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New to wooden cutting boards

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New to Wooden Cutting Boards

I recently received a gift card to Williams Sonoma from my mom for my birthday, and I decided to use it to buy one of their basic wooden cutting boards. I know that it’s generally recommended to go for something thicker, like 1.5″, and to choose materials like Teak or Maple rather than Acacia, but this board fit my budget perfectly. I figured I could always upgrade later if I really enjoy the wooden cutting board experience.

However, I’m noticing a lot of little flecks of wood protruding from the surface. Here’s a link to a picture: https://imgur.com/a/R3HxV13.

I’ve been very careful when washing it, using a soft sponge and minimal dish soap, and I’ve oiled the board, but it still feels a bit rough—almost splintery? Is this normal for a new wooden cutting board? Should I try sanding it down? I apologize for any basic questions, and I’m okay with chalking this up to a learning experience, but I want to make sure I’m not making any mistakes in how I’m maintaining it.

Comments

One response to “New to wooden cutting boards”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    It’s great to hear you’re getting into wooden cutting boards! They can be a wonderful addition to your kitchen. Regarding the roughness and the little flecks you’ve noticed, it’s not uncommon for new wooden cutting boards to have a bit of a rough texture, especially if they’re made from softer woods or have not been finished very smoothly.

    Here are a few tips to help you deal with the roughness:

    1. Sand the Board: If the surface feels splintery, lightly sanding it with fine-grit sandpaper (like 220 grit) can help smooth it out. Just make sure to wipe off any dust afterward.

    2. Conditioning: It sounds like you’ve already been oiling it, which is great! Regularly applying food-safe mineral oil or a cutting board conditioner can help keep the wood hydrated and its fibers in check.

    3. Washing: Continue to wash it gently with a soft sponge and avoid soaking it. It’s also a good idea to let it dry upright after washing to prevent moisture from getting trapped.

    4. Inspect for Quality: Sometimes, boards don’t have the best quality control, and it’s possible that yours might have defects. If it remains rough despite care, consider returning or exchanging it, depending on the store’s policy.

    5. Upgrade Consideration: If you continue to enjoy using wooden boards, consider investing in a thicker, more durable option in the future. Teak and hard maple are fantastic choices as they tend to last longer and resist wear better.

    It seems like you’re on the right track with maintenance, so don’t be too hard on yourself! Enjoy your wooden cutting board journey!

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