Heirloom Maintenance
How to Take Care of Your Piece
These pieces are built to last decades, but they need some basic respect in return. Cuttingboards and mallets have different needs — start with the section that applies to yours.
01. ESSENTIALS
Daily Use & Cleaning
Use it. These boards are tools, not museum pieces. Knives will leave marks; that is the intended design.
Hand wash. A quick scrub with mild soap and warm water is all it needs. Wipe away excess moisture immediately.
Dry standing up. Always prop your board on its side to dry. This ensures airflow to both sides and prevents warping.
NEVER EVER DREAM OF PUTTING IT IN THE DISHWASHER. THE HEAT AND MOISTURE WILL DESTROY THE WOOD FIBERS AND THE GLUE BOND.
Never submerge. Don't leave your board soaking in a sink of water. It's a recipe for splits.
Not a heat plate. Extreme heat from pots can burn the wood and melt the food-safe glue.
Oiling & Conditioning
Maintenance is the difference between a board that lasts five years and one that lasts fifty. EveryTimber & Hearth board ships with its first coat already applied.
Mineral Oil
Apply food-grade mineral oil once amonth (heavy use) or once a quarter(light use). Let it soak in for 20 minutesbefore wiping off excess.
Board Butter
For a deeper finish, use a beeswax and oil blend. This creates a moisture barrier
that lasts longer than oil alone and gives a beautiful satin sheen.
The "Do Not" List
Never use olive, vegetable, or canola oils. These are organic fats that will go rancid inside the wood, creating odors
and bacteria.
The Evolution of Color
Wood is a biological material. As it meets UV light and oxygen, the colors will shift.This isn't a defect; it's the wood maturing.
Padauk
Vibrant red to deep brown-violet
Bloodwood: Stays ruby red
Walnut
Dark espresso lightens to honey brown
Sapele: Deepens to rich mahogany
Purpleheart
Neon purple to royal brown
Hackberry: Develops grey/olive tints
Maple
Bright cream yellows to antique gold
Yellowheart: Stays brilliantly gold
"Patina isn't wear; it's the life story of the board and the meals you've shared over it."
Storage & Hard No's
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat sources (stoves).
Avoid direct sunlight for long periods to slow color fading.
NO Bleach or harsh chemicals.
NO Soaking in the sink.
When Something Goes Wrong
Surface Roughness?
Shipping Damage?
If your piece arrives cracked or damaged, take photos immediately and contact us. We stand by our craft.
If the grain "pops" and feels fuzzy, sand lightly with 220-grit sandpaper and re-apply mineral oil. It will be smooth as glass again.
Mallets & Tools
If the grain "pops" and feels fuzzy, sand lightly with 220-grit sandpaper andre-apply mineral oil. It will be smooth as glass again.
Wipe clean with a damp cloth; do not soak.
Oil the handles twice a year to prevent drying and cracks.
Store in a tool chest or on a rack, not in a damp basement.