Caring for Your Roots to Table Board
Your Roots to Table piece is made to be displayed, used, and enjoyed for years to come. A little care goes a long way, and this guide will show you how to keep it looking beautiful.
Giving it as a gift? Care instructions are included with the board, so the recipient will know how to look after it from the start.
Three things to remember
Never use the dishwasher.
Always clean your board by hand.
Never leave it soaking.
Clean promptly and dry right away.
Bring it back indoors.
Enjoy it outside, but never leave it exposed to rain, prolonged direct sun, or changing weather.
When your board arrives
For our charcuterie and cutting boards: we give each board a 24-hour bath in food-grade mineral oil. This gives the oil time to penetrate the wood, bringing out its grain and helping protect against moisture absorption and drying.
These boards do not have a hard coating such as lacquer or Varathane. Mineral oil stays within the wood rather than curing into a hard surface finish.
Does your board feel a little oily?
A light oily feel when you unpack it is normal. This is due to the 24 hour mineral oil bath we give it. Gently wipe away any excess with a clean, dry cloth. The mineral oil we use is food-grade.
As you wipe, you may notice a light tint on the cloth from the excess oil and the wood. This can be more noticeable with darker walnut, but may also occur with maple and cherry.
Game boards have a different finish. Follow the game board instructions below.
Find the care instructions for your board
Charcuterie / Serving boards
These boards are made primarily for serving, presentation, and light cutting. Bring them out for cheese, bread, meats, and sharing food around the table. They also make great decor centerpieces.
After food use
- Gently scrape away food with a hard spatula.
- Hand-wash with warm water and mild dish soap, then rinse. Never soak the board or put it in the dishwasher.
- Towel-dry immediately.
- Stand or lean the board on its edge with airflow around both sides to let it dry completely before storing.
Never use bleach on walnut or cherry boards. It can affect the wood’s natural colour and appearance.
Keep the wood conditioned with food-grade mineral oil or food-safe board butter. Follow the oiling schedule below.
Maple cutting boards
Our maple cutting boards are made for everyday chopping and heavier food preparation. Thorough washing and prompt drying are the foundation of their care.
After food use
- Gently scrape away food with a stiff spatula.
- Hand-wash thoroughly with dish soap and warm water, then rinse. After preparing raw meat, poultry, or seafood, it is recommended to use hot, soapy water.
- Towel-dry promptly, then stand the board on its edge to finish air-drying.
- Let it dry completely before putting it away.
Replenish the oil regularly using the conditioning instructions below.
Additional sanitizing for maple boards only
Bleach is not part of our everyday board-care routine. Reserve it for situations where additional sanitizing is needed, since it can affect the wood’s colour and finish. These instructions do not apply to walnut, cherry, or game boards.
Clean the board first. USDA guidance describes a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water. Flood the surface with the solution, let it stand for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry.
Use a bleach product labelled for sanitizing food-contact surfaces and follow its dilution, contact-time, and rinsing directions. Never mix bleach with other cleaners.
Trays and Crib boards
We finish our trays and crib boards with Rubio Monocoat. We choose it because it brings out the grain and preserves the natural look and feel of the wood while protecting against everyday wear and spills.
Simple everyday care
- Wipe with a soft, lightly dampened cloth.
- Dry promptly with a clean, soft cloth.
- Clean up spills quickly.
- Avoid harsh cleaners and abrasive scrubbers.
Trays and Game boards do not need mineral oil or board butter. The oiling instructions for our food boards do not apply to this finish.
Keeping your cutting or serving board conditioned
These instructions apply to our mineral-oiled maple, walnut, and cherry food boards.
Washing gradually removes the protective oil. Replenishing it helps maintain the wood’s appearance and reduces drying and the risk of cracking.
Our recommended schedule: oil weekly for the first month of use, then monthly afterward. Apply sooner if the wood looks dull or feels dry.
How to apply
- Start with a clean, completely dry board.
- Apply food-grade mineral oil or food-safe board butter to both faces and all edges.
- Allow it to absorb according to the care product’s directions.
- Wipe away any excess with a clean, dry cloth.
Avoid cooking oils, which can turn rancid. If you prefer board butter, you can find our Roots to Table Board Butter here.
What does live edge mean?
Live edge follows the natural outline of the tree. We completely remove the bark while preserving the wood’s natural contours.
Your board’s shape and grain are part of what makes it unique. A live edge does not mean bark is left on the board.
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