Everything you need to know.
Common questions, the lifetime warranty, how shipping works, and how to care for your top.
The ten questions we hear most.
Our permanent finish is water, stain, and chemical resistant. Mineral oil finishes need regular upkeep and immediate spill cleanup.
Tops finished with Food Safe Mineral Oil will need to be re-oiled approximately once per month, depending on use.
End grain construction. It allows the blade to slide between the grains of wood, keeping the blade sharp far longer than other construction styles.
Yes, wood is perfectly safe to use for cutting or chopping. Research shows bacteria dies within 4 minutes on wood — versus thriving on plastic.
Each custom-built top is in the hands of a qualified craftsman from the beginning to the end. Not a production line — a shop.
We discourage direct heat from stovetop cookware due to potential burning and glue joint damage. Use a trivet.
Tops with our Satin Sheen permanent finish should not be used for cutting or chopping. For cutting surfaces, choose an end-grain top with our Food Safe Mineral Oil finish.
Yes. All our countertops are sealed against water damage and accept undermount sinks.
Our turn-around time is the fastest in the industry: two to four weeks from order to ship.
No. With our proprietary invisible brackets, we can build tops of any style with up to an 8″ overhang.
Lifetime warranty.
Standard on every Southside countertop and butcher block. Never an upcharge.
What it covers
The lifetime warranty protects against manufacturing defects in our wood countertops and butcher blocks. We stand behind the work for as long as you own the home it sits in.
What it does not cover
The finish. As with any surface, the finish is not indestructible. Day-to-day care, scratches, dents, and wear on the finish are the owner's responsibility.
Improper care, use, or installation. Damage caused by incorrect installation, misuse, or skipping recommended care is not covered.
Environmental damage. Products placed in unconditioned spaces or subjected to excessive humidity or dryness are not covered.
Conditions
Installation must follow our included installation guide. The customer is responsible for finish maintenance. We reserve the right to qualify all claims, and to deny coverage for transportation, labor, and other charges related to the wood surface.
How to file a claim
Call (757) 366-8828 or email contact@southsidewoodshop.com. We'll walk you through what we need — photos, install details, original order info — and figure out the right fix.
From Portsmouth to anywhere.
We ship to almost any location domestically or abroad. (Sorry Cuba and North Korea.)
How it ships
Every piece leaves the shop in a custom-built crate sized to it. We use commercial carriers who are familiar with delivering our products — meaning they know how to handle a 200-pound walnut top and a crate that costs more than the truck's per-mile rate.
International shipping
We can ship overseas. Add transit time, customs, and the appropriate freight carrier — get a quote first so the math is honest.
How to live with your top.
Permanent finish tops (Satin Sheen)
Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap as needed. The Satin Sheen finish is water, stain, and chemical resistant — but it's a finish, not armor. Skip abrasive scouring pads. Don't cut directly on the surface. Use trivets for hot cookware.
Mineral oil tops (butcher blocks and prep surfaces)
Re-oil approximately once per month, more often if the top sees heavy use. Wipe clean with a damp cloth, dry, and apply Food Safe Mineral Oil with a soft cloth — let it soak in for a few minutes, then wipe off the excess. The wood will tell you when it's thirsty (it'll look dry or feel rough). Listen to it.
What hurts a wood top
- Standing water. Wipe spills as they happen.
- Hot pans direct from the stove. Use a trivet.
- Extreme humidity swings. Wood moves with humidity — keep the room conditioned.
- Abrasive cleaners. Skip them. Soap and water is enough.
What helps a wood top last forever
- Re-oil on schedule.
- Wipe spills as they happen.
- Cutting boards on permanent-finish tops.
- Trivets for hot things.
- A little love. Wood is alive.
Still have a question?
If it's not in here, ask us directly. We'll get back the same day if at all possible.