
Product maintenance
The brick pattern and grain direction of a cutting board are not just for looks; they serve an important purpose to reduce the wood's life and the possibility of warping. Wood is a living material and it is normal for wood to swell and shrink along the grain, as well as to bulge and bend. When making each board, I carefully plan the arrangement of the wood grains.
Here are some tips to keep your cutting board in good condition:
- Do not soak end grain cutting boards in water as this can cause damage. Also, do not put the cutting board in the dishwasher, microwave, oven or anything hot. Extreme heat can ruin the cutting board. Also avoid using bread knives and other serrated knives as these can damage the wood fibers.
- Wash your cutting board with a mild dishwashing liquid and a brush. Wet both sides and lay the board on its side to dry. This allows the board to dry evenly on both sides and prevents one side from drying out faster and becoming warped. Do not leave the board to soak in water.
- Oil and wax your cutting boards. How often you oil your boards depends on how often you use them. For home use (light to medium use) I recommend oiling every 1-2 months and for professional use I recommend oiling every 1-2 weeks. The need will become apparent when the wood starts to look dry. These cutting boards cannot be over-oiled or over-waxed, if you are unsure you can always add more oil or wax.
- After heavy use, these boards can be sanded to remove deep cut marks. Small marks usually disappear on their own as the wood fibers come back together. Sanding extends the life of the cutting boards and restores them to near-new condition. Cutting boards must have been in use for a long time to require sanding. Feel free to contact us for more information.