FAQs
WILL MY CARIBOU SURFACE SPLIT OR WARP?
Only in extreme temperatures and humidity. Both of our finishes seal the core of the product making it more resilient than comparative products. Additionally, the radio frequency, wood aging, and grain matching techniques that Caribou employs greatly limits these issues.
WHAT KINDS OF WOOD ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH CARIBOU?
We offer 7 kinds of premium crafted wood: Walnut, Hickory, White Oak, Cherry, Antiqued Oak, Maple, and Red Oak. We also offer 4 colors in the Crated product line which is made entirely of North American Red Oak.
IS END+EDGE TECHNOLOGY FOOD SAFE? WHAT ABOUT THE PREMIUM WAX OIL TREATMENT?
Both End+Edge Technology and Premium Wax Oil are certified food safe by NSF International.
HOW ARE CARIBOU SURFACES MADE?
We cut the aged and tested raw wood into roughly 1.75″ strips and flip the grains of each strip so they are perpendicular to each other, allowing the natural stresses of the wood to counteract each other. Next, we glue the entire joint and clamp the slab in our eight-tonne radio frequency press. Finally, the butcher block is planed, sanded, and cut to size before adding an edge profile. Finally, we implement the End+Edge Technology or Premium Wax Oil as a final finish.
HOW SHOULD I TAKE CARE OF MY CARIBOU SURFACE? DO I HAVE TO USE ANY OILS OR SPECIAL TREATMENTS?
In our Caribou Crafted line, our End+Edge Technology maintains a permanent finish, so no oils or special treatments are required.
Our Caribou Crated and Caribou Cutting boards will require ongoing maintenance as outlined in our Caribou Surface Cleaning Instructions and our Caribou Standard Operating Procedures.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY CARIBOU CUTTING BOARD?
Please see our cutting board care sheet for information.
CAN I WASH MY CARIBOU SURFACE WITH SOAP AND WATER OR DISINFECTANT?
Caribou Crafted – Please follow the link to our cleaning instructions.
Caribou Crated & Caribou Cutting Boards - We recommend using a mild vinegar solution with water. You can also use soap and water, but we do not recommend using harsh chemicals.
HOW LONG WILL MY CARIBOU SURFACE LAST?
If it is properly taken care of, all Caribou surfaces will last a lifetime.
CAN I CUT DIRECTLY ON MY CARIBOU COUNTERTOP?
Caribou countertop surfaces essentially are a large slab of cutting board and will take a knife’s edge in the same way as a traditional butcher block. Do not cut on the countertop unless you want knife marks on the surface. You can protect the surface by using a cutting board. Caribou Crated can be refinished to have the coloration restored from the knife marks, but the cuts will be noticeable on the surface.
HOW LONG IS YOUR PRODUCT WARRANTY/GUARANTEE?
We offer a limited lifetime warranty. Please see our product warranty for more information.
CAN YOU REPAIR SCRATCHES/DAMAGE ON MY CARIBOU CRATED SURFACE?
You certainly can repair light damage on site and even perform in place refinishes of the Caribou Crated product line.
CAN YOU REPAIR SCRATCHES/DAMAGE ON MY CARIBOU CRAFTED SURFACE?
Due to the intense industrial process required for End+Edge Technology application, we are unable to refinish any damage larger than a quarter on site. We have had some success with minor dings etc. Detailed information can be found in the install guidelines.
ARE ADDITIONAL WOOD SPECIES AVAILABLE WITH CARIBOU CRATED SURFACES?
No, Red Oak is the only wood species available with the oiled finish. If you would like to use a different wood species, please refer to our Caribou Crafted line.
CAN I SELECT A DIFFERENT STAIN COLOR OTHER THAN THE FOUR COLORS LISTED IN YOUR CRATED SURFACES?
No, only 4 stain colors available as shown
CAN I CUT SLABS TO FIT CUSTOM FIT MY PROJECT?
Yes, this program is designed for the DIY market. Please refer to our how-to videos.
IS THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS THE SAME FOR CARIBOU CRAFTED AND THE CARIBOU CRATED SURFACES?
Yes, the manufacturing process is the same*. The only differences is the finish applied. Note: In some instances, Caribou Crated may have mid-joint sticks glued together.
WILL THE OILED FINISH OF THE CARIBOU CRATED SURFACE HAVE THE SAME LONGEVITY AS THE CARIBOU CRAFTED END+EDGE FINISH?
No, the oiled finish requires regular maintenance. The oil should reapplied every 4 to 6 weeks. Our End+Edge finish is a hard-shell finish that does not require maintenance.
WHAT DOES THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CRAFTED SURFACE LOOK LIKE IF I DO NOT CHOOSE TO UPGRADE THE UNDERSIDE FINISH?
Unless the finished underside option is custom ordered, Crafted surfaces will have visible wood filler and imperfections on the underside. The underside will be sanded smooth and finished with a heavy coating of our End+Edge finish to ensure a waterproof and warp free coating, but it will have visible sanding marks and a shiny appearance. There will be no difference in the feel of this finish if you were to run your hand under the surface.
WHAT DOES THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CRATED SURFACE LOOK LIKE IF I DO NOT CHOOSE TO UPGRADE THE UNDERSIDE FINISH?
Unless the finished underside option is custom ordered, Crated surfaces will have somewhat noticeable wood filler and imperfections on the underside. The remaining underside will be uniform in sheen and texture as the top finish and sanded smooth to the touch.