Wooden worktops are a lovely kitchen feature. They create warmth and suit lots of different kitchen styles, from rustic to contemporary.
To keep your surfaces looking their best, it’s important to use the right oil to finish and maintain the timber.
This guide focuses on choosing the best natural oil for your wooden worktops. We’ll look at what the main types of wood oil are, the finishes they provide, and how they perform.
Why Use Oil on Wooden Worktops?
Oil remains the most popular finish for solid wood worktops because it protects without sealing the wood into a solid film.
Homeowners often choose oil because it:-
- Enhances the grain and warms the natural colour.
- Creates a water resistant surface that stands up to daily use.
- Is food safe when fully cured.
- Breathes with the wood rather than trapping moisture.
- Is easy to refresh without stripping everything back.
Varnish has its place, but it forms a hard film that can crack or peel on a surface that gets as much use and water exposure as a kitchen counter top. When that happens, the entire surface has to be removed and a fresh coat of varnish applied.
Oil, by contrast, can always be patched and repaired, making it a more versatile and easy to maintain choice.
Types of Natural Worktop Oils
There are three broad categories of oils used on wooden worktops. You should consider each depending on how you use your kitchen and how natural you want your finish to be.
Hardwax Oils
Hardwax oils combine plant oils with natural waxes to create a durable, water resistant and easy to maintain finish. They sit between a full film finish and a penetrating oil, which is why so many people choose them for busy kitchens.
They are usually very low VOC, safe when dry, and typically only need one or two top up coats every couple of years.
Traditional Plant Oils
These include tung oil, linseed oil and hemp oil. They penetrate deeply into the wood and give a natural looking finish. They are ideal for people who prefer a minimal ingredient list and a breathable surface.
Pure oils take longer to dry and often need several coats, but the finish feels beautifully natural and organic.
Oil and Wax Blends
These are softer, more nourishing finishes that leave a gentle sheen. They are easy to refresh and pleasant to apply. They suit lighter use kitchens, utility rooms and homeowners who want a warm look without a heavily sealed feel.
Best Natural Oils for Kitchen Worktops
Here’s our list of our top natural and eco-friendly oils we recommend for use on wooden worktops. Each has its own unique set of features, so selecting the right one depends on the look and level of durability you want.
AURO Worktop Oil No. 108
Auro 108 is a robust, solvent free blend of plant oils including tung and linseed. This oil penetrates deeply, improves abrasion resistance and delivers long term durability. It produces a warm honey tone and is food safe when fully cured. Ideal for hardworking kitchens or oak worktops that you want to enrich.
Loxkin Hemp Oil
Loxkin Hemp Oil is made from 100 percent UK grown organic hemp. This is the simplest ingredient list you can get and offers a soft, natural matte finish that is food safe when cured. A great choice for homeowners who want the most natural, non toxic option possible and do not mind applying thin coats more regularly.
Osmo Top Oil
Osmo Top Oil is a well known oil and wax combination based on natural plant oils. Microporous, highly water resistant and available in clear or tinted versions. Food safe when dry and very easy to maintain. Excellent for busy households where water marks need to be kept under control.
Choosing the Right Oil for Wooden Worktops and Work Surfaces
This is where most people get stuck, because each oil behaves slightly differently depending on the wood. These points will help steer you to the right finish.
Oak Worktops
Oak darkens slightly with most oils and gains a richer grain pattern. If you want to keep it pale, look for matte or natural toned oils rather than wet look options.
Light Woods Including Beech and Bamboo
These tend to deepen in colour when oiled. Hardwax oils in a satin or matte finish keep the look clean, while pure plant oils give a warmer honey tone.
Dark Woods Like Walnut
Most oils will deepen walnut beautifully. Hardwax oils bring out the contrast in the grain, while pure oils give a more natural, soft look.
How to Use Worktop Oil on New or Refurbished Worktops
This is a short overview so you know what to expect. We have a full restoration and maintenance guide linked separately.
For New Worktops
- Lightly prepare the surface if needed and ensure it is clean and dry.
- Apply a thin coat of oil with a brush or lint free cloth.
- Allow the oil to soak in for 10 to 20 minutes, then wipe off all remaining excess.
- Leave to dry fully before applying another coat.
- New wood typically needs several thin coats to build protection.
For Refurbishing an Existing Oiled Worktop
- Clean the surface and allow it to dry.
- Apply a thin coat following the grain.
- After a short soak time, wipe off all excess.
- Allow to dry, then repeat if needed.
Safety Note
Oily cloths can self ignite. Always lay them flat to dry outdoors or seal them in a metal container.
If your worktop has black water marks, grey patches or needs sanding, see our full restoration article for more detailed steps.
See also: How to restore wooden worktops | Best oil for wooden floors | Best natural oils for wooden furniture | Best oil for wooden chopping boards
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Safest Oil for Food Surfaces?
Hardwax oils and pure plant oils are food safe when fully cured. Always allow the recommended curing time before preparing food on the surface.
Which Oil Keeps Wood Looking the Most Natural?
Hemp oil and tung oil give the softest, most natural finish with minimal sheen.
Does Worktop Oil Change the Colour of Wood?
Yes, most oils deepen the colour slightly. If you want to keep the tone pale, look for matte or natural toned versions.
Can I Use Olive Oil?
No. Olive oil can go rancid. Stick to dedicated worktop oils.
How Often Should I Re Oil My Worktop?
For busy kitchens, once or twice a year is typical, or whenever water stops beading on the surface.
Is Hardwax Oil Better for Busy Kitchens?
Yes. It gives stronger water resistance and longer intervals between maintenance.
Choosing a Natural Finish for a Beautiful Kitchen
The right oil will keep your wooden worktops looking beautiful for years while allowing the wood to breathe. Whether you prefer a simple, organic finish or the stronger protection of a hardwax oil, modern natural formulas make it easy to create a safe and environmentally friendly kitchen.
Need some help with your project? Contact us, and one of our expert staff will be happy to help!
