Frequently Asked Questions

Hardwood is more durable, gentler on knife edges, naturally antimicrobial when properly maintained, and far longer-lasting. A quality hardwood board can be sanded and refinished when worn — something no plastic board allows. Unlike plastic, hardwood doesn’t hold bacteria in deep knife scars the way soft plastics do. With proper care, a hardwood board will outlast many plastic replacements combined.

All three species we use — walnut, maple, and cherry — are excellent choices. Walnut is prized for its dark beauty and durability. Hard maple is the industry standard for professional kitchens due to its hardness and light tone. Cherry offers warm reddish tones that deepen over time. The best wood is the one that suits your aesthetic and how you plan to use it.

Mass-produced boards are built to a price point. Every material and construction decision is made to reduce cost. Handcrafted boards are built to a standard — using premium lumber, food-safe glue, careful grain selection, and hand-finishing that mass production cannot replicate. The difference is immediately apparent in weight, surface quality, and how long the board remains beautiful.

Yes. All boards are finished exclusively with food-safe mineral oil. No varnish, lacquer, polyurethane, or non-food-safe coatings are ever used.

Food-safe mineral oil applied in multiple hand-rubbed coats, followed by an optional board butter (mineral oil and beeswax) for added protection. Nothing that isn’t safe to eat.

Our standard species are American black walnut, hard maple, and American cherry. We occasionally work with other domestic hardwoods for custom requests.

Monthly during regular use. New boards benefit from three to four oiling sessions during the first month. Oil whenever the surface looks dry, pale, or feels rough.

Warm water and mild dish soap, applied quickly and rinsed off immediately. Dry completely with a towel right away. Never soak, never dishwasher.

Yes — this is one of hardwood’s greatest advantages. Light sanding (220-grit) removes surface scratches and knife marks. Heavier wear requires progressing through coarser grits (starting at 120 or 150). After sanding, re-oil generously. The result is a nearly new surface.

Yes, especially cherry, which deepens significantly from its initial pale tone to a rich amber-brown over months of use and light exposure. Walnut tends to lighten slightly over time. All species develop a patina that adds character.

Wood is a hygroscopic material — it absorbs and releases moisture based on ambient humidity. This causes natural expansion and contraction. Proper construction (correct grain orientation, food-safe glue) and regular oiling minimize the effects and keep the board stable.

Yes. We recommend rotating which side you use to even out wear. Oil all surfaces including the bottom and edges.

Yes. We build custom boards in any size, wood species, and construction style. Contact us with your requirements and we’ll provide a quote within one business day.

With proper care — monthly oiling, hand washing, and periodic sanding as needed — a quality hardwood board can last decades. We have seen boards remain in excellent condition after 20+ years of daily use.

Yes. Studio pickup is available in Johns Creek, Georgia by appointment. This saves shipping costs and gives you the opportunity to see the board in person before taking it home.

Custom orders typically take 2–4 weeks from order approval depending on complexity. Rush timelines are sometimes possible for local customers — contact us to discuss.

Use the Custom Boards inquiry form to describe your project. We’ll respond within one business day with a quote, timeline, and any follow-up questions. No payment is collected until you approve the quote.

Our artisan scarves are sourced directly from master craftspeople and ateliers in Türkiye. We do not use wholesalers, mass importers, or anonymous middlemen — each piece is personally selected at its source, guided by touch, color, and the signature of genuine handwork.

Yes. Each scarf is created by skilled artisans using Türkiye’s centuries-old textile traditions. Only scarves of true atelier quality are selected — those whose weave, drape, and palette reflect the spirit of the craft. Mass-market pieces are never included.

Beautifully. Pairing a handcrafted walnut or maple board with an artisan scarf sourced from Türkiye creates an exceptional, cohesive gift — two objects with traceable origins, made by skilled hands, chosen with intention. Contact us to discuss a paired gift set.

Availability varies by season and by what is personally sourced during each procurement cycle. We stock limited quantities intentionally — when a piece sells, it may not return in the same colorway or design. Contact us directly to ask about current selections.

Yes. Reach out through the contact page with your occasion and we will advise on current scarf availability and pair it with an appropriate board. Gift sets can be coordinated for weddings, housewarmings, corporate occasions, and other celebrations.