Beef tallow is currently experiencing a widespread resurgence in popularity, especially among skincare and natural remedy enthusiasts. Known for its beneficial vitamins and fatty acids, beef tallow extends well beyond a simple daily moisturizer. One of the ways that you can use it around your home is in conditioning wooden surfaces, ranging from everyday kitchen utensils and cutting boards to entire pieces of furniture. However, if you’re thinking about using beef tallow as a natural wood conditioner, there are a few things that you should consider before cracking open a jar.

The effectiveness of beef tallow essentially comes down to its natural composition. Tallow is rich in fatty acids, which can help prevent your wood from drying out or cracking over time. It is also hydrophobic, meaning it can repel excess moisture, again protecting the wood. Beef tallow provides a gentle sheen without leaving behind a high-gloss or artificial-looking finish, which complements the natural grain of any piece. Without synthetic additives or dyes, beef tallow serves as a good option for conditioning items in a food-safe environment, specifically kitchens. It can help to protect surfaces that come in contact with food without the fear of chemical contaminants. 

However, there are some reasons to think twice about using beef tallow as a wood conditioner. Like many natural oils, it runs the risk of going rancid. In addition, unless it’s mixed with oils and beeswax, it will remain sticky, like rubbing bacon fat over your wooden pieces. It might be great for seasoning your cast iron skillet, but it might not be the most effective solution for conditioning wood, especially if you’re trying to ditch those plastic cutting boards.

Despite its rustic charm and simplicity, beef tallow might not be the best option when it comes to keeping wooden homeware looking good all year round. If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly option or just want an effective natural remedy, you may want to try using mineral oil as your go-to wood conditioner instead. Also, unlike other options like linseed oil or beeswax, tallow remains fairly viscous at room temperature. On its own, it won’t create a hardened, protective layer over your wooden pieces, which can be especially important for kitchen utensils or high-traffic furniture around your home. 

If you do want to try it, beef tallow typically requires an additional agent like beeswax or various natural oils in order to create a hardened surface. These additives can be employed to enhance the natural features of beef tallow and make it a more effective wood conditioner. Beeswax and oil are typically added during the rendering process, meaning you will need to make a jar specifically for conditioning wood. With a shelf life of about a year, you’ll also want to ensure that your tallow doesn’t go rancid before applying it to your wooden surfaces.

Of all the concerns with using beef tallow, the smell might be the biggest deal breaker for most homeowners. Even when properly rendered, it can leave behind a faint but persistent animal smell — something you probably don’t want on your properly cleaned wooden cutting boards. Some users recommend enhancing beef tallow with a bit of beeswax to simultaneously reduce the risk of foul smell while also creating the sought-after protective layer. The wax will cure into a hard layer, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of tallow without the drawbacks that accompany it.