Cutting Board Care

How to Refurbish a Hardwood Cutting Board or Butcher Board - Step-by-Step Guide

Hardwood cutting boards and butcher boards are an essential tool in any kitchen or restaurant. These boards are prized for their durability, knife-friendly surface, natural beauty and eco-friendly. Over time, however, even the best boards can show signs of wear. Knife marks, stains, and minor surface damage can accumulate, diminishing the board's effectiveness and appearance. One of the best ways to restore a hardwood cutting board or butcher board to its former glory is through sanding. Sanding not only helps smooth out rough surfaces but also helps rejuvenate the hardwood, preventing cracks and improving its longevity. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps for sanding down your hardwood cutting board or butcher, ensuring it looks as close to new as possible.

Why Sand a Hardwood Cutting Board?

Before diving into the sanding process, it's essential to understand why sanding is necessary:

• Smooth out knife marks: Over time, deep grooves from knives can accumulate, making the surface uneven and harder to clean.
• Remove stains and odors: Certain stains or lingering odors can embed in the surface of your cutting board. Sanding removes the top layer, eliminating these issues.
• Rejuvenate the wood: Regular sanding helps prevent the wood from drying out, cracking, or developing surface imperfections.
• Enhance appearance: A well-sanded board looks beautiful again, with a fresh, clean surface and rich grain.

What You’ll Need:

• Sandpaper: You’ll need different grits of sandpaper:
  • Coarse grit (60–80): For heavy sanding to remove deep gouges and imperfections.
  • Medium grit (100–120): For smoothing out the board after the coarse grit.
  • Fine grit (150–220): For a smooth, polished finish.
• Orbital sander (optional): This makes the job easier, especially for larger boards. For small boards or if you prefer manual work, you can use sandpaper by hand.
• Tack cloth or vacuum: To remove sanding dust.
• Mineral oil or our recommended Mineral oil/beeswax recipe to finish the board and protect it after sanding.
• Work gloves: To protect your hands, especially from sharp edges and splinters.
• Dust mask: To protect from inhaling fine dust, especially if using a power sander.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sanding Down a Hardwood Cutting Board

1. Prepare the Cutting Board

• Clean the hardwood board thoroughly: Before sanding, make sure your hardwood cutting board or butcher board is completely clean and dry. Wash it with warm, soapy water, wipe down and allow it to dry completely to avoid sanding over any moisture that could affect the wood.
• Set up your workspace: Lay down a tarp or old newspaper to catch any sanding dust. Ensure your work area is well-ventilated, especially if you’re using an orbital sander.

2. Start with Coarse Grit Sandpaper (60–80)

• Use your sander or sand by hand: If using an orbital sander, attach the coarse grit sandpaper (60–80 grit) and set it to a low speed. Begin sanding in circular motions with the grain of the wood focusing on areas with deep gouges, knife marks, or stains. Sand evenly across the entire surface of the board, including the edges, to remove any imperfections.

If sanding by hand, fold the sandpaper and press it down firmly on the surface, sanding in a back-and-forth motion. Apply consistent pressure to ensure even sanding.

• Be patient: If the board has heavy cuts or scratches, it may take a little longer to smooth it out. Keep sanding until most of the surface feels smooth to the touch.

3. Move to Medium Grit Sandpaper (100–120)

• Smooth the surface: Switch to a medium grit sandpaper (100–120) and continue sanding following the grain in circular or back-and-forth motions. This step is crucial for evening out the roughness left by the coarse sandpaper, smoothing out any scratches or deeper grooves.
• Focus on consistency: Sand evenly over the whole board, paying special attention to the edges and corners where imperfections may have been more prominent. Be gentle and take your time to ensure a consistent finish.

4. Finish with Fine Grit Sandpaper (150–220)

• Polish the board: Once the surface is relatively smooth, move to fine grit sandpaper (150–220). This stage is all about refining the finish, giving the board a polished, soft feel. Sand over the entire board in circular motions or along the grain of the wood.
• Smooth the edges: Don’t forget to sand the edges of the board as well. Over time, edges can become rough or even chipped, so it’s important to address them during the sanding process.

5. Clean Off the Dust

• Remove sanding dust: Once you’ve finished sanding, it’s crucial to remove all dust before applying any oil or conditioner. Use a tack cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment to wipe away the dust from the board’s surface and edges.
• Inspect the surface: Run your hand over the board to feel for any rough spots that may need additional sanding. If necessary, repeat the sanding process with the fine grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections.

6. Apply Mineral oil or our Mineral oil/beeswax conditioner

• Rehydrate the wood: After sanding, your board will likely appear a bit dry. To restore moisture and protect the wood, apply a generous amount of mineral oil or a food-safe wood conditioner to the entire surface of the board. Let the oil soak in for several hours or overnight to fully penetrate the wood.
• Wipe off excess oil: After the oil has absorbed, wipe off any excess with a clean, dry cloth. This helps prevent the board from becoming too greasy or sticky to the touch.

7. Final Inspection

• Check the finish: Once the oil has fully soaked in and the board is dry, check its surface for any uneven areas or spots that may need a touch-up. If it feels smooth and looks refreshed, you’ve successfully sanded and restored your hardwood cutting board!

Tips for Maintaining Your Sanded Hardwood Cutting Board

• Regular cleaning: After each use, wash your cutting board with a hot, soapy cloth, and dry it immediately. NEVER SOAK THE BOARD
• Reapply oil: Depending on usage, apply oil to your hardwood cutting board once a month or as needed to keep the wood hydrated and prevent it from cracking.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Keep your cutting board away from direct heat or excessive moisture, which can cause warping or cracking.

Conclusion

Sanding down a hardwood cutting board or butcher board is an excellent way to maintain its functionality and aesthetic appeal, ensuring that it lasts for years. By following this simple process, you can remove knife marks, stains, and surface imperfections, and rejuvenate your board to look and feel as good as new. Regular sanding and proper maintenance will help your cutting board remain a reliable and attractive part of your kitchen or restaurant for many meals to come.