How to Care for a Resin Chopping Board (So It Lasts a Lifetime)

Someone gave you something beautiful. Or maybe you chose it for yourself, something handcrafted, with resin that catches the light and timber that feels solid in your hands. Either way, you want it to last. Not just survive a few dinner parties, but genuinely become part of your kitchen for decades.

The good news is that caring for a resin and timber board is not complicated. But there are a few things most people get wrong in the first week, and those small mistakes are what cause boards to crack, dry out, or lose their finish over time. This guide covers everything you need to know, from the first wash to long-term maintenance, so your board stays as striking as the day it arrived.

The Two-Sided Rule: Timber for Prep, Resin for Serving

Every resin and Camphor Laurel board has two distinct sides, and understanding how to use each one is the single most important thing you can do for its longevity.

The timber side is your workhorse. Camphor Laurel is a dense, naturally antibacterial hardwood, which makes it ideal for chopping, slicing, and all food preparation. Use this side whenever you are cutting anything. The natural oils in the timber resist bacteria, and the density of the wood means knife marks stay shallow and the surface holds up well over years of use.

The resin side is decorative and designed for serving. Due to the pigments and inks used in the colouring process, the resin is not intended for direct food preparation. It is perfect for presenting wrapped cheeses, crackers, dried fruits, nuts, and cured meats. A board like our Large Resin Paddle Board really comes alive as a serving centrepiece. If you want to serve across the full surface, lay a piece of baking paper over the resin, then arrange your food on top. It looks just as beautiful and keeps the resin protected.

Think of it this way: timber side down when you are cooking. Resin side up when guests arrive.

How to Clean Your Board After Every Use

This is where most damage happens, not from chopping or serving, but from cleaning. Here is the exact routine that will keep your board in perfect condition.

What to do:

Hand wash with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Use a soft cloth or sponge. Wipe the timber side first, then gently clean the resin. Rinse briefly under running water. Stand the board upright on its edge to air dry completely before storing it.

What to avoid:

Never soak the board in water. Even five minutes of soaking can cause the timber to absorb moisture unevenly, which leads to warping and eventually cracking. Never put it in the dishwasher. The combination of high heat, steam, and prolonged water exposure will damage both the timber and the resin finish. Never use abrasive scouring pads on either side, as they will scratch the resin and roughen the timber surface.

The entire cleaning process should take less than a minute. Quick wash, thorough dry, stand upright. That is it.

Oiling Your Board: The Five-Minute Ritual That Changes Everything

This is the section worth bookmarking. Oiling is the single most effective thing you can do to extend the life of your board, and most people either skip it entirely or do it incorrectly.

When to oil: Every 3 to 4 weeks with regular use, or whenever the timber side starts to look pale, dry, or feels rough to the touch. If you use your board daily, you may need to oil fortnightly. A board that sits on the bench as a display piece between dinner parties might only need oiling every 6 to 8 weeks.

What to use: A food-grade mineral oil or a dedicated board oil. These are specifically formulated to penetrate timber without going rancid. You can find them at most kitchenware stores or online. Avoid olive oil, coconut oil, or any cooking oil. They may seem like a natural choice, but they oxidise over time, turn sticky, and can develop an unpleasant smell. Stick with food-grade mineral oil or a beeswax and mineral oil blend.

How to do it, step by step:

Start with a clean, dry board. Pour a small amount of food-grade oil onto the timber side, roughly a 10-cent coin sized amount for a standard board. Using a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel, rub the oil into the timber in the direction of the grain. Work it across the entire timber surface, including the edges and any exposed wood on the underside. Let the oil soak in for 15 to 20 minutes. The timber will absorb it quickly, especially if it has been a while since the last oiling. If the surface still looks dry after 20 minutes, apply a second thin coat. Wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth. The surface should feel smooth and nourished, not greasy.

Do not oil the resin. The resin is non-porous and does not absorb oil, so applying it there serves no purpose and can leave a residue that attracts dust.

A well-oiled board develops a beautiful patina over time. The timber deepens in colour and the grain becomes more pronounced. It is one of those small rituals that actually makes a difference.

Storing Your Board the Right Way

Where and how you store your board matters more than most people realise. Timber is a natural material that responds to its environment, expanding slightly in humidity and contracting in dry conditions. Consistent storage keeps it stable.

Store your board standing upright on its edge, ideally in a board rack or propped against a wall where air can circulate around both sides evenly. Laying a board flat on a surface for extended periods can trap moisture underneath, leading to uneven drying and potential warping.

Keep it away from direct heat sources. Next to the stovetop, above the oven, or in direct sunlight near a kitchen window are all spots to avoid. Heat dries timber out rapidly and can cause the resin to soften or yellow over time. A cool, dry spot with good airflow is ideal.

Many of our customers display their boards on the kitchen bench between uses, propped against the splashback. If you have a set of Resin Coasters, these store beautifully the same way. This is perfectly fine and honestly one of the best ways to enjoy the resin art daily. Just ensure it is not sitting in direct afternoon sun for hours at a time.

Dealing with Marks, Stains, and Minor Scratches

A board that gets used will eventually show signs of life. That is normal and expected. Here is how to handle the most common issues.

Knife marks on the timber side: Light surface marks are completely normal and part of the character of a working board. If they bother you, a generous oiling session will make most shallow marks far less visible. For deeper marks, a very light sand with fine-grit sandpaper (240 grit or higher) followed by oiling will restore the surface. Always sand in the direction of the grain.

Stains on the timber: Beetroot, turmeric, and red wine are the usual suspects. Sprinkle coarse salt over the stain, squeeze half a lemon over the salt, and scrub gently with the cut side of the lemon. The salt acts as a mild abrasive while the lemon lifts the stain naturally. Rinse and dry immediately, then oil the board. For stubborn stains, repeat the process or try a paste of bicarb soda and water, left on the stain for 10 minutes before wiping clean.

Scratches on the resin: Fine surface scratches on the resin side are usually cosmetic and become less visible with gentle cleaning. For deeper scratches, a small amount of car polish or a dedicated resin polishing compound applied with a microfibre cloth can restore the gloss. Work in small, circular motions and buff to a shine.

Lingering odours: Garlic and onion can leave their scent behind. The same lemon and salt method works well here. Alternatively, sprinkle bicarb soda across the timber, leave for 15 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

What Camphor Laurel Needs (and Why It Matters)

If your board is made from Camphor Laurel, you already own something with a story built into the material. Camphor Laurel is an invasive species that threatens Australia's native ecosystems. By harvesting and transforming it into functional art, makers like our team at The Fifth Design give new life to what would otherwise be environmental waste.

As a timber, Camphor Laurel has some distinct advantages for kitchen use. It is naturally antibacterial, thanks to the camphor oils present in the wood. It is dense and durable, meaning it resists warping better than softer timbers. And it has a beautiful, varied grain that develops more character with age.

But those natural oils also mean Camphor Laurel can dry out if neglected, particularly in air-conditioned or heated homes where humidity is low. This is why regular oiling matters even more with this timber than with others. The oil replaces the moisture the wood loses to its environment, keeping it stable and preventing cracks from forming along the grain.

At The Fifth Design, our Camphor Laurel is seasoned for 12 to 24 months in controlled conditions before we shape it into boards. Each board is carved from a single piece of timber, with no glued strips or joints. This means your board has natural structural integrity, but it still needs your help to stay hydrated over the years.

The Quick-Reference Care Routine

Here is your board care routine distilled into something you can stick on the fridge.

After every use: Hand wash with warm water and mild soap. Dry immediately. Stand upright to air dry.

Every 3 to 4 weeks: Oil the timber side with food-grade mineral oil. Wipe away excess after 20 minutes.

Every 3 to 6 months: Check for any deep marks or stains and treat them. Inspect the edges for dryness and give them extra attention when oiling.

Always: Keep away from the dishwasher, direct heat, and prolonged sunlight. Never soak. Store upright with airflow on both sides.

That is genuinely all it takes. Less than five minutes a month for a board that lasts a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my resin chopping board in the dishwasher?

No. The dishwasher combines high heat, steam, and prolonged water exposure, all of which will damage both the timber and the resin. Hand washing with warm water and mild soap is the only safe method. It takes less than a minute and keeps your board in excellent condition for years.

What oil should I use on my Camphor Laurel board?

Use a food-grade mineral oil or a beeswax and mineral oil blend designed for cutting boards. These penetrate the timber without going rancid. Avoid olive oil, coconut oil, and other cooking oils, as they oxidise over time and can become sticky or develop an odour.

How often should I oil my resin and wood board?

Every 3 to 4 weeks with regular use. If you use your board daily, fortnightly oiling is better. Boards used less frequently can be oiled every 6 to 8 weeks. The simplest test: if the timber looks pale or feels dry, it is time for oil.

Is the resin on my board food safe?

The resin is decorative and not intended for direct food preparation. Due to the pigments and inks used in the colouring process, we recommend using the timber side for all chopping and food prep. The resin side is ideal for serving wrapped foods, dry snacks like nuts and crackers, or for display. A sheet of baking paper over the resin works perfectly for serving across the full surface.

How do I remove stains from my wooden chopping board?

Sprinkle coarse salt over the stain, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salt, and scrub gently with the cut side of the lemon. Rinse and dry immediately, then oil the board. For tougher stains, apply a paste of bicarb soda and water, leave for 10 minutes, then wipe clean. This works particularly well on beetroot, turmeric, and wine stains.

Can I use my resin board as a cutting board?

Yes, but only on the timber side. Flip the board over so the Camphor Laurel timber is facing up for all chopping and food preparation. The timber is dense, naturally antibacterial, and designed to handle daily kitchen use. The resin side should be reserved for serving and display.

Why is my wooden board cracking and how do I prevent it?

Cracking usually happens when timber loses moisture too quickly. The most common causes are dishwasher use, soaking in water, storing near heat sources, or not oiling regularly enough. To prevent cracking, follow the care routine above: hand wash and dry immediately, oil every 3 to 4 weeks, store upright with airflow, and keep away from direct heat and sunlight. If a small crack does appear, a thorough oiling session can help stabilise it and prevent it from spreading.

A Board That Tells Your Story

The boards we make at our Sunshine Coast studio are built to last. The Camphor Laurel is seasoned slowly, carved carefully, and paired with hand-poured resin that makes every single piece one of a kind. Pieces like our Large Resin Cheese Board or the Medium Resin Paddle Board are made for kitchens that see real life, real meals, and real gatherings.

With a few minutes of care each month, your board will not just survive your kitchen. It will age alongside your family, collecting the quiet evidence of meals shared, celebrations hosted, and ordinary evenings made a little more beautiful. That is what handcrafted objects do when you let them.