Caring for Your Lightwood Board

Handcrafted wooden boards age beautifully when cared for properly. Whether you own a Lightwood cutting board or a charcuterie board, a few simple steps will keep it looking and performing its best for years to come.

Cutting Boards

Each Lightwood cutting board is finished with Lightwood’s Wood Conditioner — a food-safe blend of beeswax and natural oils that protects the wood while bringing out its natural grain.

It is available here: https://www.lightwooddesigns.com/products/wood-conditioner

When to Reapply the Finish

You’ll know it’s time for a fresh application when the surface starts to look dry or dull, or simply not as rich as you’d like. Regular maintenance helps the board resist moisture and staining and will become less frequent over time as the conditioner builds up within the wood.

How to Apply the Finish

1. Rub a small amount of Lightwood Wood Conditioner over the entire surface. You should see a light, even coating across the board.

2. Let it sit overnight if possible (or at least two hours).

3. Buff off the remaining finish with a clean paper towel or soft cloth until no residue remains.

Each treatment saturates the fibers and strengthens the surface protection, meaning less upkeep over time.

General Care

• Do not submerge the board in water or let it soak.

• Never put it in the dishwasher.

• Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed, then dry immediately.

• Avoid leaving highly pigmented foods (like beets or strawberries) on the board, as they may stain.

• If the surface becomes rough from knife use, lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper in a circular motion, wipe clean, then reapply the conditioner following the steps above.

Charcuterie Boards

Your Lightwood charcuterie board is finished with a hard wax finish, creating a durable, permanent coating that highlights the natural wood grain and protects it from moisture.

Care Guidelines

• These boards are meant for serving, not cutting — using knives will damage the finish and is not repairable.

• If light scratches do occur, you can rub a small amount of cooking oil into the area to minimize their appearance.

• Clean with warm water and a soft cloth, adding a touch of mild soap if needed.

• Never submerge or soak the board, and do not put it in the dishwasher.

A Note from the Maker

With a little care, your Lightwood board will continue to tell its story through years of gatherings, meals, and memories. The finish and the wood will only get richer with time — just like the moments shared around it.