Wooden worktops add an air of luxury to any kitchen by introducing earthy tones that are truly unique. But as a natural material, wood demands a little TLC if it’s to stand the rigors of a kitchen. That’s whether you go for a hardier wood such as iroko or softer wood such as beech.

But don’t worry as caring for wooden worktop’s needn’t cause a headache. Most simply need to be oiled when first installed and then oiled regularly afterwards. How regularly you oil will reduce as the worktop begins to build up a protective barrier.

So, exactly how do you oil a wooden worktop? That’s what we will aim to answer in this article. From choosing the right oil for your worktop to applying oils whilst avoiding streaks, you’ll be able to confidently care for your beautiful kitchen worktop year after year.

Why Should You Oil Your Wooden Worktop?  

In truth kitchens are a nightmare for wood. They are rife with spillages, bacteria, and extreme heat that can easily damage a natural material such wood. This is as oak, beech, walnut, iroko, and other woods are porous. Therefore, making it easy for moisture, stains, and bacteria to ‘get in’.

By using a high-quality oil on your worktops, you’ll form a barrier against these. Overtime this will allow spillages to be wiped off and prevent bacteria from growing. Whilst a wooden worktop will never be as resilient as laminate, you’ll soon stop worrying about day-to-day damage.

When Should You Oil Your Worktop? 

You'll first need to oil your worktop before it's installed into your kitchen. As well as protect your worktop during installation, this will ensure even the hidden parts of your worktop are protected. So, it's a good idea to apply your first coat a handful of days beforehand to ensure it's cured before your kitchen fitter arrives. 

Once your new worktop is installed, you'll need to reoil every few weeks to build-up a tough barrier against moisture and stains. If you're unsure whether you've applied enough coats, place a little water on your worktop to see whether it beads. If the water is absorbed into your worktop, apply another coat. 

Over a number of months you'll notice that your worktop appears 'dull' or water has begun to be reabsorb again. If this happens, simply reapply a coat of the same oil. If there are any blemises or damage, then gently sand these out beforehand. 

Which Oil Should I Use?

The type of oil you use will be mostly dependent upon the finish you want and level of use the worktop will experience. On occasion, the type of wood will also have an influence with some oils not being suitable for woods such as walnut and bamboo.

When buying worktop oil, there are four types you’ll come across. Each have their own pros and cons whilst also suiting different budgets. Here is an overview of each:

Olive Oil

Whilst olive oil is often used to treat chopping boards, it’s not ideal for worktops. This is as it only provides short term protection against moisture, takes a very long time to dry, and supports bacterial growth.

Linseed Oil

At the heart of most woodtop oils, linseed oil is fantastic at penetrating woods and effectively seals the pores. It will, however, require several coats to provide long term protection against moisture and stains.

Danish Oil

Danish oil is made from a mixture of linseed oil, varnish, and drying agents. This makes it more hard-wearing than linseed oil alone and takes far fewer hours to dry. But like linseed oil, it takes several coats to create a barrier against moisture and stains.

Osmo Oil

Without doubt the toughest oil available, Osmo Oil is a branded product that’s ideal for busy kitchens. As well as being resistant against moisture and stains, this oil protects against scratches. Whilst it takes a while to dry, it will usually only require a handful of coats for all-round protection.

Step-by-step Guide to Oiling a Worktop

1. Prepare Your Worktop

As with most things in life, preparation is the key to oiling your worktop with minimal fuss. To begin, remove any dirt or residue with a soft, damp cloth. If you come across any stubborn stains use a mild detergent that’s suitable for the type of wood being used.

2. Sand Your Worktop

If your worktop hasn’t been pre-sanded, you’ll need to give it a gentle sand. Begin with either 150 or 180 grit sandpaper, being sure to sand all exposed parts of your worktop. After removing any dust, repeat with a finer 120 grit sandpaper. Repeat this process 3 – 4 times until you achieve a smooth finish.

3. Apply the Oil

With your oil to hand, apply it evenly across the surface of your worktop with a clean, lint-free cloth. To maximise penetration, apply in the direction of the grain and ensure it is applied evenly throughout. Remember that applying a single thick coat will not provide the same level of protection as multiple thinner coats.

4. Remove Excess Oil

Having allowed the oil to penetrate the wood for between 10 – 20 minutes, remove any excess with a clean cloth. Pay particular attention to the edges of your worktop, where oil can often build-up to form a sticky, uneven surface.

5. Allow to Dry and Cure

With the oil applied and any excess removed, you must now provide it with time to cure. During this stage the oil will penetrate to prevent moisture and stairs from entering its pores. The length of time your oil takes to cure will dependent upon the type used as well as the conditions (i.e. temperature and humidity). Leaving your worktop for between 10 - 12 hours is usually adequate. 

6. Repeat and Repeat

With your first coat of oil applied and cured, you'll need to repeat the process a few times. How many coats you'll require is dependent upon the oil used with some (such as linseed oil) requiring as many as 8 coats and others (such as Osmo Oil) requiring as few as 3 coats. 

Ready to Create a Eye-catching Worktop? 

Having read our guide to oiling a wooden worktop, you're ready to create a beautiful worktop for your kitchen. But if you're looking for inspiration or advice on other aspects of your kitchen renovation, take a look at our kitchen guides. Also, explore our kitchen supplies to discover thousands of products to transform the heart of your home.