A wooden cutting board is more than a kitchen tool — it's a piece of living material that rewards the care you give it. At Itza Wood, every board we make is handmade in Guatemala from tropical hardwoods like Granadillo, Mahogany, and Ziricote. These woods are naturally dense and beautiful, but like all wood, they need a little love to stay that way.
Here's exactly how to care for your wooden cutting board so it lasts for decades.
1. Never Soak It or Put It in the Dishwasher
Wood and standing water are enemies. Prolonged exposure causes warping, cracking, and splitting. Always wash your board by hand with warm soapy water and dry it immediately with a towel. Then stand it upright to air-dry so both sides breathe evenly.
2. Oil It Regularly
Oiling is the single most important thing you can do. It prevents the wood from drying out and cracking, and it keeps the surface looking rich and vibrant. Use food-safe mineral oil or a beeswax-based board cream — avoid olive or vegetable oil, which can go rancid inside the grain.
How often? Once a month for boards in regular use, or whenever the wood starts to look dry or lighter in color. Apply generously, let it soak in for a few hours (or overnight), then wipe off the excess.
3. Keep It Away from Heat Sources
Don't leave your board sitting next to the stove, in direct sunlight on the counter, or near a heating vent. Rapid temperature changes cause the wood to expand and contract, which leads to cracks over time.
4. Sand Out Surface Scratches
Light scratches and knife marks are completely normal. Use fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit works well) to gently sand along the grain until the surface smooths out, then re-oil. Your board will look brand new.
5. Disinfect Naturally
For a natural deep-clean, rub the surface with coarse salt and half a lemon. The salt acts as an abrasive and the lemon juice deodorizes. Rinse with warm water and dry immediately. This is especially useful after cutting raw meat or strong-smelling foods like garlic and onion.
Why Wood Species Matters
Not all wooden boards are the same. The hardwoods we work with at Itza Wood are chosen specifically for their density, grain, and natural oils. Teak, for example, has a naturally high silica and oil content that gives it excellent moisture resistance. Granadillo is one of the hardest and most durable tropical hardwoods in Central America. These aren't softwood boards that will dent and scar after a season — cared for properly, they'll outlast most things in your kitchen.
Our Boards
If you're looking for a board that will become a family heirloom, explore our handcrafted collection:
- Wooden Serving Board – Exotic Cutting Board — a stunning everyday board in exotic hardwood
- Selva Narrow Cutting Board — sleek and elegant for prep or serving
- Selva Wide Cutting Board — generous surface, perfect for family meals
- Wooden Butcher's Block Cutting Board — built for serious home cooks
Every piece ships from our workshop in Guatemala, made by hand by artisans who have been working with these woods for generations. When you care for an Itza Wood board, you're caring for a small piece of that tradition.
Have a question about caring for your board? Reach out — we're happy to help.