How to oil a wooden cutting board?

If you want to know how to oil a wooden cutting board properly, the most effective method is to apply a thin layer of food safe mineral oil every 4 to 6 weeks, let it soak for at least 20 minutes, then wipe away the excess so the board feels dry, not greasy. Done regularly, this can extend the life of a quality board to 5 to 10 years or more.

Why oiling a wooden cutting board matters

Wood is naturally porous. Without oil, your board dries out, warps, or cracks, especially along the grain. Regular oiling does three important things:

• Helps prevent warping and cracks by keeping moisture levels stable
• Reduces deep staining from foods like beetroot, turmeric and berries
• Makes cleaning easier, as liquids sit on the surface instead of soaking in

At Deer & Oak we pre oil boards like our Large Bamboo Board DNO BCB LG and Large Acacia Board DNO ACB LG so you can start using them straight away. With simple home oiling every few weeks, boards this size, 45x35cm and around 1.8 to 2.1kg, stay stable and usable for many years.

What oil should you use on a wooden cutting board?

For a safe, long lasting finish, use a neutral, food safe oil that does not go rancid. The most reliable choice is:

• Food grade mineral oil (often called cutting board oil or butcher block oil)

You can also use a specialist board conditioner that combines mineral oil with natural waxes for extra protection. Avoid common cooking oils that oxidise or turn sticky, such as olive oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil or nut oils. These can smell unpleasant in as little as 2 to 4 weeks.

Step by step: how to oil a wooden cutting board

Here is a clear routine you can follow every time, whether you are caring for a 38x28cm medium board or a 45x35cm butcher style board.

1. Clean and dry the board

• Wash the board with warm water and a small amount of mild washing up liquid.
• Scrub gently with a soft sponge or brush, paying attention to knife marks.
• Rinse and dry immediately with a clean towel.
• Stand the board upright and let it air dry for at least 2 to 3 hours, or overnight if possible.

The board must be completely dry before you oil it. If there is moisture trapped inside, oil can seal it in and encourage swelling or small cracks over time.

2. Apply the oil

• Place the board on a clean tea towel or baking paper.
• Pour about 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil onto the surface of a medium board around 38x28cm.
• For larger boards around 45x35cm, use 2 to 3 tablespoons.
• Use a lint free cloth, paper towel or soft brush to spread the oil evenly.
• Cover both sides and all four edges. Do not forget the handle cut out if there is one.

The surface should look slightly glossy, with no dry patches. If the board is new or very dry, it may soak up the first layer within a few minutes. In that case, add a second light coat.

3. Let the oil soak in

• Leave the oiled board flat on the counter for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
• For deeper conditioning, leave it for 6 to 8 hours or overnight.
• If you see dry areas after 20 minutes, add a small extra splash of oil and spread again.

Bamboo boards, such as the Deer & Oak Carbonised Bamboo Board, are slightly denser than many hardwood boards, so they often need a little less oil. A thin, even coat is better than a thick layer that takes days to absorb.

4. Wipe off the excess

• After soaking, use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.
• Wipe the board firmly to remove any oil that has not soaked in.
• The surface should feel smooth and nourished, not sticky or wet.

Any residue left on the surface can attract dust and may feel greasy when you start chopping. If the board still feels oily after wiping, leave it standing upright for another 2 to 3 hours and give it a final buff.

5. Optional: wax for extra protection

If you want extra water resistance, especially for heavy daily use, you can apply a thin layer of board cream or wax after oiling. Rub a very small amount into the surface, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then buff until the board feels dry and silky. This works especially well on larger, heavier boards like an acacia butcher style block around 2.1kg.

How often should you oil a wooden cutting board?

Frequency depends on how often you use and wash your board:

• Daily use: oil every 3 to 4 weeks
• Regular use (3 to 4 times a week): oil every 4 to 6 weeks
• Occasional use: oil every 2 to 3 months

A simple test: sprinkle a few drops of water on the board. If the water beads up, the board is still protected. If it spreads out and soaks in within 30 seconds, it is time to oil again.

How to prepare different Deer & Oak boards for oiling

Different woods behave slightly differently. Here is how oiling applies to some specific Deer & Oak boards.

Bamboo boards

Bamboo is technically a grass, but it behaves very much like a hard wood. Our Large Bamboo Board DNO BCB LG (45x35cm, 1.8kg, Moso bamboo) and Medium Bamboo Board DNO BCB MD (38x28cm, 1.2kg) are supplied pre oiled. For these boards:

• Top up with mineral oil every 4 to 6 weeks if used regularly.
• Avoid soaking in water and never put them in the dishwasher.
• Use one side for raw meat and the other for fruit and vegetables if you want clearer separation.

Carbonised bamboo boards

The Carbonised Bamboo Board DNO CBB LG (45x35cm, 1.9kg) has a darker finish achieved through heat treatment. It is also pre oiled and responds well to regular mineral oil care. Because of its darker colour it hides knife marks slightly better, but the oiling routine is the same as natural bamboo.

Acacia boards

Acacia is a dense, richly grained hardwood. Our Large Acacia Board DNO ACB LG (45x35cm, 2.1kg) and Medium Acacia Board DNO ACB MD (38x28cm, 1.5kg) are pre oiled and ready to use. Acacia holds oil very well, so you may find you can oil these boards every 6 to 8 weeks rather than every month, depending on use.

Deer & Oak cutting board specifications

If you are choosing a board with long term care in mind, size, weight and material all matter. Larger, heavier boards are often more stable for daily prep, while medium boards are easier to handle at the sink.

Product	SKU	Size (cm)	Weight	Material	Pre Oiled	Price
Large Bamboo Board	DNO-BCB-LG	45 x 35	1.8kg	Moso Bamboo	Yes	£34.99
Medium Bamboo Board	DNO-BCB-MD	38 x 28	1.2kg	Moso Bamboo	Yes	£24.99
Carbonised Bamboo Board	DNO-CBB-LG	45 x 35	1.9kg	Carbonised Bamboo	Yes	£39.99
Large Acacia Board	DNO-ACB-LG	45 x 35	2.1kg	Acacia Wood	Yes	£44.99
Medium Acacia Board	DNO-ACB-MD	38 x 28	1.5kg	Acacia Wood	Yes	£34.99
Bamboo Double Pack	DNO-BCB-2PK	45 x 35 + 38 x 28	3.0kg	Moso Bamboo	Yes	£49.99

Who this is for and who it is not for

Ideal for home cooks who want a reliable, natural surface for daily chopping and are happy to spend 10 to 15 minutes every month caring for their board. If you like the feel of real wood under a chef knife and want a board that can last 5 to 10 years with simple maintenance, regular oiling is a very good fit for you.

Not recommended for anyone who prefers completely maintenance free tools or puts everything in the dishwasher. If you know you will not remember to oil a board every few months, or you have a very high volume commercial kitchen that needs industrial cleaning routines, you may be better with a commercial grade plastic board system instead.

Common mistakes when oiling a wooden cutting board

To keep your board in good condition, try to avoid these frequent issues:

• Using the wrong oil: cooking oils can go rancid and smell within weeks.
• Oiling a damp board: this can trap moisture and lead to small cracks or warping.
• Applying too much oil: a thick layer stays sticky and attracts dust.
• Skipping the edges: the edges and end grain often dry out first.
• Dishwasher use: high heat and detergent can warp a board in a single cycle.

How oiling links to the right board choice

Different problems in the kitchen match to different boards and oiling habits:

• If your current board slides around and feels too light, a heavier board like the Large Acacia Board DNO ACB LG at 2.1kg gives more stability and responds well to monthly oiling.
• If you want one board for meat and another for vegetables without taking up extra space, the Bamboo Double Pack with 45x35cm and 38x28cm boards lets you dedicate each size to a task and oil them together in one session.
• If you are tired of deep stains showing, a darker surface like the Carbonised Bamboo Board hides marks better, and regular oiling keeps the colour rich.

FAQ

Which Deer & Oak board should you choose?

If you are ready to look after a wooden cutting board with regular oiling and want a reliable size for daily cooking, the Large Bamboo Board DNO BCB LG at 45x35cm and 1.8kg is a very practical starting point. It arrives pre oiled, is easy to handle, and responds well to monthly care.

If you prefer a darker tone and a slightly heavier feel, the Carbonised Bamboo Board offers the same 45x35cm footprint with a 1.9kg weight and a rich colour that pairs neatly with modern kitchens. For cooks who want a flexible two board setup from day one, the Bamboo Double Pack combines 45x35cm and 38x28cm boards, ideal for keeping raw and ready to eat foods separate.

You can explore our full range of pre oiled bamboo and acacia boards on the Deer & Oak chopping board collection and see current bestsellers on our bestselling kitchenware page. With the right board and a simple oiling routine, your wooden cutting board can stay smooth, safe and ready for service for many years.