Care guide
How to Oil a Wooden Board (and Which Oil to Use)
Oiling is the single most important thing you can do to make a wooden board last. It replaces the natural oils washed out over time, stops water soaking in, and brings the grain back to life. It takes five minutes, plus drying time.
Which oil should you use?
Use any food-safe oil that won't go rancid. The classic choices are made for exactly this job and are completely safe for food contact.
- Food-grade mineral oil — cheap, odourless and never goes off.
- Board oils and 'board butter' (oil blended with beeswax) — give a little extra water resistance.
- Hardwax oils such as Odie's Oil — what we finish our pieces with.
How often to oil
A good rule of thumb is 'once a week for a month, then once a month for life' — but really, just oil it whenever it looks dry, feels rough, or stops beading water. A thirsty board drinks oil quickly; a well-kept one needs less.
- 1
Clean and dry
Make sure the board is clean and completely dry — oil won't soak into damp wood.
- 2
Apply a generous coat
Pour a little oil onto a clean, soft cloth and rub it into the wood, following the grain. Cover every surface, including the edges and underside.
- 3
Let it soak
Leave the oil to absorb for a few hours, or overnight for a dry board.
- 4
Buff off the excess
Wipe away any oil that hasn't soaked in with a clean cloth, so the surface feels dry, not greasy.
- 5
Repeat if thirsty
If the wood drinks it all in and still looks dry, repeat until it stops absorbing.
Signs your board needs oiling
- The colour looks pale, dull or washed-out.
- Water soaks in and darkens the wood instead of beading on top.
- The surface feels rough or dry to the touch.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use olive oil or vegetable oil on a chopping board?
No — cooking oils go rancid and turn the board sticky and smelly. Use food-grade mineral oil or a dedicated board oil instead.
How long does board oil take to dry?
Mineral and board oils soak in within a few hours. Leave a very dry board overnight, then buff off any excess.
What oil do you finish your boards with?
We use Odie's Oil, a natural food-safe hardwax oil — but any food-safe board oil will keep yours in great condition.
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Handcrafted to last a lifetime
Every board, bowl and vase is turned by hand in Nottinghamshire from quality timber, finished with food-safe oil and shipped free across the UK.