How long does a wooden cutting board last?
A solid wooden cutting board lasts for years if you look after it. A fixed number of years cannot be given, because it depends on four things: whether the board is solid, whether you oil it regularly, whether you keep it out of the dishwasher and whether you sand it when it becomes rough.
Anyone who buys a wooden board wants to know how long it will last them. The honest answer is that the board itself is only half the story. The other half is what you do with it. Two identical boards can reach very different ages.
What determines the lifespan?
| Factor | Lasts longer | Lasts less long |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Solid and thick enough to sand | Thin wood that you cannot restore |
| Oil | Twice a month, all sides | Rarely or only the top |
| Washing | By hand, briefly | Dishwasher or leaving it to soak |
| Drying | Dry straight away, upright | Leaving it wet and flat |
| Wear | Sanding when it becomes rough | Carrying on using it until the wood frays |
Solid wood can be restored
That is the big difference from plastic. You replace a plastic board with deep grooves. With solid wood you sand away a thin layer and you have a smooth surface again. Our cutting boards are 3 cm thick and the butcher block 6 cm, all solid beech. There is enough wood in them to do that more than once.
How to extend the lifespan
- Oil the board twice a month with 20 ml. Rub it out thinly with a cloth, including the edges and the underside. Leave it to soak in for 4 hours and wipe off whatever is still on the surface.
- Wash it by hand with warm water and a little washing-up liquid. Never in the dishwasher and never leave it to soak.
- Dry it straight away and stand it upright.
- Keep it away from heat. Not next to the cooker and not on the radiator.
- Sand it when it becomes rough with fine sandpaper, 180 or 240 grit, along the grain. Then remove the dust and oil generously.
The rhythm is explained in detail in Caring for a wooden cutting board. You can read about sanding in Sanding and restoring a wooden cutting board.
When is a board really finished?
Scratches, a dull colour and a rough surface are signs of use. You sand those away. A board is only finished when a crack runs through it that moisture stays in, or when it is so warped that it can no longer be made flat. Until then it is a matter of care and not replacement.
Oil is the cheapest thing you can do here. You can work out how much you need per year with the oil calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does a thick board last longer than a thin one?
Usually it does. Thick wood is more stable and you can sand it more often. A thin board warps more quickly.
Does the type of wood matter?
Yes. Beech is hard and has a fine, dense grain. How it compares with other types, you can read in Beech, oak or bamboo.
My board has turned grey and dull. Is it worn out?
No, it is dry. Sand it lightly if it feels rough and give it a generous coat of oil. The colour then comes back.
What is the quickest way to ruin a wooden board?
The dishwasher. The heat and the long time spent wet dry out the wood, make it warp and can make it crack.
