Care Guide

How to Care for Your
Handcrafted Wood Piece

A little care goes a long way. Follow this guide to keep your WoodworkingGuys piece looking beautiful for decades.

The Basics

Wood is a Natural Material.
Treat It Like One.

Unlike plastic or metal, solid hardwood is a living material that responds to its environment. It expands slightly in humidity and contracts in dry conditions. It absorbs oils and develops a patina over time. It improves with care and use.

This isn't a weakness — it's what makes handcrafted wood so special. With the right care routine, your piece will look better at 20 years than it did on day one.

The good news: caring for solid hardwood is simple. A few minutes every few months is all it takes.

💡 Golden rule: Keep wood away from excessive moisture, heat, and direct sunlight — and oil it regularly. That's it.

Wood Care Products
Cutting Boards & Charcuterie Boards

Cutting Board Care

Your cutting board will last a lifetime with minimal care. Here's exactly what to do — and what to avoid.

Hand Washing Board
01

Wash by Hand

Wash with warm soapy water and a sponge after each use. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately. Never leave it sitting in water.

Oiling Cutting Board
02

Oil Monthly

Apply food-safe mineral oil to all surfaces once a month. Let it soak in for a few hours, then wipe off excess.

Sanding a Board
03

Sand When Needed

Remove knife marks with 220-grit sandpaper, always with the grain. Then re-oil the sanded area.

Wax Finish
04

Wax Seasonally

Every few months, apply beeswax or board cream over the oiled surface for extra protection.

Do This

  • Hand wash with warm soapy water
  • Dry immediately after washing
  • Oil with food-safe mineral oil monthly
  • Store flat or upright in a dry place
  • Use both sides to ensure even wear
  • Re-oil when wood looks dull or dry

Never Do This

  • Put in the dishwasher — ever
  • Soak in water or leave wet
  • Use olive oil or vegetable oil (they go rancid)
  • Leave in direct sunlight for long periods
  • Place near a heat source or open flame
  • Use bleach or harsh chemical cleaners
Furniture & Shelving

Furniture Care

Solid hardwood furniture is built to last generations. These simple habits will keep it looking its best.

Furniture Waxing

Wax Every 6 Months

Apply a thin coat of furniture wax or oil every 6 months. This protects the finish, nourishes the wood, and keeps it looking fresh. Buff to a soft sheen.

Coasters on Table

Use Coasters & Placemats

Always use coasters under drinks and placemats under plates. Heat and moisture are the two biggest enemies of wood furniture finishes.

Outdoor Cedar Furniture

Control Environment

Avoid direct sunlight and keep indoor humidity at 35–55%. Extreme dryness causes cracking; excessive moisture causes warping.

Outdoor Cedar Furniture
Outdoor Wood Products

Outdoor Wood Care

Cedar is naturally weather-resistant, but a little seasonal care will dramatically extend its life and keep it looking great year-round.

Spring

Clean & Inspect

Scrub with wood cleaner to remove winter grime. Inspect for cracks. Sand lightly if needed.

Spring / Fall

Apply Wood Oil

Apply outdoor-rated teak or cedar oil. Let it soak 30 minutes, then wipe off excess.

Year Round

Cover or Store

Use furniture covers during heavy rain. In harsh winters, store indoors to prevent damage.

As Needed

Sand & Refinish

If wood becomes grey or rough, sand with 120-grit paper and re-oil. It will look new again.

Common Questions

Care FAQ

Food-safe mineral oil is the best choice — it's inexpensive, odorless, and won't go rancid. You can find it at any pharmacy or hardware store. Avoid olive oil, coconut oil, or any food-based oil, as these will eventually go rancid inside the wood.
For new boards, oil once a week for the first month. After that, oil monthly or whenever the wood looks dry and pale. A well-oiled board will have a rich, dark tone. A dry board will look faded and feel rough.
Warping is caused by uneven moisture absorption. To fix minor warping, wet the concave side and place it face-down on a flat surface in the sun for a few hours. For severe warping, contact us and we'll help.
Absolutely not. The dishwasher's heat, steam, and prolonged moisture exposure will cause your board to crack, warp, and split permanently. Always hand wash with warm soapy water and dry immediately.
Sand out light surface scratches with 220-grit sandpaper, always with the grain. Then re-oil the sanded area. For end-grain boards, the grain naturally hides cut marks over time.
Cedar benefits from annual oiling with outdoor wood oil. Clean in spring, apply oil, and cover or store during harsh winters. If it greys over time, a light sanding and re-oiling will restore it to its original warm color.
Handcrafted Wood
Still Have Questions?

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Help You.

Whether you need care advice specific to your piece, want to order a replacement, or just want to talk wood — we're always here within 24 hours.

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