A Sparky's Woodworks cutting board or tray is precision-carved from real hardwood — solid Cherry, Roasted Ash, Black Walnut, or whatever species your piece is made from — and hand finished right here in Missouri. With the right care, it will last a lifetime and then some. Here's how to keep it looking and performing its best.
Oil It Regularly
Real hardwood needs to stay hydrated. We treat every cutting board and tray with food-grade Butcher Block Oil from MinWax before it leaves our shop, but you'll want to reapply it periodically at home — especially when the wood starts to look dry or lighter in color. Apply a generous coat, let it soak in for a few hours or overnight, then wipe off the excess. Tung Oil works great too. Both are food-safe and available at most hardware stores. How often? It depends on how much use the piece gets — monthly for heavy-use boards, a few times a year for display pieces.
Hand Wash Only — Never the Dishwasher
This one is non-negotiable. The high heat and prolonged moisture exposure in a dishwasher will warp, crack, and destroy a solid hardwood board — no exceptions. Hand wash with warm, soapy water, rinse quickly, and dry immediately with a towel. Don't let it soak in the sink. Don't leave it wet on the counter. Dry it and stand it upright or lay it flat in a well-ventilated spot.
Keep It Out of Direct Sunlight
Prolonged direct sunlight will dry out the wood and cause uneven fading and cracking over time. Store your board in a cool, dry spot away from windows when not in use. If you display it on a counter, flip it occasionally to ensure even air exposure and prevent one side from drying out faster than the other.
Don't Let It Dry Out
A dry board is a cracking board. If you notice the wood looking pale, feeling rough, or starting to show small surface cracks, it's telling you it needs oil. Get ahead of it — a well-oiled board is a happy board. Avoid storing near heat sources like ovens, dishwashers, or heating vents.
A Note on Our Trays
Our wood trays — including the Roasted Ash and Black Walnut catch-all and serving tray lineup — follow the same care guidelines. They're not cutting surfaces, but they're still real hardwood and benefit from the same oiling routine, especially if they're used regularly or displayed in dry environments.
Have questions about caring for your specific piece? Drop us a note — we're always happy to help.
Much 💙 from the shop!
The viewpoints, tips, tricks, ideas, and item care suggestions shared in this blog are solely those of Sparky's Woodworks and are based on personal experience in our own shop. Your experience may differ. Nothing here is intended as professional woodworking instruction or advice. Always read your tool manuals, wear appropriate eye, ear, and respiratory protection, and exercise caution with all power tools and equipment. Sparky's Woodworks is not responsible for the outcome of your projects or anything that happens in your shop.
The longevity and appearance of any wood item depends on much more than how often it's re-oiled or re-stained. How and where an item is displayed or used, along with factors like lighting, temperature, and humidity or moisture exposure, all play a significant role in how your piece ages and what kind of maintenance it will need over time. Every customer's environment is different, and item care is as unique as the home it lives in. We're happy to share what works for us — but the care of your item is ultimately in your hands, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Have specific questions about caring for your piece? Drop us a note — we're always happy to help.
