A handcrafted hardwood cutting board is built to last for generations — but like any natural material, it needs a little care to stay in top shape. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your board looking beautiful and performing well for years to come.

Daily Cleaning

After each use, wash your board with warm water and a mild dish soap, then dry it immediately with a clean towel. Avoid soaking your board or leaving it wet in the sink — standing water is the fastest way to warp or crack wood over time.

Never put a wooden cutting board in the dishwasher. The combination of prolonged water exposure and high heat will cause the wood to warp, crack, or split.

Storing Your Board

Always store your board standing on its edge, or flat if it has rubber feet, so air can circulate on both sides. Storing a board flat against a counter without feet traps moisture underneath and can cause uneven warping.

Oiling and Conditioning

Wood is porous, and regular oiling keeps it from drying out, cracking, or absorbing odors and stains.

• New boards should be oiled several times in the first few weeks to fully saturate the wood.

• After that, oil your board once a month for regular use, or whenever the wood starts to look dry or dull.

• Use a food-safe mineral oil or a specialized board oil — avoid olive oil, vegetable oil, or other cooking oils, which can go rancid over time.

Apply a generous amount, let it soak in for a few hours (or overnight), then wipe away any excess with a clean cloth.

Handling Stains and Odors

For light stains or lingering smells, sprinkle coarse salt or baking soda on the surface, scrub gently with half a lemon, then rinse and dry as usual. This natural method lifts stains and neutralizes odors without harsh chemicals.

What to Avoid

• Soaking in water or running through the dishwasher

• Direct sunlight or heat sources (near a stove or in a hot car), which can cause warping

• Cutting boards left wet for extended periods

• Cooking oils in place of food-safe mineral oil

A Board Built to Last

With a little routine care, a handcrafted hardwood board only gets more beautiful with age — the grain deepens, the patina develops, and it becomes a piece you’ll pass down for years. Every board from Good Shepherd Woodshop comes with a bottle of board oil and a care card to help you get started.

Have a specific care question, or curious which wood species holds up best for your kitchen? Reach out to us — we’re happy to help.

Gift Guide: Best Custom Cutting Boards for Weddings & Housewarmings

Finding a gift that feels personal, useful, and built to last isn’t always easy — especially for milestone moments like weddings and new homes. A handcrafted cutting board checks every box: it’s functional, beautiful, and can be customized to make it truly one-of-a-kind. Here’s how to pick the right one.

For Weddings

A cutting board makes a timeless wedding gift because it’s something a couple will actually use for decades, not something that ends up in a closet. A few ways to make it extra special:

• Add custom engraving with the couple’s names and wedding date for a keepsake they’ll treasure

• Go with a larger size, like our Brisket or Turkey boards, so it can double as a serving centerpiece for future dinner parties and holidays

• Consider a two-tone wood combination (like walnut and maple) for a striking, elegant look that fits any kitchen style

For Housewarmings

When someone’s settling into a new home, a cutting board is both a practical essential and a warm, welcoming gesture.

• Mid-size boards, like our Chicken or Tomahawk sizes, are the most functional for everyday use in a new kitchen

• Epoxy resin serving boards add a bold, modern touch if you know the recipient’s style leans contemporary

• Pair it with a bottle of board oil (included with every purchase) so they can start caring for it right away

For the Home Cook or Griller in Your Life

If you’re shopping for someone who loves to cook — or spends their weekends smoking a brisket — our larger butcher block sizes are built specifically for that kind of heavy, everyday use. The Brisket and Titan sizes offer enough surface area for serious meal prep or breaking down a full cut of meat.

Why a Handcrafted Board Makes a Better Gift

Every board we make is one-of-a-kind, crafted from sustainably sourced hardwoods with no two grain patterns exactly alike. Unlike mass-produced kitchenware, a custom board says you put real thought into the gift — and it only gets more beautiful with age and use.

Plus, a portion of every purchase supports animal rescue organizations, so your gift gives back in more ways than one.

Ready to Find the Perfect Board?

Browse our full collection, explore sizes and options to find the right fit, or reach out if you’d like help designing a custom piece for someone special.