Rough Timber Boards & How to Fix Them
One of the most common questions we hear from new cutting board and cheese paddle owners is: why has the timber become rough after its first wash?
This initial roughening is normal. It is often referred to as raised grain, and the surface can be restored without specialised tools or materials.
Why does the surface feel rough?
Timber naturally absorbs and releases moisture in response to its surroundings. Before a cutting board or cheese paddle is made, the timber is carefully dried to improve its stability. This leaves the finished timber ready to absorb oil, but it also means the surface fibres can respond when they first come into contact with water.
Before the board is oiled, its surface is sanded with fine-grade sandpaper. Sanding presses down some of the finest timber fibres and can leave small fibres resting within the grain.
This is especially noticeable with white oak. White oak is valued for its strength, durability and distinctive grain. That pronounced grain is part of what gives the timber its character, but it can also make raised fibres more noticeable during the first few washes.
A new board with a smooth, well-oiled surface. The darker colour indicates that the timber has absorbed plenty of oil.
During the first wash, the timber absorbs a small amount of water. This causes some of the compressed fibres to swell and lift, leaving the surface feeling rough.
The fine shreds that may appear are simply loose fibres from the timber itself. They are a natural, organic material and completely safe. They are not a coating, filler or foreign material, and can simply be rinsed or scrubbed away.
Most loose fibres will come away during the first few washes. Regular oiling then conditions the newly exposed surface and helps the board become progressively smoother.
A newly washed board showing lighter, dry areas and raised timber fibres. This is a normal characteristic of new timber during its first few washes.
Smoothing a new board
Wash the board with warm water and scrub it with a kitchen scourer in the direction of the grain. A small amount of salt can also be used to assist with cleaning.
Rinse away any loose fibres, wipe the board dry and leave it standing on its edge in a well-ventilated area. Allow it to dry completely before applying oil.
Oiling the timber
A naturally finished timber board needs regular oiling, particularly while it is new. Properly dried timber readily absorbs oil, allowing the surface to become conditioned through use and maintenance.
When the timber needs oil, it will generally appear lighter and feel drier. Regular oiling restores its colour, helps protect the surface and reduces the likelihood of staining, splitting or cracking.
Timber that has been left dry for an extended period often becomes lighter in colour and more prone to splintering or cracking.
Suitable timber oils include:
- Walnut oil
- Gilly Stephenson’s Orange Oil
- Tung oil
- Linseed oil
For products used with food, check that the oil is suitable for food-contact surfaces and follow the manufacturer’s application and curing instructions. More information about choosing an oil is available on our care page.
Apply oil generously to all sides of the clean, dry board and rub it into the timber with a cloth. Allow the oil to soak in, then wipe away any excess. Some oils, including tung and linseed oil, may require additional curing time before the board can be used.
How often should a board be oiled?
Our cutting boards and cheese paddles are thoroughly oiled before leaving our workshop. It can take several months of use and regular oiling for the timber to develop a well-conditioned surface.
The following schedule is a general guide:
| 1 to 2 months old | Oil every two weeks |
| 2 to 6 months old | Oil once a month |
| 6 to 24 months old | Oil every three months |
| More than 24 months old | Oil every four to six months |
With regular washing, drying and oiling, the raised grain will gradually settle and the board will develop a smoother, well-conditioned surface. This natural settling-in period is part of owning a solid timber product and is particularly noticeable in characterful, strongly grained timbers such as white oak.
Please get in touch if you have any questions.
With use and regular oiling, the timber develops a conditioned surface that feels smoother and requires less frequent treatment.