If you want the best chopping board oil in the UK for wooden and bamboo kitchen boards, choose a 100% food grade mineral oil and apply 10 to 15 ml per side every 4 to 6 weeks. That single habit can add 5 to 10 years to the life of a quality board and keep it safer and easier to clean.
What is the best chopping board oil in the UK?
For Deer & Oak boards and most quality wooden or bamboo chopping boards, the best oil in the UK is clear, odourless, food grade mineral oil that meets UK and EU food contact standards. It does not go rancid, it sinks deep into the grain and it works on bamboo, acacia, beech, oak and butcher block surfaces.
This is the same type of oil used to pre treat Deer & Oak boards at the factory, including our carbonised bamboo chopping board and acacia chopping board set. When you match your home care oil to the original finish, the board absorbs it evenly and stays stable for longer.
Why food grade mineral oil beats other options
There are many oils you can use, but only a few you should use regularly on a chopping board that touches food every day. Here is how they compare.
- Food grade mineral oil: Does not oxidise or go sticky, clear finish, no flavour, safe for repeated contact with food. Ideal for all Deer & Oak boards.
- Specialist board conditioners: Often a blend of mineral oil and natural waxes. Good for a final sealing coat once your board is saturated with plain oil.
- Raw linseed, tung or walnut oil: Can work, but some people have nut allergies and drying oils can yellow or darken more than expected.
- Olive, sunflower or vegetable oil: Not recommended. They go rancid, smell and can make the surface tacky.
If you only remember one rule, make it this: if the oil can go off in your frying pan, it can go off in your chopping board.
How to oil your chopping board step by step
You do not need any special tools. A soft cloth, 10 to 20 minutes and a bottle of food grade mineral oil are enough.
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Clean the board
Wash with warm water and a tiny amount of mild washing up liquid. Rinse, then dry with a towel. Let it air dry upright for at least 2 hours so the surface is fully dry. -
Measure the oil
For a 45x35cm board use about 10 to 15 ml per side. For a 38x28cm board use 7 to 10 ml per side. Too little will not soak in, too much will just sit on top. -
Apply in thin coats
Pour the oil in the centre and spread with a lint free cloth or paper towel, working with the grain. Cover both sides and all four edges. -
Let it soak
Leave the board flat for 20 to 30 minutes. If dry patches appear, add a few more drops only where needed. -
Wipe off the excess
Buff with a clean cloth until the surface feels dry to the touch, not greasy. -
Stand to cure
Stand the board upright overnight. You can use it the next day.
For a new or very dry board, repeat this process 2 to 3 times in the first week. After that, oil every 4 to 6 weeks, or whenever the surface looks pale or feels rough.
How often to oil different Deer & Oak boards
Different woods and finishes drink oil at different rates. Here is a simple guide for the most popular Deer & Oak sizes.
- Moso bamboo boards such as the Large Bamboo Board 45x35cm: every 4 to 6 weeks in a typical UK home kitchen.
- Carbonised bamboo boards such as the Carbonised Bamboo Board 45x35cm: every 3 to 5 weeks, as the darker finish shows dry patches sooner.
- Acacia boards such as the Large Acacia Board 45x35cm: every 6 to 8 weeks, as acacia is naturally oil rich.
- Heavy butcher style blocks: every 3 to 4 weeks if used daily for meat or prep.
With a regular oiling routine, a quality board can last 5 to 10 years or longer, even with daily cutting and chopping.
Deer & Oak chopping boards and oil compatibility
All Deer & Oak boards are supplied pre oiled, so you can use them straight away. To keep the finish consistent and the warranty valid, we recommend sticking with food grade mineral oil or a reputable chopping board conditioner. Here is how our main boards pair with oil care.
- Large Bamboo Board DNO-BCB-LG: Pre oiled Moso bamboo. Responds quickly to oil and is ideal if you want a light natural look. Pair with a clear mineral oil to keep the colour pale.
- Medium Bamboo Board DNO-BCB-MD: Same material in a smaller 38x28cm size. Needs slightly less oil, so a 250 ml bottle will last 9 to 12 months for most homes.
- Carbonised Bamboo Board DNO-CBB-LG: Darker finish that looks striking on the worktop. A regular oil coat keeps the colour even and reduces the chance of pale dry patches.
- Large Acacia Board DNO-ACB-LG: Naturally rich in oils. A light coat every couple of months keeps the grain deep and warm without making it slippery.
- Medium Acacia Board DNO-ACB-MD: Handy 38x28cm board for smaller kitchens. Quick to oil and wipe, ideal if you want low effort maintenance.
- Bamboo Double Pack DNO-BCB-2PK: Includes 45x35cm and 38x28cm boards. A single bottle of board oil covers both sizes easily.
You can see the full range of compatible boards on our Deer & Oak chopping board collection and mixed board sets page.
Specifications table: Deer & Oak boards that benefit from regular oiling
| Product | SKU | Size (cm) | Weight | Material | Typical oil per coat | Recommended oiling frequency | Price (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large Bamboo Board | DNO-BCB-LG | 45 x 35 | 1.8 kg | Moso Bamboo | 10 to 15 ml per side | Every 4 to 6 weeks | £34.99 |
| Medium Bamboo Board | DNO-BCB-MD | 38 x 28 | 1.2 kg | Moso Bamboo | 7 to 10 ml per side | Every 4 to 6 weeks | £24.99 |
| Carbonised Bamboo Board | DNO-CBB-LG | 45 x 35 | 1.9 kg | Carbonised Bamboo | 10 to 15 ml per side | Every 3 to 5 weeks | £39.99 |
| Large Acacia Board | DNO-ACB-LG | 45 x 35 | 2.1 kg | Acacia Wood | 10 to 15 ml per side | Every 6 to 8 weeks | £44.99 |
| Medium Acacia Board | DNO-ACB-MD | 38 x 28 | 1.5 kg | Acacia Wood | 7 to 10 ml per side | Every 6 to 8 weeks | £34.99 |
| Bamboo Double Pack (Large + Medium) | DNO-BCB-2PK | 45 x 35 + 38 x 28 | 3.0 kg | Moso Bamboo | 17 to 25 ml per coat (both boards) | Every 4 to 6 weeks | £49.99 |
Common problems that good board oil solves
Choosing the right chopping board oil in the UK is not only about shine. It directly fixes day to day problems you notice in the kitchen.
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Problem: Board warping or cupping
Cause: Uneven moisture and lack of oil protection.
Solution: Regular oiling on both sides and edges slows water absorption and helps the board stay flatter. -
Problem: Deep stains from beetroot, curry or meat juices
Cause: Dry, unsealed fibres that soak up liquids.
Solution: Oiled fibres repel liquids for longer, so stains sit on the surface and wipe away more easily. -
Problem: Fuzzy, rough surface that blunts knives
Cause: Repeated wetting and drying without conditioning.
Solution: A light sand with fine paper, followed by two oil coats, restores a smoother cutting surface. -
Problem: Food odours that hang around
Cause: Open pores in dry wood trapping smells.
Solution: Oiled boards are less porous, so smells cling less and wash off quicker.
Who this is for and who it is not for
Ideal for
- Home cooks in the UK who use wooden or bamboo chopping boards at least 3 times a week and want them to last 5 to 10 years.
- Owners of Deer & Oak boards, including the Bamboo Double Pack, our butcher style block and the acacia range, who want to match the original pre oil finish.
- People who care about food safety and want a neutral, odourless oil that will not affect taste.
- Anyone who has seen a favourite board crack or warp and wants to avoid that happening again.
Not recommended for
- Those who only use plastic cutting boards that can go in the dishwasher and do not need oiling.
- People who want a completely maintenance free surface and are not willing to spend 10 to 15 minutes every month on board care.
- Commercial kitchens that rely on colour coded plastic systems to meet specific hygiene regulations.
- Anyone who plans to soak boards in water or put them in the dishwasher, as oil cannot protect against that level of damage.
FAQ: Best chopping board oil UK
Q: Can I use olive oil or vegetable oil on my chopping board?
A: It is not a good idea. Olive oil and most vegetable oils oxidise and go rancid inside the wood, which leads to unpleasant smells and a sticky surface. A clear food grade mineral oil stays stable for years and keeps your board fresh and neutral.
Q: How much oil do I need for a large 45x35cm Deer & Oak board?
A: For a 45x35cm board such as the Large Bamboo or Large Acacia, use around 10 to 15 ml of oil per side per coat. That means a 250 ml bottle will usually cover 8 to 12 full treatments, which is roughly a year of regular care for most home kitchens.
Q: How do I know when my chopping board needs oiling again?
A: Splash a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads up, the board is still protected. If it soaks in within 2 to 3 seconds and darkens the wood, it is time for another oil coat. A dry, pale or rough feel is another clear sign that the board is thirsty.
Q: Does oiling make my chopping board more hygienic?
A: Oiling does not replace washing, but it helps. A properly oiled surface absorbs less liquid, so juices and bacteria sit closer to the surface and are easier to remove with soap and water. Combine regular oiling with prompt washing and thorough drying for the best hygiene.
Closing recommendation: the best chopping board oil routine in the UK
If you own a Deer & Oak bamboo, carbonised bamboo, acacia or butcher style chopping board in the UK, the most reliable choice is a 100% food grade mineral oil applied every 4 to 6 weeks. Use 7 to 15 ml per side depending on size, wipe off the excess after 20 to 30 minutes and stand the board to dry overnight.
Pair that oil with a well sized board that suits your kitchen. For everyday cooking, we recommend the Bamboo Double Pack DNO-BCB-2PK with 45x35cm and 38x28cm boards, available on Amazon UK. If you prefer a darker finish, our Carbonised Bamboo Board gives you a 45x35cm workhorse that responds beautifully to regular oiling.
You can explore more sizes and materials in the Deer & Oak bestsellers collection and build a small set that suits how you really cook. With the right oil and a simple routine, your chopping boards can stay straight, smooth and ready for every meal for many years.