In traditional butcher's shops, it's not unusual to see a block that has been in service for many years. Scarred, dipped in the middle, but still solid. That doesn't happen by luck. It happens because someone scraped it, cleaned it and oiled it, week in, week out.
A wooden butcher block is one of the biggest investments in a shop or kitchen. Treat it well and it will give you many years of service. Neglect it and it can dry out, crack and become harder to keep hygienic. This guide covers everything: why blocks need care, what to do every day, how to oil a block properly, how to season a new one, and the mistakes that shorten a block's life. Whether you run a busy trade counter or have a block at home, the same rules apply.
- 01Why your butcher block needs regular care
- 02Why black locust blocks still need oiling
- 03Why mineral oil is the right choice
- 04Your daily care routine
- 05How to oil your block, step by step
- 06Seasoning a new block
- 07How often to oil
- 08Common mistakes to avoid
- 09Signs your block needs attention
- 10Frequently asked questions
Why your butcher block needs regular care
Wood is a natural material, and it never stops reacting to its surroundings. Every day your block is cut, scraped, washed and exposed to meat juices, heat and changing humidity. Each of these slowly draws moisture out of the timber. When wood dries out, three things start to happen:
Cracks and splits aren't just cosmetic. They're places where moisture and food residue can sit, which makes the block harder to keep clean. A well-oiled block has a surface that resists liquid soaking in, so cleaning is quicker and more effective. The good news: a few minutes a day and a simple oiling routine is all it needs.
Why black locust blocks still need regular oiling
Our butcher blocks are made from black locust (also known as robinia or false acacia), built end grain and 20cm thick. It's one of the toughest woods you can cut on, but tough doesn't mean maintenance-free.
What makes it a great block timber
It's very hard. Black locust scores around 1,700 lbf (7,560 N) on the Janka hardness scale, close to hickory and harder than many common hardwoods. That means it resists dents and wear from heavy cleaver work.
Its heartwood is naturally very durable. Natural compounds in the heartwood help it resist decay, which is why black locust has traditionally been used for fence posts and other demanding jobs.
Why it still needs looking after
It moves with moisture. Timber researchers class black locust as a nervous wood with a high risk of splitting and warping. It shrinks noticeably more in one direction than the other as it dries, which creates stress inside the block.
End grain drinks. On an end-grain block, the wood fibres point straight up at the cutting surface. That's what makes it kind to your knives, but it also means the surface absorbs water, juices and oil much more readily than a flat-grain board.
A 20cm block is a lot of wood. The surface can dry out faster than the core. Keeping the surface topped up with oil helps keep moisture levels even through the block, which helps reduce the stress that can lead to cracks.
Black locust gives you a block that will take years of hard work. Regular oiling is what keeps it stable enough to do that.
Why mineral oil is the right choice
It's tempting to reach for whatever oil is in the kitchen cupboard. Please don't. Olive, sunflower, vegetable and other cooking oils are organic fats, and over time they can turn rancid inside the wood. That leads to a sticky surface and an unpleasant smell that can transfer to your meat.
Food-safe white mineral oil is different. It doesn't go rancid, it has no taste or smell, and it soaks deep into the grain to replace the moisture the wood loses through daily use.
M&S Butcher Block Oil (500ml)
A food safe white mineral oil made for wood, ideal for butcher blocks, chopping boards and wooden utensils.
Oiling also brings back the natural colour of the timber and helps the surface resist water, meat juices and staining. Your block will look better, and it will be easier to keep clean.
Your daily care routine
Oiling gets the attention, but daily cleaning is what keeps a block hygienic and ready for oil. At the end of each day (or each session at home), work through these five steps:
How to oil your butcher block, step by step
Oiling is simple, but doing it properly makes a big difference. The best time is at the end of the working day or week, so the oil has all night to soak in.
That's it. Repeat regularly, and more often on new blocks or whenever the wood starts to look dry.
Just bought a new block? Season it first
A brand new block is at its thirstiest. Before it goes into daily service, season it with several coats of oil. This builds up protection deep in the grain and sets the block up for a long life.
Don't worry if the block seems to drink oil very quickly at first. That's completely normal. As the wood becomes saturated, it will need less and less.
How often should you oil your block?
The honest answer is: whenever it looks dry. But as a starting point, here's how often to oil based on how hard your block works:
Blocks also need more attention in certain conditions. Heated shops in winter, blocks near ovens or radiators, and blocks in air-conditioned rooms all dry out faster. Check them more often.
Common mistakes that shorten a block's life
Many problems with wooden blocks come down to a few avoidable habits. Steer clear of these:
Signs your block needs attention
Your block will tell you when it needs oil. Look out for:
If your block already has deep splits, a dipped surface or damage you're unsure about, get in touch with our team. We've been supplying and advising butchers for over 30 years and we're happy to help.
Everything your block needs
Scrape it, clean it, dry it, and give it a regular drink of oil. Do that, and it will stay in good working condition for many years.
Shop Butcher Block Oil →
Black Locust Butcher Blocks
Crafted in Italy from black locust hardwood, in sizes from 2ft × 2ft up to 6ft × 2.5ft, with or without a stand.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use olive oil or vegetable oil on my butcher block?
We don't recommend it. Cooking oils are organic fats that can turn rancid in the wood over time, leaving a sticky surface and an unpleasant smell. Food-safe white mineral oil doesn't go rancid.
Is mineral oil safe on a surface I prepare food on?
Yes, as long as it's food-safe grade. Our Butcher Block Oil is a food safe white mineral oil made for wood. It is non-toxic, tasteless and odourless.
How much oil should I use?
More than you'd think on a new or dry block. Apply generously, let it soak in, and add more to any patches that dry quickly. Always wipe off the excess before use.
How long should I leave the oil before using the block?
Overnight is ideal. If you need the block sooner, give it as long as you can, then wipe away all excess oil before you start work.
Can I oil my chopping boards and wooden utensils too?
Yes. The same oil works on wooden chopping boards, serving boards and wooden utensils, using exactly the same method.
My block has small cracks. Is it ruined?
Not necessarily. Fine surface cracks are often a sign the block is dry. Clean it, let it dry, and start a regular oiling routine. For deeper splits, contact us for advice.
Does a sealed or varnished board need oiling?
No. Oil is for bare, unfinished wood. Varnished or lacquered surfaces won't absorb it.
Have a question about caring for your block? Our team has over 30 years of experience supplying butchers across the UK. Get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
Prices correct at the time of writing and may change. Always check current product pages for the latest pricing and availability.
