Common questions
Cutting Board FAQ
Find answers to common questions about hardwood cutting boards, custom orders, care, and local pickup. If you need more information, feel free to contact me directly.
Wood, materials and food safety
What does “Koshur Chaan” mean?
It means “Kashmiri carpenter” in Kashmiri. The studio is named for Maam Kol, a carpenter in my family. Read the story behind the Koshur Chaan name →
Why choose a hardwood cutting board over plastic?
Hardwood is gentler on knife edges, sands smooth again when it gets scratched, and lasts for decades with simple care. Research comparing used wooden and plastic boards found that clean, well-kept wooden boards are no less sanitary than plastic. Read the 1994 Ak, Cliver and Kaspar study on wood and plastic cutting boards
What is the best wood for a cutting board?
Walnut, hard maple and cherry are all excellent. Maple is the hardest and most durable. Walnut is slightly softer, easy on knives and rich in color. Cherry deepens to a warm red-brown over time. The best wood is the one that suits your kitchen and the way you cook.
What woods do you use for your cutting boards?
Black walnut, hard maple and cherry. For custom orders, I sometimes add accent woods such as purpleheart, yellowheart or bloodwood when they are available.
Do you make end-grain boards?
No. I build edge-grain cutting boards, which are stable, durable and easy to care for. Custom work focuses on size, wood combination, edges, juice grooves, handles and feet.
Can you engrave a board or add a logo?
No, I don’t offer engraving. Each board’s character comes from the grain of the wood itself.
Are your cutting boards food safe?
Yes. Every board is finished with food-grade mineral oil and a beeswax board butter. I never use varnish, lacquer or polyurethane.
What makes a handmade cutting board different from a store-bought one?
A handmade board is built to a standard, not a price: hand-picked lumber, food-safe glue, hand sanding through 220 grit, and several coats of oil. You’ll feel the difference in its weight and surface, and see it in how long it lasts.
Ordering custom cutting boards, pickup and shipping
How much does a handmade cutting board cost?
Boards start at $50, and a large 12 x 22 inch board with accent woods, 1.5 inches thick, starts at $250. Price depends on wood species, size, thickness and design details. You pay nothing until you approve a quote. See four examples and prices.
How do I place a custom order?
I make each board after you approve the details and quote. Send a request with your size, wood preferences and details, and I will reply within one business day with a quote and estimated finish date. No payment is due until you approve. Start a custom order →
How long does a custom order take?
At least two weeks after you approve the details, depending on size, wood and my shop schedule. Sets of 5 or more take about 4 to 6 weeks. If you have a date in mind, mention it when you order.
Do you offer local pickup?
Yes. Pickup is by appointment at my studio in Johns Creek, Georgia. You can see your board in person and skip the shipping cost.
Do you ship handmade cutting boards?
I offer pickup by appointment in Johns Creek, Georgia, or shipping within the U.S. Each shipped board is packed with care instructions, and I send a photo of the finished board before it ships. Shipping is calculated for each order. I compare USPS and UPS and choose the best option for speed and cost.
What sizes do you make?
I build boards from a small 4 x 12 inch board to a 12 x 22 inch showpiece, and I make custom sizes to fit your counter. See four size and price examples.
How thick are your boards?
Standard boards are 3/4 to 1 inch thick. The 12 x 22 inch Showpiece example is 1.5 inches thick.
Can I add accent woods like purpleheart?
Yes, when available. Accent woods such as purpleheart, yellowheart and bloodwood add narrow stripes and may add to the price.
Where can I see your boards in person?
At my Johns Creek studio, by appointment. Book a visit to the Johns Creek studio →
Care, cleaning and oiling
How do I clean a wooden cutting board?
Hand-wash with warm water and mild soap, towel-dry, and stand it on its edge to air-dry. Never soak it or put it in the dishwasher. Read the full cutting board care guide →
How often should I oil my wooden cutting board?
Oil your wooden cutting board whenever the surface starts to look dry or no longer repels water well. A monthly check is a useful routine, but the actual timing depends on use and washing. I finish each new board with three to four coats of food-grade mineral oil and beeswax board butter. Read the board care guide →
Can I use both sides?
Yes. Using both sides spreads out the wear. Oil both faces and all four edges.
Will my board change color?
Yes. Cherry darkens noticeably, from pale to a rich red-brown. Walnut mellows slightly. Every wood develops a soft patina with use.
Can a worn board be refinished?
Yes, and that’s one of wood’s biggest advantages. A light sanding at 220 grit removes surface marks. For deeper wear, start at 120 grit. Re-oil afterward and it looks nearly new.
How long does a hardwood cutting board last?
For decades, with hand washing, monthly oiling and an occasional light sanding.
Turkish scarves and gift pairings
Where do your scarves come from?
All of my scarves are Turkish scarves from Türkiye. I choose each one in person there.
Are they available year-round?
The collection is small and changes with every trip, so ask me what’s available. Ask which Turkish scarves are available →
Can I pair a scarf with a cutting board as a gift?
Yes. Tell me the occasion, and I’ll suggest a board and scarf that go well together.
More questions about choosing and ordering a board
These answers help you choose a size, care for wood and plan a group order.
What size cutting board should I buy?
The right cutting board size depends on your counter space, how you cook and what you plan to prepare. A 4 x 12 inch board suits small jobs, a board about 10 x 15 inches gives you more daily prep space, and a board about 10 x 18 inches works well for serving. Compare board sizes →
Are wooden cutting boards sanitary?
Wooden cutting boards can be used safely when they are cleaned, dried and maintained properly. Wash the board after use with mild soap and water, dry it promptly and avoid soaking it or putting it in a dishwasher. Read the board care guide →
Can you make sets of cutting boards for clients?
Yes, I make sets of cutting boards for client gifts and other group orders. Sets of five or more take about four to six weeks. Tell me the quantity and wood preferences so I can provide a quote and estimated finish date. Request a set of boards →
Do you make wooden coasters?
Yes, I also make handmade wooden coasters. Contact me to discuss the wood options, quantity and details you have in mind. I will reply within one business day. Ask about coasters →
Pickup and shipping
I offer pickup by appointment in Johns Creek, Georgia, and shipping within the U.S. Shipped boards include care instructions, and I send a photo of the finished board before it ships. I calculate shipping per order, comparing USPS and UPS for speed and cost.
Using this FAQ
Getting the most from these answers
Before you order
Read the materials section first. It explains how walnut, maple and cherry differ, so your quote request can be specific.
After it arrives
Keep this page bookmarked for the first month. The care answers cover oiling a new board three or four times and drying it on its edge.
When you give one
Share this page with the person receiving your gift. It answers the care questions they will have, in plain language. I add new questions when they come up often enough.
From the shop
Boards behind these answers
Still have a cutting board question?
Ask me about anything this page doesn’t cover, and I’ll be happy to help.
Didn’t find your answer here? Browse the handcrafted cutting boards, read the cutting board care guide, or schedule a studio visit by appointment. Every board is made by hand, one at a time, here in Georgia.