[Boardguy]

I'm refurbishing 50 year-old side grain "butcher block" style cutting boards that are 1-1/2 inch thick. They have a rabbeted edge and are recessed into the kitchen counter-tops so that only the top 1/4" protrudes. In some cases, I have to make new boards (Maple, Cherry or Birch). I'm OK with sealing the top of the wood with Bees Wax and mineral oil, but do I need to do anything to the underside of the boards? The undersides are under of the counter-top and never see the light of day. The original ones have had some sort of brown stain or something applied (matches the color of the rest of the inside of the cabinets). Should I use some sort of sealer on the exposed wood of a new board even if it's not visible?:blink:
Thanx!

 

[Dave Paine]

I would apply a finish to all sides of the board. May be different type on the bottom/side than the top, but I would want to be trying to keep the moisture content the same on all sides of the wood.