Why Proper Care Matters
When you invest in a handcrafted wood product, you’re bringing a piece of living material into your home. Unlike plastic or metal, wood responds to its environment — it expands and contracts with humidity, develops a richer patina over time, and rewards thoughtful care with decades of beauty and function.
At Stocksdale Custom Woodworking, every piece we build is finished with care to protect the wood and enhance its natural character. But the finish is only the beginning. How you care for your piece at home determines how long it will look its best and perform its function.
This guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining your handcrafted wood products — whether you own one of our rustic wooden flags, a cutting board, a charcuterie board, or a custom piece.
Caring for Wooden Flags and Decorative Pieces
Our wooden flags and decorative pieces are designed for indoor display. The wood is stained and sealed with a durable finish, but a few simple habits will keep them looking their best for years.
Placement Tips
Keep them indoors. Our flags are finished for interior environments. Direct sunlight, rain, and extreme temperature swings will damage the wood and fade the stain over time.
Avoid direct sunlight. Even indoors, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading. If your flag is near a window, consider rotating its position seasonally or using UV-filtering curtains.
Watch for humidity extremes. Wood expands in humid conditions and contracts in dry ones. Avoid hanging your flag directly above a heating vent, next to a fireplace, or in a bathroom with high moisture levels.
Cleaning
- Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth or a microfiber duster. This prevents buildup that can dull the finish over time.
- Never use water or household cleaners on decorative wood pieces. Moisture can penetrate the finish and cause warping or discoloration.
- For stubborn spots, lightly dampen a cloth with a wood-safe cleaner and wipe gently, then dry immediately with a clean cloth.
Caring for Cutting Boards and Charcuterie Boards
Boards that come in contact with food require a different care routine than decorative pieces. Our cutting boards and charcuterie boards are finished with food-safe oils, and maintaining that finish is the key to longevity.
Daily Cleaning
- Hand wash only. Use warm water and mild dish soap. Scrub gently with a soft sponge or cloth.
- Never soak your board. Submerging wood in water causes it to absorb moisture unevenly, leading to warping, cracking, and bacterial growth.
- Never put it in the dishwasher. The heat and prolonged water exposure will destroy the wood and its finish.
- Dry immediately. After washing, towel dry your board thoroughly and stand it upright to air dry. Never lay a wet board flat — this traps moisture on one side and causes warping.
Monthly Maintenance
Re-oil your board every 3-4 weeks with food-grade mineral oil. This is the single most important thing you can do to extend the life of your board. Here is how:
- Make sure the board is clean and completely dry.
- Pour a generous amount of food-grade mineral oil onto the surface.
- Spread it evenly across the entire board — top, bottom, and all edges — using a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Let the oil soak in for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Wipe off any excess oil with a clean, dry cloth.
The board will absorb more oil during the first few treatments. Over time, the wood becomes better saturated and requires less frequent oiling.
Removing Odors and Stains
- For odors, sprinkle coarse salt over the board and rub with half a lemon. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry.
- For stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the stain, and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub gently, rinse, and dry.
- For deep stains, you may need to lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit), then re-oil the board.
Caring for Coat Racks and Mounted Pieces
Coat racks and wall-mounted pieces combine the decorative care needs of our flags with the functional demands of daily use.
Mounting Best Practices
- Secure to wall studs whenever possible. Our coat racks are sturdy, but they’re only as strong as their mounting points. Use stud finders and appropriate hardware for your wall type.
- Check mounting hardware periodically. Heavy daily use can loosen screws over time. Give them a quick check every few months.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Dust regularly with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Wipe hooks and hardware with a dry cloth to prevent buildup.
- Avoid hanging wet items directly on the wood surface. If a wet coat drips onto the wood, wipe it dry promptly to prevent water marks.
General Tips for All Wood Products
Regardless of the specific product, these principles apply to all handcrafted wood:
- Temperature stability matters. Avoid placing wood near heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, or sunny windows. Rapid temperature changes stress the wood fibers and can cause cracking.
- Humidity is the enemy and the friend. Too much humidity causes swelling and mold. Too little causes shrinking and cracking. A stable indoor environment between 35-55% relative humidity is ideal.
- Felt pads protect surfaces. If your wood piece sits on a table or shelf, add felt pads to the bottom to prevent scratching both the wood and the surface beneath it.
- Address damage early. If you notice a scratch, ding, or dull spot, address it before it worsens. Minor scratches can often be buffed out with fine-grit sandpaper and a fresh coat of oil or finish.
When to Contact Us
If your piece has sustained significant damage — deep cracks, large chips, or finish failure — don’t hesitate to reach out. We stand behind everything we build and may be able to repair or refinish your piece.
Have questions about caring for your Stocksdale Custom Woodworking product? Contact us or call (877) 479-0887. We’re always happy to help.