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Board Care
Board Care
To maintain a wooden cutting board, it is important to clean it regularly with soap and warm water and dry it immediately with a towel. Avoid putting the board in the dishwasher or soaking, as this will damage the wood and the glue. As needed, oil with food-grade mineral oil, allowing the oil to absorb into the wood, and then wipe with a lint-free cloth.
Mineral Oil: the benefits for cutting boards
Mineral Oil: the benefits for cutting boards
Mineral oil is food-safe, tasteless, odorless and colorless oil that is used to treat wooden cutting boards.
Mineral oil prevents the wood from absorbing the products that are cut or displayed on the boards including meat juices.
Mineral oil helps keep the wooden board saturated and when treated it penetrates deep into the wood pores to bring out the natural wood color and help protect the wood from knife damage and splintering.
Mineral oil is also beneficial for stainless steel blades as it helps to keep the blades rust free.
Mineral oil is resistant to oxidation and will not spoil and stick to the wood like some other cooking oils.
How To Treat My Board With Mineral Oil
How To Treat My Board With Mineral Oil
Prepare the board for oiling by ensuring that it is clean and dry as a wet board will not absorb the oil properly
Using a lint free cloth apply the mineral oil to the board. You'll immediately see the enhanced color and grain of the board.
Your instinct will be to wipe away the extra oil, but we recommend that you allow the product to absorb for at least 2 hours, but it's best to leave overnight.
Once absorbed your board is in optimum condition for use. You'll want to repeat these steps every 2-3 months or when you start to see the color fading on your board. You can also tell it's time to oil if water or liquids are absorbing into the board instead of pooling.
Care & Repair Program
Care & Repair Program
At Smead Woodcraft, we stand behind the quality and craftsmanship of every board we make. Our boards are built to last for decades when properly cared for. Because wood is a natural material, it expands and contracts with changes in moisture. Most splitting or cracking in cutting boards occurs from moisture exposure — such as soaking, prolonged wetness, dishwasher use, or diminished oil protection.
To provide clarity and fairness, we offer the following support:
Boards Purchased Within 6 Months
Boards Purchased Within 6 Months
If you experience an issue within 6 months of purchase, please fill out this form, including uploading proof of purchase and photos of the damaged board, before shipping anything.
If we determine the issue is a manufacturing defect, we will repair or offer a replacement board.
If the issue is related to moisture or board care, our Care & Repair Service applies (see below).
Once the board is received and evaluated, we will send a payment link for the applicable service fee. Payment must be received before any repair or refinishing work is performed.
Care & Repair Service
Care & Repair Service
(Typically for boards under 6 months when damage is care-related)
Includes:
Inspection and evaluation
Minor structural repair (such as regluing small splits)
Sanding and refinishing
Service Fee:
Boards up to 1" thick: $12.95
Boards over 1" thick or large-format boards: $18.95
This fee helps offset materials, labor, and return shipping.
If damage is extensive (large separation, warping, or structural compromise), we will contact you with a repair quote before proceeding. All repair services require payment prior to work being completed and returned.
Replacement Option
Replacement Option
If a board is accepted for Care & Repair or Restoration and is determined to be beyond repair, we offer a discounted replacement at 40% off MSRP.
Important Care Reminder
Important Care Reminder
To ensure the longevity of your board:
Never soak or place in a dishwasher
Wash quickly and dry immediately
Re-oil regularly to maintain moisture resistance
With proper care, our boards routinely last for decades — and many of our customers are still using boards purchased 30+ years ago.
Boards Older Than 6 Months
Boards Older Than 6 Months
Boards beyond 6 months from purchase fall under our Restoration Services.
All boards must be approved prior to shipping.
Please fill out this form, including uploading photos of the board and the approximate age of the board, before sending any item.
Once the board is received and evaluated, we will send a payment link for the applicable service fee. Payment must be received before any repair or refinishing work is performed.
Restoration Services
Restoration Services
(For boards older than 6 months)
Service includes evaluation, minor structural repair, sanding, and refinishing.
Pricing:
Boards 6 months–3 years old: Starting at $24.95
Boards over 3 years old: Starting at $35.00
Additional structural repair may require an added fee. A payment link will be provided after evaluation. Payment must be received before restoration work begins.
Boards with significant long-term moisture damage or structural compromise may not be repairable.
Replacement Option
Replacement Option
If a board is accepted for Care & Repair or Restoration and is determined to be beyond repair, we offer a discounted replacement at 40% off MSRP.
Replacement invoices must be paid prior to shipment.
Important Care Reminder
Important Care Reminder
To ensure the longevity of your board:
Never soak or place in a dishwasher
Wash quickly and dry immediately
Re-oil regularly to maintain moisture resistance
With proper care, our boards routinely last for decades — and many of our customers are still using boards purchased 30+ years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a cutting board to crack or split?
What causes a cutting board to crack or split?
Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in moisture. Most cracking occurs when a board absorbs water and then dries too quickly. Soaking, dishwasher use, prolonged surface moisture, or infrequent oiling are the most common causes.
Can routine washing cause damage?
Can routine washing cause damage?
Routine washing is perfectly fine. Boards should be washed quickly, never soaked, and dried immediately. If the oil finish has worn down, the wood becomes more susceptible to moisture absorption.
How often should I oil my board?
How often should I oil my board?
Frequency depends on use, but a good rule of thumb is to oil whenever the wood looks dry or lighter in color. Regular oiling helps maintain a protective moisture barrier.
Can you over-oil a cutting board?
Can you over-oil a cutting board?
Yes. While oiling is important, applying too much oil can leave the surface sticky or damage the glue joints. Any oil that is not absorbed within about 10 minutes should be wiped off thoroughly with a paper towel or clean cloth. The goal is to nourish the wood — not leave excess oil sitting on the surface.
Do you offer lifetime repairs?
Do you offer lifetime repairs?
We offer defect coverage within 6 months of purchase and paid restoration services beyond that. Because wood is a natural material and usage varies greatly, we are unable to provide lifetime repair coverage.
When is payment required for repair or restoration?
When is payment required for repair or restoration?
All paid repair, restoration, and replacement services require payment before work begins. Once your board is evaluated, we will send a secure payment link. Services are scheduled and completed after payment is received.
Should I send my board in before contacting you?
Should I send my board in before contacting you?
No. Please fill out one of our service request forms - this form for boards purchased in the past 6 months or this form for boards purchased more than 6 months ago - including photos and approximate board age first. We review every case before approving shipment to ensure the most appropriate solution.
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