Caring for Your Homestead Board: Made to Be Used, Made to Last


There’s something special about a well-loved wooden board. Our Homestead Boards are crafted to be used, loved, and passed down through generations. With a little care and regular oiling, their natural beauty will only grow with time. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your Homestead Board looking, serving, and ageing beautifully for years to come.

  • Black cast iron pot on a wooden trivet with 'HOST A ROAST' text on a stove.
  • Wooden cutting board with 'SHOULDER OF LAMB' engraving on a kitchen counter.

Oiling Your Homstead Board

New timber is naturally thirsty and
benefits from a little extra attention in its first months. We oil our Homestead Boards 3 times before sending them to you. After that, the Homestead Board needs less and less attention to keep it looking it’s best.  

A food-safe mineral oil is the best choice for maintaining your Homestead Board, helping to protect it from moisture, stains, and everyday wear. We use The Natural Paint Co. Pure Danish Oil; a natural, food safe oil, to ensure the perfect finish on your Homestead Board.

How to Oil Your Homestead Board

  1. Brush the oil thinly onto the clean, dry surface. Ensure you include edges, juice groove and the underside of the board
  2. Leave for a few minutes to soak into the grain
  3. Keep out of direct sunlight whilst oiling
  4. Wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth to finish
  • Person holding a paintbrush with a wooden handle and metal ferrule, applying paint to a wooden surface.

What to Avoid

To keep your board in beautiful condition:

  • Do not, put it in the dishwasher
  • Do not leave it submerged in water
  • Avoid drying it beside heaters, ovens, fireplaces, or direct sunlight

Cleaning Your Homestead Board

Cleaning your Homestead Board doesn't need to be complicated!

After use, simply wipe with a damp cloth. If needed, wash with warm water and mild dish soap, then dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Always pat dry and leave the Homestead Board time to air out.

Removing Stains & Odours Naturally

A few simple kitchen ingredients can help refresh your board naturally.

  • Sprinkle coarse salt or baking soda over the surface and gently scrub with half a lemon or a damp cloth. This helps lift lingering odours and surface marks
  • If your Homestead Board has absorbed strong aromas such as garlic, onion, or fish, wipe it down with a little white vinegar before rinsing and drying thoroughly

Most marks become part of the Homestead Board's character over time, but regular care will keep it looking fresh and ready for the next gathering.

Embracing the Character of Timber

One of the things we love most about handcrafted timber pieces is that no two are ever the same. The gentle marks from family dinners, the rich colour that develops over time, the memories made around it, these are the details that turn a simple kitchen piece into something truly meaningful. Rather than striving for perfection, we encourage embracing the character that comes with a Homestead Board that is used and loved daily. A well-used Homestead Board often becomes one of the most treasured pieces in the kitchen. With a little care, your Homestead board will continue to serve your home beautifully for years to come.

  • Close-up of a wooden cutting board on a textured surface
  • Wooden cutting board leaning against a white wall
  • Wooden cutting board with 'LAMB' engraving on a marble surface