If you want your wooden chopping board to last 5 to 10 years, the best oil to use is a food grade mineral oil applied in a thin coat every 4 to 6 weeks. For extra protection, you can follow with a board conditioner that contains beeswax. Avoid olive oil, vegetable oil and other cooking oils because they can turn sticky and go rancid.
What oil to use on a wooden chopping board in your kitchen
For any wooden or bamboo kitchen board, including acacia, beech, maple and bamboo, you should use a non drying, food safe oil that will not go off. The three most reliable choices are:
- Food grade mineral oil also called cutting board oil. This is the easiest option and is what we recommend for all Deer & Oak boards.
- Board cream or conditioner a mix of mineral oil and natural waxes such as beeswax or carnauba wax. Use this after mineral oil for extra water resistance.
- Fractionated coconut oil a refined form of coconut oil that stays liquid and does not go rancid. Only use this specific type, not standard coconut oil.
For our Deer & Oak chopping boards, including the 45x35cm Large Bamboo Board and 45x35cm Large Acacia Board, we pre oil them with food safe mineral oil so they arrive ready to use. At home, you can maintain the finish with a 2 to 3 minute oiling routine once a month.
Oils you should never use on a wooden chopping board
Some kitchen oils seem tempting because they are already in your cupboard, but they create real problems for wooden boards. Avoid these completely:
- Olive oil turns sticky, attracts dust and can smell after a few weeks.
- Sunflower, rapeseed, vegetable and nut oils are drying or semi drying oils that can go rancid and leave a gummy surface.
- Sesame oil and flavoured oils add strong smells and tastes to the board and can spoil.
- Standard coconut oil solidifies at cooler room temperatures and can leave a patchy, waxy feel.
If you want a board that stays smooth, food safe and easy to clean, stick to mineral oil and board conditioner. That is what we use on all Deer & Oak products during production.
How to oil a wooden chopping board step by step
Here is a simple routine you can use on any wooden or bamboo cutting board in your kitchen, from a 38x28cm medium board to a 45x35cm butcher's block.
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Clean the board
Wash with warm water and a small amount of mild washing up liquid. Rinse well and dry immediately with a clean towel. -
Let it dry fully
Stand the board upright so air can reach both sides. Leave for at least 6 to 8 hours, or overnight, until the board feels completely dry to the touch. -
Apply food grade mineral oil
Pour about 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil onto the surface of a medium board, or 2 to 3 teaspoons for a large 45x35cm board. Spread with a lint free cloth or paper towel, working with the grain. -
Oil all sides
Repeat on the other face and all four edges. The end grain and edges of the board are most vulnerable to water, so do not skip them. -
Let the oil soak in
Leave the board flat for 20 to 30 minutes. If any oil is still sitting on the surface after that time, wipe away the excess. -
Optional wax finish
If you use a board conditioner, rub a small amount over the surface after the oil has soaked in. Buff with a clean cloth until the board feels dry and silky.
For a new or very dry board, repeat the oiling step 2 or 3 times in one day. After that, a single coat every 4 to 6 weeks is usually enough for regular home cooking.
How often to oil different types of kitchen board
How often you need to oil your board depends on the material, size and how frequently you cook.
- Bamboo chopping boards like our 45x35cm Large Bamboo Board or 38x28cm Medium Bamboo Board usually need oiling every 4 to 6 weeks, because bamboo is naturally less absorbent.
- Acacia boards such as the 45x35cm Large Acacia Board benefit from oiling every 3 to 5 weeks, as acacia is a slightly more open grained hardwood.
- Heavy butcher's blocks used daily may need oil every 2 to 4 weeks, especially if they are 4cm or more thick.
A simple test: drip 2 or 3 drops of water on the board. If the water beads for more than 2 minutes, the oiling is still doing its job. If it soaks in within 30 seconds, it is time to re oil.
How oil choice affects lifespan of your board
The right oil does more than make the wood look nice. It directly affects how long your board will last and how it behaves day to day.
- Water resistance Mineral oil fills the pores in the wood so water and juices sit on the surface instead of soaking in. This helps prevent warping and splitting.
- Stain resistance A well oiled board is less likely to hold strong colours from beetroot, turmeric or tomato. On a 45x35cm board used daily, this can mean the difference between a light patina and deep stains after 12 months.
- Knife feel Oiled wood has a gentle grip that is kind to knife edges, unlike glass or ceramic boards that can dull a knife in a few weeks.
- Hygiene Wood and bamboo have natural antibacterial properties. Oil helps stop liquids from sitting deep in the grain, so normal washing removes residues more easily.
With regular oiling, a quality board like the Deer & Oak Large Bamboo Board, which measures 45x35cm and weighs 1.8kg, can give 5 to 10 years of service in a busy home kitchen.
Deer & Oak chopping board specifications
All Deer & Oak boards are supplied pre oiled with food safe oil so you can start using them straight away. Here is a quick comparison of our most popular sizes and materials.
| Product | SKU | Size (L x W) | Weight | Material | Typical use | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large Bamboo Board | DNO-BCB-LG | 45 x 35 cm | 1.8 kg | Moso Bamboo | Daily chopping, family meals | £34.99 |
| Medium Bamboo Board | DNO-BCB-MD | 38 x 28 cm | 1.2 kg | Moso Bamboo | Fruit, veg, smaller kitchens | £24.99 |
| Carbonised Bamboo Board | DNO-CBB-LG | 45 x 35 cm | 1.9 kg | Carbonised Bamboo | Serving and chopping, darker finish | £39.99 |
| Large Acacia Board | DNO-ACB-LG | 45 x 35 cm | 2.1 kg | Acacia Wood | Charcuterie, bread, carving | £44.99 |
| Medium Acacia Board | DNO-ACB-MD | 38 x 28 cm | 1.5 kg | Acacia Wood | Everyday prep and serving | £34.99 |
| Bamboo Double Pack | DNO-BCB-2PK | 45 x 35 cm + 38 x 28 cm | 3.0 kg | Moso Bamboo | Separate boards for meat and veg | £49.99 |
Matching the right oil to your Deer & Oak board
Different boards in your kitchen might benefit from slightly different routines, even if you use the same bottle of mineral oil.
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Large Bamboo Board 45x35cm (DNO-BCB-LG)
Use 2 to 3 teaspoons of mineral oil per side every 4 to 6 weeks. Ideal as your main chopping board for vegetables and meat. You can find similar large bamboo boards in our extra large bamboo range on Amazon UK. -
Bamboo Double Pack 45x35cm + 38x28cm (DNO-BCB-2PK)
Oil both boards at the same time to keep the routine simple. Many customers use the larger 45x35cm board for raw meat and the 38x28cm for fruit and bread. See the full set in our bamboo double pack on Amazon UK. -
Carbonised Bamboo Board 45x35cm (DNO-CBB-LG)
Use mineral oil or a clear board conditioner. Avoid coloured oils that might change the warm brown tone. You can view the dark finish version in our carbonised bamboo listing. -
Acacia Boards 45x35cm and 38x28cm
Acacia has a striking grain pattern that really comes alive with oil. Use a slightly thinner coat 1 to 2 teaspoons per side for the medium 38x28cm board and 2 to 3 teaspoons for the large 45x35cm board. For sets, see our board sets collection.
Who this is for and who it is not for
Ideal for
- Home cooks who use a wooden or bamboo chopping board at least 3 to 5 times a week and want it to last 5 to 10 years.
- People who are happy to spend 5 minutes once a month caring for their boards with mineral oil and, optionally, board conditioner.
- Anyone choosing a quality board such as a 45x35cm bamboo or acacia board and wanting clear, simple guidance on what oil to use and how often.
Not recommended for
- Those who prefer to put all boards in the dishwasher, as wooden and bamboo boards should never be machine washed.
- People who do not want any maintenance at all and would rather replace plastic boards every 6 to 12 months.
- Commercial kitchens that require heavy duty plastic boards with strict colour coding systems instead of wooden boards.
FAQ: what oil to use on wooden chopping board
Q: Can I use olive oil on my wooden chopping board?
A: No, you should not use olive oil on a wooden or bamboo board. Olive oil can oxidise, turn sticky and eventually go rancid, which leaves an unpleasant smell and can affect the taste of food. A food grade mineral oil stays stable for years and keeps the surface smooth and easy to clean.
Q: How often should I oil my cutting board?
A: For most home kitchens, oiling every 4 to 6 weeks is enough for a 45x35cm board used daily. If you cook very often or live in a dry, centrally heated home, you might prefer every 3 to 4 weeks. If water no longer beads on the surface and soaks in within 30 seconds, it is time to re oil.
Q: Do I need a different oil for bamboo and acacia boards?
A: No, the same food grade mineral oil works very well on both bamboo and acacia boards. The main difference is how much and how often you apply it. Bamboo usually needs slightly less oil and can go 4 to 6 weeks between coats, while acacia may like a touch more oil and slightly more frequent care.
Q: Is it safe to cut raw meat on an oiled wooden board?
A: Yes, as long as you clean the board properly and keep it well oiled. After cutting raw meat, wash the board with hot water and mild washing up liquid, then dry it straight away. Many people use a two board system, such as the Deer & Oak Bamboo Double Pack, to keep raw meat and vegetables on separate surfaces.
Recommended board and oil routine
If you want a simple, reliable set up, pair a 45x35cm board with a bottle of food grade mineral oil and a small tin of board conditioner. For most homes, the Deer & Oak Large Bamboo Board at 45x35cm and 1.8kg is a very practical size for daily chopping, while the 38x28cm Medium Bamboo Board works well for fruit and quick prep.
If you prefer to keep meat and vegetables separate, the Bamboo Double Pack at 45x35cm + 38x28cm and 3.0kg gives you two clearly sized boards to oil together once a month. You can explore our full range of pre oiled boards in the Deer & Oak bestsellers collection or on Amazon via our bamboo double pack listing and butcher's block option.
Choose a board size that suits your kitchen, keep a small bottle of food grade mineral oil nearby and give your board a quick 5 minute treatment every few weeks. With that simple routine, your wooden chopping board will stay smooth, safe and ready for years of cooking.