If you want a clear, practical answer: the best oil for wooden cutting boards is a food safe, mineral based board oil, applied in a thin coat every 3 to 4 weeks. For most home kitchens, a 50 ml application of pure mineral oil on a 45x35cm board will protect the wood, stop cracking and help your board last 5 to 10 years or more.
Why food safe mineral oil is the best choice
When people ask "what is the best oil for wooden cutting boards", they usually mean: which oil will keep my board from splitting, warping and smelling. Food safe mineral oil answers all three problems at once.
- It does not go rancid unlike many cooking oils
- It soaks deep into the fibres of bamboo, acacia and other hardwoods
- It is neutral in taste and smell so it will not affect food
- It is easy to reapply in 10 to 15 minutes with a soft cloth
At Deer & Oak we pre oil every board, from our 45x35cm Large Bamboo Board to our 2.1kg Large Acacia Board, with food safe mineral oil so they arrive ready to use. With regular re oiling, boards like our bamboo and acacia range can stay in daily service for many years.
Good, acceptable and bad oils for wooden cutting boards
If you only remember one thing, remember this: use a stable, food safe oil that does not dry sticky or go off. Here is how the common options compare.
Best options
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Food safe mineral oil
Clear, odourless and stable. Ideal for all Deer & Oak boards, including our 45x35cm Large Bamboo Board and 45x35cm Carbonised Bamboo Board. Reapply every 3 to 4 weeks in normal use. -
Specialist board oils and creams
Usually a mix of mineral oil and natural waxes like beeswax. These add a gentle sheen and slightly better water resistance. Good for heavy use boards such as our butcher's block style boards.
Sometimes acceptable
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Fractionated coconut oil
More stable than normal coconut oil because the parts that go rancid are removed. Only use if it is clearly labelled as food safe and non rancid.
Oils to avoid on cutting boards
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Olive oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil
These can oxidise and turn sticky and smelly inside the wood within weeks. On a 38x28cm board that can mean the whole surface smells of old oil. -
Flaxseed (linseed) oil
Often used on furniture. It dries to a hard film which can crack and flake on a working chopping surface. -
Petroleum jelly and non food safe oils
These are not intended for surfaces that touch food and should be avoided.
How to oil a wooden cutting board in 5 simple steps
Whether you own our 1.8kg Large Bamboo Board or the 1.5kg Medium Acacia Board, the method is the same. Set aside 20 minutes and follow this routine.
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Clean and dry the board
Wash with mild washing up liquid and warm water. Rinse and dry with a towel. Let it air dry upright for at least 4 hours, or overnight if the board is thick. -
Measure the oil
For a 45x35cm board use roughly 40 to 50 ml of food safe mineral oil. For a 38x28cm board use 25 to 30 ml. -
Apply in thin, even coats
Pour a small puddle of oil on the surface and spread with a lint free cloth or paper towel. Work with the grain and cover both sides and all four edges. -
Let it soak
Leave the board flat on a protected surface for 15 to 20 minutes. If any dry patches appear, add a few more drops and rub in. -
Buff off the excess
Wipe away any standing oil with a clean cloth until the surface feels dry but silky, not greasy. Stand the board on its side to finish curing for 2 to 3 hours.
For a new board, repeat this process 2 or 3 times over the first week. After that, once a month is usually enough for home use.
How often should you oil a bamboo or acacia board
The right schedule depends on the wood, size and how often you cook. Here is a simple guide using real Deer & Oak boards as examples.
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Light use (2 to 3 times a week): oil every 5 to 6 weeks
Example: Medium Bamboo Board 38x28cm used mainly for fruit and sandwiches. -
Daily use (once a day): oil every 3 to 4 weeks
Example: Large Bamboo Board 45x35cm used for vegetables and bread. -
Heavy use (several times a day): oil every 2 to 3 weeks
Example: Large Acacia Board 45x35cm used for family meals and batch cooking.
A simple rule: if the surface looks dry, pale or feels rough to the touch, it is time to oil. On a carbonised bamboo board this is easy to see, as dry areas look noticeably lighter than the rich brown surface.
Why Deer & Oak boards arrive pre oiled
Every Deer & Oak wooden cutting board is treated with food safe mineral oil before packing. That includes:
- Large Bamboo Board DNO BCB LG 45x35cm, 1.8kg
- Medium Bamboo Board DNO BCB MD 38x28cm, 1.2kg
- Carbonised Bamboo Board DNO CBB LG 45x35cm, 1.9kg
- Large Acacia Board DNO ACB LG 45x35cm, 2.1kg
- Medium Acacia Board DNO ACB MD 38x28cm, 1.5kg
- Bamboo Double Pack DNO BCB 2PK 45x35cm + 38x28cm, 3.0kg
This first coat protects the board during its journey and means you can start chopping straight out of the box. After 3 to 4 weeks of use, we recommend you begin your own oiling routine using a good mineral based board oil.
Specifications table: choosing the right board to oil
The best oil for wooden cutting boards is the same across our range, but the right board size and weight will depend on your kitchen and cooking habits.
| Product | SKU | Size (cm) | Weight | Material | Typical Oil Per Coat | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large Bamboo Board | DNO-BCB-LG | 45 x 35 | 1.8kg | Moso Bamboo | 40 to 50 ml | £34.99 |
| Medium Bamboo Board | DNO-BCB-MD | 38 x 28 | 1.2kg | Moso Bamboo | 25 to 30 ml | £24.99 |
| Carbonised Bamboo Board | DNO-CBB-LG | 45 x 35 | 1.9kg | Carbonised Bamboo | 40 to 50 ml | £39.99 |
| Large Acacia Board | DNO-ACB-LG | 45 x 35 | 2.1kg | Acacia Wood | 45 to 55 ml | £44.99 |
| Medium Acacia Board | DNO-ACB-MD | 38 x 28 | 1.5kg | Acacia Wood | 25 to 35 ml | £34.99 |
| Bamboo Double Pack | DNO-BCB-2PK | 45 x 35 + 38 x 28 | 3.0kg | Moso Bamboo | 65 to 80 ml (set) | £49.99 |
Who this is for
Ideal for...
- Home cooks who want their wooden boards to last 5 to 10 years with simple monthly care
- People who own bamboo or acacia boards and want clear guidance on what oil to use and how much
- Anyone choosing between different Deer & Oak sizes and wondering how oiling fits into daily use
- Hosts who use boards for serving cheese, bread or charcuterie and want them to stay attractive
Not recommended for...
- People who prefer completely maintenance free plastic boards that can go in a dishwasher
- Commercial kitchens that run boards through industrial dishwashers several times a day
- Those who do not want to oil a board at least every 6 to 8 weeks
- Anyone looking for glass or marble boards for pastry work rather than wooden chopping boards
FAQ
Q: Can I use olive oil or other cooking oils on my wooden cutting board?
A: It is not recommended. Oils like olive, rapeseed or sunflower can oxidise inside the wood and become sticky and rancid in as little as 2 to 4 weeks. This can leave your 45x35cm board smelling unpleasant and is difficult to reverse, so a food safe mineral oil is a safer long term choice.
Q: How do I know when my bamboo or acacia board needs more oil?
A: Run a clean, dry hand over the surface. If it feels rough, looks patchy or absorbs a drop of water in under 5 seconds, it is time to re oil. On darker boards like our Carbonised Bamboo Board, dry areas will look slightly faded compared to the richer brown of a freshly oiled surface.
Q: Will oiling my board stop knife marks completely?
A: No, knife marks are normal on any working wooden board, even a 2.1kg acacia block. Regular oiling does not remove cuts, but it does help the fibres stay supple so they close up more easily, which reduces deep grooves and makes the surface easier to clean.
Q: Is there a difference in oiling bamboo and acacia boards?
A: The process and the best oil are the same, but acacia is slightly denser so it may need a little more oil per coat. For example, our 45x35cm Large Bamboo Board usually takes about 45 ml, while the 45x35cm Large Acacia Board can need 50 to 55 ml to reach the same rich, even finish.
Choosing a board and getting started
If you are starting from scratch and want a wooden board that is easy to care for with mineral oil, two options cover most British kitchens:
- Bamboo Double Pack DNO BCB 2PK: one 45x35cm board and one 38x28cm board, 3.0kg total. Ideal if you like to keep raw meat and vegetables on separate surfaces. You can find it on Amazon as our bamboo board set.
- Large Acacia Board DNO ACB LG: a single 45x35cm, 2.1kg board with a richer grain and slightly heavier feel. Available as part of our acacia range for those who like a more traditional wooden look.
All our wooden boards are pre treated with food safe mineral oil, so you can start chopping within minutes of opening the box. To explore the full range, including carbonised bamboo and butcher's style blocks, visit our bestselling chopping boards or browse all sizes on our main board collection page.
Once you have the right board and a bottle of food safe mineral oil, a simple 15 minute oiling session every few weeks is all it takes to keep your wooden cutting boards smooth, safe and ready for years of daily cooking.