price quote on a waterfall island or counter top, please call or email us at [email protected] with specifics.

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26 March 2020 Medullary Rays Are Naturally Occurring in Oak Wood

Medullary Rays Are Naturally Occurring in Oak Wood

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WHAT ARE MEDULLARY RAYS
Medullary rays are cellular structures found in the trunks of trees. In a cross section of a tree trunk, they are visible to the naked eye and appear as radiating lines from the center of the log, perpendicular to the growth rings. These medullary or pith rays are essential and serve as a link between pith (center) and cortex (periphery) of the live tree. They perform various functions like food storage and transport of food and water.

WHAT DO MEDULLARY RAYS LOOK LIKE AND WHEN DO THEY APPEAR
In a finished piece of furniture or countertop, medullary rays may appear as rays, silking, and pith flecks. Depending on where the board is cut on a ray, the appearance can be squiggly lines, straight lines, glowing lines, brush marks or flecks. While these rays functionally exist in all trees, they are especially noticeable in lumber from oak trees, like Appalachian Red Oak and White Oak found in some of our BB Co. products.

Medullary Rays in four tops
Medullary ray patterns

When boards are cut from an oak log, they are usually rip cut along the length (axis) of the log. This can be done in three ways: plain-sawing (most common), quarter-sawing (less common), or rift-sawing (rare). Most of the lumber we use is from plain-sawn boards and will result in wood grain in an oak countertop that will have a varietal appearance. The “normal” grain appearance may show up as “cathedral grain pattern” with high peaks in the grain, or a “long straight grain pattern.” However, in plain-sawn oak there will always exist some quarter-sawn lumber, too. (And even some rare rift-sawn grain may be present in plain-sawn boards.)

In quarter-sawn material, where the wood is cut into boards with the growth rings roughly perpendicular to the face of the board, the medullary rays are more abundant and conspicuous, often producing beautiful markings such as silver grain, medullary spots and pith flecks.

OTHER WOOD ITEMS COMMONLY FOUND WITH MEDULLARY RAYS
In some fine wood instruments, like high-end string instruments, the neck and fretboards may be made from quarter-sawn wood to help them remain stable throughout the life of the instrument and to keep the instrument in tune. In acoustic guitars, quarter-sawn wood is also often used for the sides which are steam-bent to produce the curves. Quarter-sawn is used in part for structural stability, but also for the appealing aesthetics of its wood pattern. Additionally, high-end cabinets may be made from quarter-sawn wood which puts the medullary rays on the face grain of the cabinets. It is also especially desirable for furniture and decorative paneling.

CONSUMER PREFERENCES
Medullary rays are going to exist in oak furniture. Unfortunately, we cannot predict how many, what kind, and how conspicuous they will be. Therefore, a consumer must make a thoughtful decision before they order an oak countertop, kitchen island top or table. Given the size of most countertops, medullary rays are very likely to appear in an oak top. For a smaller table, the likelihood of medullary rays probably goes down, but again, it really depends on the cut rails. If a piece of lumber has many medullary rays and is cut into rails for a table top, they are very likely to appear all in one table.

  • LOVE IT – Some people consider this quarter-sawn wood with medullary rays “prized” and they pay more for it! If that is you, then consider a quarter-sawn plank-style top because when sawn this way the result is boards with the annual rings mostly perpendicular to the faces. The likelihood of medullary rays increases and, when present, are going to be more prominent than in a plain-sawn board constructed as an edge grain top. These medullary rays often produce beautiful markings. Compared to an edge grain oak top, quarter-sawn boards often have greater stability of form and size, with less cupping, shrinkage across the width, and shakes and splitting.
  • HATE IT – We have had some customers think medullary rays look like defects in the wood and they find the overall aesthetic unappealing. While these customers are a small minority, we take their opinions seriously. If you might be that person, we recommend you consider a species other than oak. For example, our best selling Maple Country Work Table is the sister to our popular Oak Country Work Table and a good option to consider. And for kitchen island tops we have 13 other wood species available from which to choose!

Just remember, medullary rays are naturally occurring in oak wood, not considered a defect, and the amount and type cannot be predicted, nor guaranteed. It is part of what makes wood so special. Every piece is truly different, and therefore, every countertop or piece of furniture is beautifully unique!

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21 February 2020 Houzz Issues Report on 2020 Kitchen Trends Survey

Houzz Issues Report on 2020 Kitchen Trends Survey

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Houzz, Inc., focused on home renovation and design, just published a report summarizing their recent survey of almost 2600 U.S. homeowners who either just completed a kitchen renovation project, or plan to launch one soon. Here are some of their findings that we at the Butcher Block Co. find interesting. We hope you will too.

Nine out of Ten Remodelers Upgrade Their Countertops
Countertops are targeted for upgrading more often than any other feature in the kitchen – 89% of the time. Backsplashes (84%), sinks (83%), and faucets and plumbing fixtures (81%) are also upgraded more than eighty percent of the time.
More often than not, upgraders shift to engineered quartz or granite countertops. Slightly more than one in ten (11%) upgrade to butcher block, plank or wood-slab countertops.

It’s increasingly on-trend for homeowners to top their counters and islands with contrasting materials as they seek diversity in both appearance and utility.

Twenty six percent of those surveyed by Houzz reported using different materials on their island top versus their countertops. While engineered quartz was chosen most often for countertops, butcher block (41%) was chosen most often for the kitchen island.

Island Top Materials

Of the remodelers in the Houzz survey opting for an island top color distinct from their countertops (29%), wood-tone island tops are the most popular option (35%), whether in dark, light or medium wood.

Island Color Top

One in three remodelers reported adding a kitchen island, and 22% upgraded an existing island. Another 5% left their islands intact. All told, 60% of respondents wound up with a kitchen island. More than nine in ten who upgraded islands expanded storage space and added overhead lighting.

$35,000 Was the Median Cost of a Major 2019 Kitchen Remodel
Respondents reported they spent $35,000 on average on their 2019 major remodels. That’s up markedly from 2018, when comparable remodels cost $30,000.

Kitchen Cabinet Replacements and Upgrades Remain Immensely Popular
Two thirds of 2019 remodelers (68%) replaced their kitchen cabinets altogether, and another 27% upgraded theirs. Nearly two thirds (64%) of those who upgraded their kitchens refinished cabinet exteriors. Far and away, white was the preferred cabinet color (45%).

Some Other Interesting Tidbits
• Half of respondents (51%) engaged a contractor for their remodel jobs, and 22% hired a kitchen designer.
• Seven percent chose blue for their kitchen walls, up from 5% last year.
• Hardwood was the most popular flooring material (29%).

Source: 2020 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study

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13 February 2020 Why Is My Butcher Block Cutting Board Warping?

Why Is My Butcher Block Cutting Board Warping?

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Is your cutting board warping? Properly maintaining, caring for, and storing cutting boards made of wood are the keys to prolonging their lives.

Sandra, the newest member of our team of customer care experts, recognized that warping cutting boards is a common concern from our customers.  In this blog, she will share her knowledge of the subject, answer common questions and address warping cutting board concerns you may have…

Cutting boards can be found in a wide variety of materials other than wood, like bamboo, glass, rubber, composite, and plastic. While each material has its pros and cons, we are partial to wood cutting boards because they have been proven, throughout time, to be an excellent choice for durability, functionality, anti-microbial efficacy, and of course, aesthetics. But wood does require a bit more tender loving care given it is natural… sourced from a living, breathing tree. Even after it is cut down, wood will still react to its environment; it will expand and contract to changes in temperature and humidity. Without proper TLC, butcher block can experience drying, cracking, and warping.

DRYING/CRACKING
If you allow your board to get excessively dry it can lead to splitting and cracking. It is of the utmost importance that you clean and oil your board regularly. An average user should moisturize their board monthly with mineral oil to prevent excessive dryness. If your butcher block undergoes frequent/heavy use, you should oil it every two weeks. Also, it is just as important to NOT over oil your board! Excessive oiling will over-saturate the wood, causing a breakdown of the fibers and construction. We recommend John Boos Mystery Oil.

mineral oil
WARPING

Warping of wood is a result of a moisture imbalance between the top and bottom surfaces. There are 3 common causes of warping in butcher block cutting boards:

  1. Inadequate oiling – The most common cause of cutting board warping is from oiling one surface of the cutting board, and neglecting the rest of the board. You must oil all six sides of the board to prevent warping.
  2. Insufficient drying – Another common cause of cutting board warping is insufficient drying after cleansing. After scraping, washing and rinsing, you must towel-dry the cutting board and set it on its edge to air dry. This will allow air flow around the entire board. Never submerge a cutting board in water or put in the dishwasher.
  3. Improper storing – Where and how you store your wood cutting boards can have an impact on warping. While a cutting board made of plastic, glass, or composite can be stored lying flat in a drawer, cabinet or countertop without worry, this is not true for wood cutting boards. The best way to store a wood cutting board is on its edge and never in direct sunlight. When left on a cold, stone countertop, the wood is not allowed to breathe and a moisture imbalance can occur. If you love the beauty of your cutting board and want to show it off in your kitchen, you can safely display it flat on the countertop… with a little added help. You just need to make sure you store it in a way that will still promote air flow to the bottom surface. You can choose to add rubber feet/pads to each of the bottom corners; or for a reversible board, you can place it on top of a mesh rubber mat that will lift it up off the counter to allow air circulation.
cutting board storage

REMEDY FOR WARPING BOARDS
If you have a warped cutting board, it may not be too late to attempt to remedy the warp. The concave side (inward curving surface) is the dry side, and the convex side (hump side) is the side that has more moisture. The key is to moisturize the dry side while leaving the opposite side exposed to air.
Step 1: Generously oil the concave side of the board with mineral oil.
Step 2: Tape plastic on the entire concave side to lock in moisture, using something like dry cleaning bags or plastic food wrap.
Step 3: On a flat surface (preferably not cold granite or concrete), flip the board over so the concave surface faces down. Place a cookie sheet on top of the hump, then place some weight on the cookie sheet (try a bag of sugar or flour, not to exceed 5 lbs).
Step 4: Let it set for about 1 week to allow the board to slowly correct itself.
Step 5: Unwrap, lightly oil the entire board, wipe dry, and store on edge.

cutting board warping explained

Love your butcher block cutting board. For more ways to show you care, visit our Help Center for Butcher Block Care & Repair Tips, FAQs, Guides and more.

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30 January 2020 Colorful Kitchens – 2020 Trends

Colorful Kitchens – 2020 Trends

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Colorful kitchens is one trend to look forward to in 2020. The addition of color puts more energy in the kitchen and makes for a happy, comfortable space.

colorful kitchens - warm gray

EARTHY TONES INSPIRED BY NATURE

Warmer tones like mushroom gray and smoky white will likely replace colder grays and stark white. Browns are gaining momentum and color is making an impact in kitchens. With a focus on health and wellbeing, people are gravitating to nature’s neutral colors, earthy greens and bold shades, with hues inspired by the earth sea and sky.

colorful kitchens

MORE DARING USE OF COLOR

We have seen deep bold tones like hunter green, emerald green and navy in the kitchen this past year. Blues and greens will continue to influence but will be married with earthy tans and browns. Look for “freshened” bold colors to replace jewel tones. Colors like sharp reds, light teal, turquoise and aqua.

beautiful blue colors

BLUE – THE COLOR OF THE YEAR

Blue will play a significant role in 2020 colorful kitchens. The Pantone Color of the year is Classic Blue; Sherwin Williams’ 2020 color is Rich Navy Blue; and PPG paint is featuring their cobalt blue hue called Chinese Porcelain this year. Beautiful blues in varying shades from light to gray-blue to navy have calming qualities that induce a sense of comfort.

mid century modern wood tones

CABINETS OF LIGHTER WOOD TONES

White Shaker cabinets will continue to be the most popular cabinet in kitchens, but wood tones will remain a strong second. Mid-century modern tones in wood are predicted to emerge this year with lighter tones like teak, hickory, white oak and walnut. Blue cabinets will likely find comfort in colorful kitchens, too, either as tuxedo kitchens with blue lowers and light upper cabinets or on contrasting kitchen islands.

colorful kitchens island

KITCHEN ISLANDS & COUNTERTOPS

The kitchen island is the focal point of many colorful kitchens. Nearly half of kitchen remodelers who upgrade their kitchen island choose a contrasting color for the base, with island colors of gray and blue often chosen. When an island top is selected to contrast with the countertops, wood is the number one choice for the island top. For countertops, quartz will continue to dominate over marble given its advantages of durability and color/texture selection. On the horizon are porcelain slab countertops which are durable and absolutely beautiful in pattern and visual depth!

colorful kitchen tile

FEATURE-WALL BACKSPLASHES

Subway tile is everywhere, but now there is a twist. Tiles in unique dimensions, sizes and shapes are emerging, as is, new ways to lay the tile such as vertical and herringbone patterns. Homeowners looking to fully embrace color in the kitchen are creating feature-wall backsplashes that extend from the countertop all the way to the ceiling!

wood tone flooring

FLOORING & MORE

Wood tones dominate flooring, whether it is engineered hardwood, laminates, luxury vinyl or wood-look tiles. Colored appliances, often following the color of the year, are clever additions to keep the colorful kitchen a fun place to gather.

Will you be embracing the colorful kitchen trend this year?

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