Tung Oil vs Mineral Oil vs Beeswax
Choosing the Right Finish for Your Wood Products
Here at Roots To Table, we use tung oil, mineral oil, and beeswax to finish our handcrafted wood products, each serving a specific purpose.
We are constantly refining our process to get the best results for durability, aesthetics, and protection.
In this article, we’ll break down each of these finishes, explaining...
-
What they are.
-
How we apply them.
-
Where they work best.
Whether for cutting boards, charcuterie boards, cribbage boards, or other wooden products. By the end, you'll know which finish is right for your own wood care needs.
Tung Oil: A Durable, Long-Lasting Finish
Tung oil is a drying oil derived from the seeds of the tung tree. It penetrates deep into the wood and hardens as it cures, creating a durable and water-resistant finish. This makes it an excellent choice for products that require long-lasting protection and a rich, warm appearance.
Common Uses for Tung Oil:
-
Cribbage boards and decorative wood items that need a rich, warm finish with long-lasting durability.
-
Handmade furniture like tables and chairs where a deep, natural wood look is desired.
-
Wooden bowls and utensils that require water resistance but not frequent reapplication.
How We Apply Tung Oil:
We have tested different application methods and found that small foam rollers work best for an even coat. Here’s how we apply it:
STEP 1: Preparation: Clean off the piece using a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
STEP 2: First Coat: Apply the tung oil with a foam roller, ensuring an even layer.
STEP 3: Let Dry For 15 Minutes: Store the pieces on dish racks to minimize contact points and allow the oil to soak in.
STEP 4: Wiping Excess: After 15 minutes, use a good paper towel (you don't want it falling apart while using it) to remove excess oil. We go through once, then repeat with a clean paper towel to ensure no excess remains.
STEP 5: Sanding Between Coats: After 24 hours, lightly sand using 220-grit sandpaper. For best results, use an orbital sander with gentle pressure, always going with the grain. A sanding block works fine too... but avoid sanding with just paper and your hands, as it leads to uneven results. Not all sand paper is created even and we love the diablo papers.
Step 6: Repeat Process: Apply two more coats, following the same steps, for a total of three coats.
At Roots To Table, we use tung oil on products like our cribbage boards, applying three coats for a long-lasting, smooth finish that enhances the beauty of the wood.
Mineral Oil vs Beeswax for Cutting Boards
If you’re looking for the best way to protect a cutting board, you’ve likely come across both mineral oil and beeswax as common treatment options.
While both offer benefits, they serve different purposes, and understanding their roles can help you choose the best method for maintaining your wood products.
Mineral oil is a non-drying, food-safe oil that penetrates deep into the wood, preventing it from drying out and cracking. It does not harden like tung oil, which makes it ideal for frequent reapplication on cutting boards.
Common Uses for Mineral Oil:
-
Cutting boards and butcher blocks, where hydration and frequent reapplication are needed.
-
Wooden kitchen utensils, such as spoons and rolling pins, that require a non-drying, food-safe finish.
-
Wooden countertops, where easy maintenance and protection from drying are important.
How We Apply Mineral Oil:
Step 1: Full Submersion: We fully submerge each board in a 24-hour mineral oil bath. Since wood floats, we place cookie sheet racks (like these) on top and use wood weights to ensure the board stays fully submerged.
Step 2: Removing Excess Oil: After 24 hours, we use a squeegee to remove excess oil.
Step 3: Drying Process: We place the boards on drying racks to allow any remaining oil to settle.
Step 4: Final Absorption: The board may continue to sweat small amounts of oil for a few days—this is completely normal and a sign that the board has fully absorbed the oil, which improves longevity.
What is Beeswax?
Beeswax is a natural wax that provides a surface barrier, offering added protection against moisture and minor scratches.
It’s often combined with mineral oil to create a conditioning blend (board butter) that hydrates and protects cutting boards.
Common Uses for Beeswax:
-
Cutting boards and butcher blocks, when used in a blend with mineral oil for extra surface protection.
-
Wooden spoons and utensils, where a smooth finish and slight waterproofing are beneficial.
-
Furniture finishing, especially for polishing wood surfaces and adding a protective sheen.
How We Apply Beeswax:
Final Step Before Shipping: We do not apply the beeswax until right before shipping.
-
Recommended Maintenance: We highly recommend applying board butter regularly to maintain longevity, protect against stains, and enhance the board’s natural luster.
-
Best Times to Apply: Before using for guests (for protection and presentation) and after a heavy soap and warm water cleaning, as soap washes away the beeswax layer.
-
Step 1: Apply and Buff: We apply a good coat of board butter, ensuring full coverage. We buff in the board butter to ensure the piece is thoroughly covered and the butter is worked into the surface of the board.
NOTE: For taking care of your own board, a clean rag or piece of sponge work great.
-
Step 2: Wipe Dry: Then, we gently wipe off any excess so the board is not greasy but retains a smooth, polished finish.
Our Roots To Table Board Butter offers the best of both worlds...
deep hydration from mineral oil and a protective surface layer from beeswax.
It's the perfect solution for keeping your cutting boards, charcuterie boards, butcher block counters, wooden spoons, and more in top condition.
👉 Click here to check out our Board Butter
(Check out our related post on the advantages and disadvantages of beeswax for wood.)
Which Should You Use?
-
For cutting boards and butcher blocks: Mineral oil is essential to keep the wood from drying out, and a mineral oil + beeswax blend provides extra protection.
-
For decorative or fine wood products: Tung oil is a better choice if you want a long-lasting, protective finish that enhances the wood’s natural beauty.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between tung oil vs mineral oil and mineral oil vs beeswax for cutting boards comes down to understanding how each finish interacts with wood. While tung oil provides a hardened, water-resistant layer, it requires patience and multiple coats. Mineral oil, on the other hand, is fast, easy, and effective, especially when combined with beeswax for extra protection.
If you’re serious about cutting board care, we recommend using our Roots To Table Board Butter, which combines the best of both worlds—deep hydration from mineral oil and a protective layer from beeswax.
Check Out Some Of Our Amazing Products...
Let customers speak for us
Stephanie McLeod
Spectacular quality
Received my board today and it’s beautiful. From the packaging that is filled with warmth when you open the box to the out standing workmanship. The quality of the board is exceptional, even to the personalized engraving. You can feel the creativity, love and heart and soul that Charlene and Jason put into their designs and the passion for what they create.
The DAILY BLOCK: 12x8 Edge Grain Maple Cutting Board
MONICA R.
Gorgeous and Fast!!!
This board is INCREDIBLE! Charlene handpicked the boards for the wood color and grain that I liked. I was able to select the boards that I liked, along with designs and engravings for the front and back of each board. She sent me pictures of the designs and fonts for approval. I ended up buying 4 boards. I know I will definitely buy from them again. Thank you for such great quality products and fast service!!!
Black Walnut Live Edge Charcuterie Boards - Heartwood
Jessie kahtava
Beautiful cribbage board
I am thoroughly impressed with my customized cribbage board, which arrived today and far exceeded my expectations. It not only arrived ahead of the anticipated delivery date, but it was also securely packaged, ensuring no damage. Upon unboxing, I was pleased to see the care and attention given to the packaging. The board itself is made from exquisite, solid wood and is even more beautiful than described. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail truly make this cribbage board a standout piece. I look forward to many enjoyable years of use. Additionally, I was delighted to learn that a tree was planted with my purchase, adding an admirable eco-friendly touch.
Personalized Cribbage Board, Maple or Black Walnut Crib Boards with Live Edge Design, Rustic Game Board with Peg Storage, Custom Engraved Gifts, Fun Family Game
Kyle Taylor
Great Product & Awesome Communication
Jason was very thorough and went above and beyond to ensure my order was completed based on a tight deadline. The crib boards are top notch quality craftsmanship!!!
Handmade Unique Personalized Cribbage Board
Sally
Simply beautiful!
This board is stunning and arrived beautifully packaged. The love for their craft is so obvious in the quality of the board and how it was presented. This is a gift for some dear friends, and we couldn’t be prouder to be giving it to them. A heartfelt thanks to Jason and Charlene, not just for your talent but for your willingness to share it with others.
Black Walnut Live Edge Charcuterie Boards - Heartwood
Johanna
Great transaction, artisans did everything to make things right. Love the boards which were gift packed for giving!
Roots To Table
C Grexton
A Stunning and Functional Prep Board!
This board is an absolute showstopper! The combination of maple and walnut accents gives it a rustic yet refined look that stands out in my kitchen. It’s not just about aesthetics, though—the craftsmanship is top-tier, and you can feel the quality in every detail.
The size is perfect for daily meal prep, whether I’m chopping veggies, slicing bread, or serving a small charcuterie spread. It has just the right weight—sturdy but easy to handle—and the finish is incredibly smooth.
I also love how durable and gentle on knives it is. It doesn’t show excessive wear like cheaper boards, and the wood grain adds such a unique touch. If you're looking for a premium prep board that’s both practical and beautiful, this one is a must-have!
The Horizon: Maple and Walnut Accented Rustic Prep Board
Emily R
The Perfect Everyday Cutting Board!
I absolutely love this cutting board! The 12x8 size is ideal for daily meal prep—big enough to chop veggies and slice meats comfortably, but compact enough to store easily.
The DAILY BLOCK: 12x8 Edge Grain Maple & Walnut Accented Cutting Board
Emily R
Perfect for Everyday Use!
I’ve been using The Daily Block for a while now, and it’s hands down the best cutting board I’ve owned. The craftsmanship is outstanding—smooth finish, durable build, and just the right size for daily prep work. You can tell it’s made with care and high-quality wood.
The DAILY BLOCK: 12x8 Edge Grain Maple Cutting Board
Emily R
I absolutely love this Black Walnut Round Charcuterie Board!
I absolutely love this Black Walnut Round Charcuterie Board! The craftsmanship is stunning, and the rich walnut grain makes it a beautiful centerpiece for entertaining. It’s the perfect size for serving an elegant spread of cheeses, meats, and fruits. The handle makes it easy to carry and adds a unique touch. You can tell this was made with care, and the quality is outstanding. Highly recommend for anyone who loves hosting or giving a thoughtful, high-end gift!
The Black Walnut Round 12x12 Edge Grain Cutting Board
Maureen Zurby
Beautiful Craftsmanship & Perfect Gift!
I recently purchased the Personalized Wood Bread Board from Roots To Table, and I couldn’t be happier! The combination of maple and walnut gives it a stunning contrast, and the craftsmanship is top-notch. You can tell this board was made with care—the wood is smooth, well-finished, and has a nice weight to it.
The engraving turned out beautifully, adding a personal touch that made it an amazing gift. Whether for serving bread, charcuterie, or just as a decorative piece in the kitchen, this board is perfect. It’s durable, elegant, and truly unique.
Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a high-quality, handcrafted board. Will definitely be ordering more!
Bread Board: Personalized Bread and Butter Cutting & Serving Board Black Walnut & Maple
Julia Donaldson
Absolutely gorgeous! Such a beautiful piece.
Very impressed with the board, it was even more beautiful then i expected. Very happy!
Personalized Live Edge Charcuterie Board, Black Walnut Rustic Cheese Boards, Custom Engraved Wood Serving Tray Wedding & Housewarming Gift
Sarah Ferguson
Love love love these boards!
I bought four for my ladies night and everyone loved the boards. Was worried they wouldnt get here in time but the shipping was faster then expected.
Small Wine Appetizer Plates Set of 4, Personalized Appetizer Trays, Cocktail Plate, Handheld Appetizer Board, Small Plates for Gifts, Walnut
Chels
Great Customer Service & Beautiful Engraving
I love my new custom crib board! The engraving turned out perfect, and the walnut wood is stunning. Customer service was super friendly and helpful. Highly recommend!
Handmade Unique Personalized Cribbage Board
Chels
Great Customer Service & Beautiful Engraving
I love my new custom crib board! The engraving turned out perfect, and the walnut wood is stunning. Customer service was super friendly and helpful. Highly recommend!
Personalized Cribbage Board, Maple or Black Walnut Crib Boards with Live Edge Design, Rustic Game Board with Peg Storage, Custom Engraved Gifts, Fun Family Game