You can easily measure your own countertop and supply a rough drawing. All you need to do is measure the length and width of the cabinets or existing countertop and include backsplashes if any. The location of the sink,  dishwasher, cooktop, stove and refrigerator should also be supplied in your sketch.

Begin by sketching out the basic shape of your kitchen layout on some the graph paper, regular paper is fine.
Step 1 – Sketch out basic shape of your kitchen layout include all related pieces.
Step 2 – Mark sink location and indicate type of sink (single, double, undermount or drop-in).
Step 3 – Mark stove location and indicate type of stove (cooktop, freestanding or slide-in). If it is a slide-in, does it have a small backsplash behind it?
Step 4 – Mark with (x) all exposed edges that need to be finished.
Step 5 – Indicate any area on the plan that is not granite, like pantry area, refrigerator area, etc.
Step 6 – Indicate radius cuts or special edges.

Using the sketch you have completed, indicate the measurement of each piece in inches, be sure to record all
measurements accurately. Although your countertop should be measured by a professional (unless you are one) prior to fabrication, it is important for you to be as precise as possible in order to obtain an accurate estimate. Please choose one of the steps below either you have existing countertop in place.

Steps for measuring your existing countertop. Follow steps below in order for your measurements . To be as accurate as possible
Step 1 – Measuring Length
To measure the length of your existing countertop, measure along the wall from one edge to the opposite edge.
Step 2 – Measuring Width
To measure the width of your existing countertop, measure from the back wall to the finished front edge. *If your existing countertop has a backsplash be sure to factor in the thickness. And that is how you get the measurements of your counter top.

The post How to Measure for a Counter Top appeared first on Chop Bloc Cutting Boards.

There are 3 different types of grain direction styles available for your countertop, cutting board or butcher block: Top, edge, and end.. Each style has its own distinctive look and application.
End Grain

End grain is the nicest style and the one we recommend for direct food preparation. With end grain, the wood pieces stand up right to show only the ends. This style of butcher block is much harder to manufacture over other styles, requiring a high level of skill and craftsmanship that Chop Bloc has. The pieces are typically set up in a pattern fashion; sizes change depending on the lumber was originally cut. Chop Bloc can put together any type of pattern using end grain, such as borders, checkerboards, or stripes. Basically anything in 8-bit can be done.
End grain is usually ten times harder than edge grain and much harder than top grain butcher block and is best for applications where fashion and function are important. Even knives will keep their edge far longer when using end grain cutting boards or butcher blocks, because the blade slides between the fibers of the wood much like cutting into a brush. Another benefit is that end grain does not show cut and slice marks quite as easily as top or edge grain. Walnut is a great example of end grain 

Edge Grain

With edge grain the ripped wood are laid out in long strips running lengthwise along the top. All the strips are continuous with no joints, unless the desired cutting board or counter top need to be longer.  The rips are usually 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 wide; sometimes widths will change depending on the type of wood and original cut of the lumber. This style of counter top or cutting board is very sturdy and ridged, which makes it a great grain for counter tops. These tops can be made in a wide variety of thickness. Heavier thicknesses are available but unusual. The Maple and Mahogany combo is a perfect example of what can be done with edge grain.

Top Grain

Top grain pieces are premium-clear wide plank flat sawn boards. The pieces are generally wider in size. Widths will vary depending on the species and sizes of wood available at the time of manufacturing and will be random sized unless otherwise specified. Desks, Coffee tables, the tops of tables, and bars are usually the style that Top gain applies too most. Top grain is generally used for furniture going for a nicer looking surface. Mahogany makes for a beautiful top grain cutting board. 

The post Cutting Board Grain Choices appeared first on Chop Bloc Cutting Boards.

So you have just purchased a brand new, beautiful cutting board and/or butcher block. If you are like me, you would like to keep things as new and beautiful as possible especially things you have paid a considerable amount of money for. There are many preventive measure you can take to ensure that your block is kept in good condition.

When it comes to cutting boards and butcher blocks there are absolute facts you have to accept;

1) Your block will get scratches and cut marks… it’s a cutting board.

2) Stains might become a part of you cutting boards look as time goes on

Although these facts are apart of your new blocks life, they can be changed. One of the ways too keep it looks looking new is by refinishing it. and it’s a lot easier than it sounds. The first thing you want to do is get your hands on some good ol’ sandpaper. You are going to need 80 grit, 180 grit, and, if you feel up too it, 240 grit. Using the sandpaper in that order too. The 80grit is a more corse texture to take care of the heavy work and deeper scratches. The next two grits are much lighter and will eliminate finer scratches and also provide a smooth finish.  Start by taking the 80grit and start to sand the area that needs to be refinished.

Using the sandpaper go with the grain of the wood, if you happen to have a top grain cutting board use a circular patter for sanding. If you have deeper goudges or scratches don’t directly sand on the one effected spot. Try and sand all around the scratch to avoid leaving hills and valleys in the surface of your cutting board or butcher block. .  Grind away until all those scratches that you find unsightly fade away.

Next move to the 180 grit. This finer grit will remove smaller scratches and sanding marks left by the 80 grit. 180 grit is a nice smooth surface and many people like that texture and feel of this grit.

At this point you will also want to use a vacuum or brush to remove the dust that has been accumulating over the process of sanding. Once you have cleaned up the dust. Feel what you have sanded, if you like the texture that has been created from 180 grit you can skip to the last part of the article.  If you would like a smoother finish then using the 240 is the next step in this process of maintenance.

The next step is to reapply the oil to the bloc. The type of oil that you want to use is mineral oil. Mineral oil is odorless and colorless. Its also non-vegetable based so there is not chance of it going bad. Wipe mineral oil on the surface of your cutting board and let it soak in. Do not pour the oil directly onto the cutting board, the wood will soak in the oil very quickly this way and it will leave spot where the wood absorbed more oil than the rest. When the wood won’t take any more oil, wipe off the excess with a clean dry cloth. Don’t worry about applying too much oil.  Apply oil with a soft cloth, in the direction of the grain, allowing the oil to soak in between each of the four or five coats required for the initial seasoning. After each treatment, wait about four to six hours and wipe off oil that did not soak into the wood (oxidation or hardening of the oil will take approximately 6 hours). Re-oil the butcher block monthly or as often as needed.

Beeswax Top Coat - A beeswax top coat is an optional addition to the re-finishing process, but is well worth the time. The beeswax sits on the surface of the wood in contrast to the oil that soaks into the wood. As a result the beeswax fills in pores and gaps that thin oil can’t bridge. This will help to keep out moisture, bacteria, and other contaminants from getting into the wood surface. Apply the finish, simply wipe it on with a clean cloth. The beeswax is a soft paste that has a similar consistency to that of a shoe polish. Excess finish can be easily buffed off with the cloth. Once the finish has had some time to dry it can be buffed to an amazing shine.

The post Bloc Care How To: Re-Finishing appeared first on Chop Bloc Cutting Boards.