Perfect Plank Co.
Questions Answered About our
Products and Services
Here are a few common questions about our products. Please make sure to scroll down to read the
"IMPORTANT SHIPPING INFORMATION" section. Feel free to call the office at (800) 327-1961 if your
question isn't answered here.
Q:As a butcher block manufacturer, do you sell to
residential/homeowners?
A:YES!
We strive to provide a quality product to both our commercial and residential customers. Unlike products sold
in stores, we do not offer a "Do it yourself" option with pre-cut holes and parts. For this reason, if you are a
residential customer, we please ask that you (or a professional) have woodworking experience and tools to
install your purchase.
Q: Do you cut to custom sizes? Does it cost extra?
A: Yes, we offer custom sizing (squares and rectangles only) typically at no additional charge, however orders
with an excess amount of cutting may incur extra charges. Rounds are also available for an additional charge
(see below).
Our quick turn around time (of approximately one week) is achieved by making standard sizes. It's also
common (but not guaranteed) for material to ship slightly oversized; anywhere from 1/8" to 3/4" over. If you
need exact measurements you can specify "exact sizing" on your order and we will make it as close as possible
to those dimensions. We encourage butcher block orders with meticulous measurements be ordered oversized
and cut on location. If we do trim your product to a smaller size the cost will be based on the standard size
from which we are cutting. For example; if you order a Maple 1 1/2" x 20" x 100" butcher block it will cost the
same as the 1 7/8" x 25" x 120". There is no charge for this custom cutting.
Rounds
We also offer the ability to cut perfect rounds for an additional charge of about 15 percent. Rounds can have a
0.75” variance in dimension. Full dimension rounds are additional.
WE DO NOT OFFER: SINK CUT-OUTS, EDGE DETAIL (such as eased edges), OR CUSTOM
ANGLES/DIAGONALS. Please call if you have further questions regarding custom sizing.
Q: What can I expect when I receive my product? Will it be exactly like
the pictures online?
A: You can expect to see minor differences in color, grain, and widths of laminations (strips) as these vary from
plank to plank.
Every butcher block that leaves our mill is processed and visually inspected by multiple employees for
anything that falls below our standard. Despite our efforts to minimize wild grain and defects in our A Grade
product, wood can be unpredictable and (for lack of a better description) "natural". Product that varies from our
guidelines is set aside until we contact our customers, supplying pictures to help them make an informed
decision about their order.
Q: What will I need when I receive my butcher block?
A: Before your butcher block arrives, you'll want to have available:
1. A sealant for your butcher block. Without the application of a sealant your butcher block may cup or end-
check. The sooner you can apply a finish to your product, the better! These products are sold at your local paint
or hardware stores. Several commonly used finishes you can use are a mineral oil (for food-safe applications)
or a poly-urethane (for more protection from water rings). To ensure you’re happy with the final result, we
strongly encourage you to speak to a knowledgable associate in advance for expert product advice. Remember:
You need to seal all 6 sides!
2. A place to work/store your product. If you are not going to install your purchase immediately, you should
store it inside where it is not subject to great changes in temperature and humidity. OUTSIDE STORAGE FOR
ANY EXTENDED PERIOD IS UNACCEPTABLE.
3. Sandpaper. Having a little sandpaper on hand is always a good idea as we apply a small amount of sealant
to the end-grain of our boards immediately after trimming. This helps protect against end-checking while in
transit. Sometimes there is a little overspray on the surface that will need to be sanded before you apply the
finish.
4. Band-Cutters. When the product arrives, you will need SOME sort of cutting tool to open the package for
inspection. We use either strong plastic or steel banding to ensure your purchase stays intact during transit.
Q: How long do I have before my product needs to be finished?
A: Once you have established that your product has arrived in good condition and is flat, we recommend
finishing your butcher block as soon as possible.
Any exposure to even a slight difference in humidity can cause your board to cup or warp. Keeping the product
inside a climate controlled area with the packaging as intact as possible helps to prevent unnecessary exposure
to moisture in the air. We realize you will have opened the package to inspect it when it was delivered. Use the
existing packaging to shield the product until you are ready to finish.
Q: Which carrier can I expect to deliver my product? How is my product
packaged?
A: We typically ship with XPO Logistics (XPO) (Formerly Con-Way Express) or United Parcel Services
(UPS). Our packaging depends on how and where it's going (please read below).
If you have an account or prefer another carrier, please let us know. While it may be more expensive, we are
open to using any carrier you designate. PLEASE READ THE "IMPORTANT SHIPPING INFORMATION"
SECTION before placing your order!
Typically you can expect your package to have 1/8" MDF panels covering all four sides and both ends. We
protect the corners with V-board and reinforce stability with special high tension tape. If the product is
traveling across country, you can usually expect the package to have four to ten pairs of wooden stickers
attached with resilient high tension metal banding. Closer destinations will use plastic banding, which is also
VERY strong. If would like to pick up your butcher block in person, you can expect the packaging to be
minimal; MDF panels with high tension tape. Make sure to bring adequate strapping to secure your plank to
your vehicle. If your butcher block is longer than eight feet and hangs out the back of a truck/vehicle, it would
be wise to bring a red flag to comply with road safety laws. PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT PROVIDE TARPS
OR PROTECTION FROM WEATHER. IF YOU’RE PICKING UP, PLEASE COME PREPARED WITH
AMPLE PROTECTION.
!!!IMPORTANT SHIPPING INFORMATION!!! PLEASE READ!!!
Q: How do I properly receive my shipment?
Step 1: Preparation
a). Communicate any special delivery restrictions or obstacles to Perfect Plank
at the time of your order. Examples can include:
-Inaccessible/Narrow Roads
-Gated Communities
-Island Property
-Small Apartment Complex
“Liftgate services” are available for an extra fee for customers with limited
help on their end. (To see if this is a good fit for you, ask someone in the
Perfect Plank office for more detailed information and pricing at the time of
your order.)
b). Have ample help on location to offload the truck. The driver will move the
product to the end of the container, but is not responsible for offloading your
product. Be aware that XPO offers “curbside delivery” with standard pricing.
XPO will not likely drive up driveways nor assist in moving the product inside.
Planning ahead will save time and money. Upon request, XPO will call the day
before to schedule a window for delivery.
c). Obtain a band cutter, or something suitable to cut through steel banding.
You will need this to unpackage the product while the driver is present for
thorough inspection. It’s also good idea to have something sharp for the tape
and a smart phone nearby in case you need to take any photos or call us
with questions!
Step 2: Delivery Inspection
It is a requirement of the shipping company that somone is available on
location to sign for delivery. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE
INDIVIDUAL RECEIVING THE SHIPMENT TO OPEN AND INSPECT
THE PRODUCT BENEATH THE PACKAGING FOR DAMAGE
WHILE THE DRIVER WAITS. Signing for the packages without thorough
inspection clears the shipping company of all responsibility and waives any
right to a shipping claim or replacement top. If any of this is unclear, please
call our office at (800) 327-1961 for further explanation. (Inspection is not
required for UPS shipments).
Any damage to the product, no matter how small, needs to be notated on the
delivery receipt as “DAMAGED”. Read below for more detailed information
about Shipping Damages.
Q: I’ve unpackaged the top during inspection and I see a problem. What
now?
We do our best to minimize shipping problems, but despite our efforts they happen from time to time. Here
are some issues we see with damaged shipments and the proper way to handle them. All of these procedures
are designed to be implemented during the inspection process while the driver is still present.
1. THERE ARE A FEW MARKS AND/OR MINOR DAMAGES TO THE TOP THAT WILL NEED
TO BE FIXED, BUT I THINK I CAN HANDLE THEM MYSELF.
Write out on the delivery receipt “DAMAGED” and accept the product(s), provided the
damages are likely low in cost and easily fixable. Please send photos and notify us by e-mail
or telephone immediately to discuss options. After reviewing photos, if the damage warrants a
refund, we’ll file a claim on your behalf to recoup repair costs. If you’re unsure of your ability
to repair the product, or feel like it could become costly, please wait to hear from us
before altering the product. Wrap up the product as much as possible to protect it from
exposure to moisture. Continue reading under “Shipping Claims/Replacements” for further
information on this process.
2. THERE ARE MAJOR DAMAGES TO THE TOP AND I CANNOT USE THE PRODUCT.
Examples of this would be major cracks, splits, gouges, stains, or other issues that cannot be
re-glued, cut off, rounded, or hidden. Write out on the delivery receipt “DAMAGED” and
refuse only the damaged product(s). (Please wrap them up as best as you can with the
existing packaging and whatever supplies you have available. Thanks very much!)
As soon as we receive confirmation from the shipping company that the damaged tops are on
their way back, we can then take appropriate steps in resolving the situation. Common options
include re-makes, refunds, or further discussion if complications arise.
Remakes are expedited as much as possible but are not guaranteed to ship that same week
as the damaged delivery. We will do our very best to ship as soon as possible.
3. THERE ARE PIECES MISSING!
Write out on the delivery receipt “DELIVERED SHORT” and accept what is there. It’s likely the
missing piece(s) will show up in the system and be delivered shortly after! If that’s not the case,
notify us by e-mail or telephone and we’ll assist however we can. If the shipping company
declares the package “lost” we can promptly file a claim on your behalf and ship out a
replacement as soon as possible.
4. THE DRIVER IS NOT LETTING ME INSPECT MY PRODUCT! WHAT DO I DO?
All XPO drivers we work with are cooperative and reasonable people. We rarely have this
problem, but in this unlikely situation write out on the delivery receipt “DAMAGED”. You
shouldn’t assume responsibility if you cannot 100% determine if the product is in good
condition. If the driver presents further difficulties in allowing this notation, please give us a call
and we’ll attempt to resolve the situation. If our office is closed, please notate something on the
delivery receipt before letting the driver leave that explains the difficult situation. We’ll address
it as soon as possible.
5. I SEE ANOTHER PROBLEM, BUT I’M NOT SURE IT’S SHIPPING DAMAGE.
In this situation we’ll need to be 100% involved to see the issue. Please take photos and send
them to perfectplank@att.net. Give us a call and we’ll have a look as quickly as possible in
attempt to determine the cause of the problem. When they happen, most issues are in some
way related to shipping damage. If we determine the cause of the issue to be unrelated we will
give you direction over the phone. A decision made by the customer without Perfect Plank’s
involvement will not qualify for a shipping claim, refund, nor replacement.
In the scenario where our office is closed, please mark “DAMAGED” on the delivery receipt to
protect yourself. If the issue is a defect in our workmanship we will resolve the situation with
you directly and not persue a shipping claim with XPO. A receipt signed Free and Clear (or any
other term besides “DAMAGED”) for a shipping related damage will likely result in no claim,
refund, nor replacement by Perfect Plank Co.
6. WHAT CAN BE DONE IF MY PLANK IS DAMAGED BUT I DIDN’T MAKE NOTE ON THE
DELIVERY RECEIPT?
At this stage of the process by signing for your product free and clear without noting damage
on the receipt, the shipping company views the transaction as complete and is unlikely to
consider any recourse on unreported damage. While there is nothing that Perfect Plank can do
to challenge this signed document, we are happy to provide customers with the shipping
terminal contact information in an attempt to dispute the damage directly.
If a top has notable damage on the outside of the packaging, on occasion it is reported by XPO
employees/truck drivers internally. Upon calling the shipping terminal and speaking to an XPO
representative, if a customer is able to successfully change the status from “free and clear” to
“DAMAGED”, Perfect Plank will gladly commence the shipping claim process after confirmation
from the shipper.
Any other available options? Give us a call to discuss! If you can find a way to transport it here
and back, in majority of cases we’re open to a repair or replacement option for little to no cost!
Of course some exceptions apply, but we’re willing to help!
Shipping Claims/Replacements
At this point you’ve notated on the delivery receipt “damaged” and you’ve either refused or accepted a top
with some damage. No doubt you’re a little frustrated and looking to get things resolved. E-mail or call our
office and we’ll explain the step-by-step process to get the ball rolling!
email: perfectplank@att.net
telephone: (800) 327-1961 or (530) 533-7606
If we’re remaking a top, the earlier we know the better. If it’s early enough in the week, sometimes we can
glue and ship that same week. Damages found later in the week unfortunately can take longer. We’ll do our
best in getting replacements out ASAP!
If you’re looking to recoup some costs on a product you’ve decided to keep, a claim can sometimes take 3+
weeks to process. We ask for your patience with this process. As soon as a claim is approved by XPO, we
immediately issue and mail a check to the customer’s shipping address. If the claim is deemed unreasonable
by XPO and denied, it can either be altered and resubmitted or disputed by the customer.
Still have questions?
Call our office at (800) 327-1961 and we'll do our very best to help!
Pacific Coast Maple & Plantation Mahogany Rounds Sealed with Mineral Oil
(SEALING AND INSTALLATION SERVICES NOT OFFERED BY PERFECT PLANK CO.)