How to Care for Your Handmade Wooden & Resin Board: The Complete Guide

A handmade wooden serving board is more than just a kitchen tool; it is the centrepiece of your dining table. Whether it is a rustic burr wood platter or a stunning Handmade Large Oak and Resin River Charcuterie Board, your board is a piece of functional art meant to be used, loved, and gathered around.

But because these pieces are crafted from natural materials, they need a little bit of love to last a lifetime.

Many of my customers ask how to keep their boards looking as vibrant as the day they arrived from my UK workshop. The good news is that caring for a wood and resin board is simple. It doesn’t require special skills—just a few minutes of attention every now and then.

Here is my maker’s guide to keeping your board beautiful for years to come.

1. The Golden Rule: Water is the Enemy

If you remember only one thing from this guide, let it be this: Never put your wooden board in the dishwasher.

The intense heat and prolonged soaking will cause the natural wood fibres to swell and crack, and it can cloud the polished resin.

The Correct Way to Clean:

• Hand wash only using warm water and a mild dish soap.

• Use a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid steel wool or abrasive scourers, especially on the resin "river" sections, as these can dull the glossy finish.

• Dry it immediately. Don't let it air dry on a draining board where water can pool underneath. Wipe it down with a tea towel right away.

2. Feeding the Wood (Oiling)

Wood is a natural, living material. Over time, washing will strip away its natural oils, leaving it looking dry or "thirsty." If left untreated, a dry board can eventually warp or split.

To keep your board hydrated and water-resistant, you need to "feed" it.

How to Oil Your Board:

1. Ensure the board is clean and bone-dry.

2. Apply a generous amount of food-safe mineral oil or specialist chopping board wax. (Avoid olive oil or vegetable oil, as these can go rancid over time).

3. Rub the oil into the grain using a clean cloth or paper towel.

4. Let it soak in for a few hours (or overnight if it’s very dry).

5. Wipe off any excess.

You will see the grain pop and the colour deepen instantly. It’s the most satisfying part of owning a unique handmade kitchen gift.

3. Caring for the Resin

The resin I use in my Artisan Woodturning Pieces is incredibly durable, but it deserves respect. While the wood can handle some chopping, resin is best treated like glass or fine china.

• Avoid sharp knives on the resin: Try to do your heavy cutting on the wooden sections of the board. The resin is tough, but serrated knives can leave scratches on the glossy surface over time.

• Keep it cool: While my coasters and boards are heat-resistant, avoid placing boiling hot pans directly onto the resin sections to maintain that glass-like clarity.

4. Removing Scratches 

Because your board is made from solid timber—not a veneer—it is repairable. If your board develops knife marks or fuzzy patches after years of heavy use, you don't need to throw it away.

Simply lightly sand the wooden area with fine-grit sandpaper (400 grit is ideal) and re-apply oil. It will look brand new. This is the beauty of sustainable wooden gifts; they are designed to be heirloom pieces, not landfill.

5. Storage

Store your board in a dry place away from direct heat. Do not store it right next to a radiator or stove, as the fluctuating temperature can cause the wood to move.

If you have one of my  River Boards, consider leaning it against the wall on your kitchen counter. It doubles as a piece of Modern Rustic Home Décor when you aren't serving cheese!

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Ready to add to your collection? Now that you know how to care for them, explore my full range of Kitchen & Barware Gifts to find your next forever piece.