Hello AT,
Call me a dumby, but I can't seem to figure out why every cutting board I have splits over time. I clean them and dry them regularly, but they always end up opening up on the ends after a few months. How can I stop this?
Thanks, Johnny Rooster
We have the same problem occasionally and we suspect that it has to do with properly oiling the wood. We did a little research here and read this:
Apply mineral oil before using. On end grain you need a lot of oil-it really soaks in. Rub a generous coat on both sides and let soak in overnight, then buff off the excess.
This is more than we usually do and suspect that it will keep the end grain together. (Thanks, J Rooster!) MGR
i oil my cutting board every couple months. at ikea they sell a special oil to go with the boards they sell. this works for me. i also flip my board every couple months because it starts to warp a certain way.
I oil my board every month with mineral oil, which is cheap and recommended by the maufacturer. I also heat it up in the microwave before applying it to the board. I read this somewhere. My board is 3 inches thick and after 4 years, I've never gotten a single crack.
From my experience, choosing the right board in the first place is important. Choose a solid thick board to avoid warping. I would say at the very least 3/4 of an inch. The other thing to look for are grain lines. Choose a board that doesn't have very noticeable thick ones as that is where cracking usually begins. Avoid multiple colored boards (striped, checkered, etc.) as these are usually multiple pieces of wood glued together and unless properly cared for and oiled as in the above comments, will fall apart in no time.
Price isn't necessarily a factor. I don't remember what I paid for mine, but it was almost certainly not more than $20. I've had the same board for over 3 years and I have never oiled it. It doesn't have any signs of cracking.
Maybe I am pointing out the obvious, but recent experiences with my not-a-cook boyfriend leave me wondering how many people actually do know their way around the kitchen. Anyway, the obvious thing to ask is: you're not putting it in the dishwasher, are you? Or soaking it/leaving it exposed to water for any period of time? Since that will make the wood swell and warp and increase the chances of it splitting.
I know, I know, obvious. But you never know... just wanted to be sure all the bases are covered
Cutting boards will crack if they experience too rapid or too great a change in moisture content. Oiling will slow down moisture exchange, but not stop it. Wood choice is critical, and one needs to know on's stuff to prevent the cuting board from warping too much. Check out my expensive, but beautiful and unlikely to crack if well cared for, cutting boards!