Care & Maintenance

Your board was built to last decades. Keeping it that way takes about 60 seconds a month. Here is everything you need to know.

First use

Your board arrives ready to use straight out of the box. That said most people want to give it a wash first, and that is completely fine. Just do it right.

Hand wash with mild soap and warm water. Dry immediately with a towel. Then give it a light coat of your board butter before your first cut. That first coat sets the board up for a long life.

Daily cleaning

After every use, wash your board by hand with mild soap and warm water. Wipe thoroughly, rinse clean, and dry immediately with a towel. Never let water sit on the surface.

Stand it upright or lay it flat on a dry surface with airflow until fully dry before storing. A damp board stored flat is how warping starts.

1. Hand wash with mild soap and warm water. Wipe all surfaces top, bottom, and sides.

2. Towel dry immediately. Do not leave water sitting on the wood.

3. Air dry completely before storing. Stand it upright for best airflow.

Monthly oiling

Once a month or whenever your board starts to look dry or dull apply a light coat of Timber Traditions board butter. This is the one habit that keeps your board looking beautiful and performing for decades.

1. Start with a clean, dry board. Make sure all moisture is gone before oiling.

2. Apply a light coat of board butter to all surfaces using a clean cloth. Top, bottom, and sides.

3. Let it absorb for a few minutes. Wipe away any excess with a clean dry cloth.

4. If it still looks dry, apply a second coat. A well used board needs more oil than one used occasionally.

What not to do

These are the four things that shorten a board's life. Avoid them and your board will outlast years of daily use.

No dishwasher The heat and prolonged moisture will warp and crack the wood. No exceptions.

No soaking Never submerge your board or let water pool on the surface. Wood and standing water do not mix.

No harsh cleaners Bleach, strong detergents, and antibacterial soaps dry out the wood and break down the finish.

No storing wet Always dry fully before putting your board away. Trapped moisture causes warping and cracking.

What happens if you skip it

Hardwood is natural and it responds to its environment. A board that goes without oil dries out, the grain opens up, and the wood becomes vulnerable to moisture damage warping, cracking, and splitting. None of that is covered under the Built By Hand Promise because it is preventable.

The good news: if you catch a dry board early, a couple of good coats of board butter will bring it back. The routine is simple. A few minutes once a month is all it takes to protect a board built to last a lifetime.

INCLUDED WITH EVERY ORDER

Timber Traditions Board Butter

Every board ships with a 2 oz tin of our all natural wood conditioner enough to get you started. When you need a refill, the 4 oz tin is available in the shop.

The Built By Hand Promise covers all craftsmanship defects for one year. Proper care keeps your board performing for decades and keeps the promise intact.