Olive Wood Boards Explained: Answers to 5 Common Questions

Popular for their distinctive grain and natural beauty, olive wood boards are very appreciated by their owners, and so also tend to raise some practical questions. This guide answers some of the most common.

1.  Are olive wood cutting boards good?

These boards are an excellent choice, and continue to become a valued part of many kitchens every day. Olive trees generously supply a dense type of hardwood, very durable and resistant to deep knife marks. The texture of its grain is tight, which means that it tends to absorb less moisture than softer woods.

Other benefits include:

• Long lifespan (especially when properly cared for)
• Natural resistance to bacteria due to its density
• The unrepeatable grain patterns make each board unique
  

2.  Can I use olive oil on a wooden cutting board?

There’s something intuitively attractive in the idea of using olive oil on olive wood! But, alas, no. Olive oil is not recommended for wooden cutting boards, and that includes olive wood boards.

A few simple reasons for that:

• Olive oil is a cooking oil that oxidises over time
• It can go rancid and produce unpleasant smells
• It may also leave a sticky residue on the surface

Your board should be treated with a stable, food safe oil designed for cutting boards. That will keep the wood protected without any risk of spoiling the food.

For more information on this topic, read our article about What Oil to Use on a Wooden Cutting Board (And Which to Avoid!).

3.  How to clean an olive wood cheese board

If you want your board to stay in good condition and without any odours, you should pay attention to proper cleaning.

Follow these steps:

• Wash the board, simply with soap, water and a soft sponge; but avoid soaking it
• Rinse quickly and dry it with a towel; then stand the board upright to air dry fully

Never put an olive wood cheese board in the dishwasher and avoid harsh chemicals. If you detect a smell after use, rubbing it lightly with lemon and rinsing can help.

4.  How to season an olive wood cutting board?

Seasoning simply means oiling a board, which serves to nourish and protect the wood.

The procedure is simple:

1. Make sure the board is dry and clean
   

2. Apply a small amount of food safe board oil
   

3. Spread it evenly over the surface and edges
   

4. Let it absorb for several hours
   

5. Wipe off any excess oil

Olive wood does not need heavy oiling. Light but regular seasoning is better than applying large amounts at once. For most households, oiling once every three to four weeks is enough.

5. How to resin an olive wood board and when does it make sense?

Resining is a more specific kind of treatment, and unnecessary for most users.

It’s sometimes used:

• For decorative or display boards
• To fill cracks or voids for visual effect
• For boards not intended for heavy food prep

For everyday kitchen use, we don’t recommend resining. Oil allows the wood to breathe and helps to keep it healthy, while resin seals the surface, which can be difficult to repair if damaged. Also, when it comes to food safety, oiling is better.

Common mistakes when using olive wood boards

Avoiding some simple mistakes will take care of most problems:

Avoid:

• Soaking the board in water
• Putting it in the dishwasher
• Using cooking oils for maintenance
• Leaving the board wet or flat on a surface after washing
• Over oiling without wiping off the excess

Attention to these details will make your board last longer.

Other FAQs about olive wood boards

Is olive wood good for a cutting board in the long term?

Yes, with some care, olive wood boards can last for many years.

Does olive wood need more care than other woods?

Not more, but slightly different care: lighter but more regular oiling works best.

Can olive wood crack easily?

Like any type of natural wood, it can crack if it gets too wet or dry, but regular maintenance reduces this risk. 

Final thoughts

Olive wood boards are beautiful to look at, do their job well and last long. When properly cleaned, seasoned and protected, they make excellent cutting boards and cheese boards. Taking good care of your board by cleaning and oiling it regularly, as well as avoiding a few common mistakes, will keep it so.

Portuguese Treasures offers a wide range of olive wood boards, combining natural beauty with durability and everyday functionality, perfect for food preparation and serving while adding a warm, timeless touch to your kitchen and table.