Below are the frequently asked questions of our customers. Please contact us if your question isn't answered.
Which is the better wood, hard maple or white oak?
It's largely a matter of personal preference, as these are the two most suitable North American hardwoods we've found for durable cutting boards. Maple is a lighter color and has finer pores. White oak (unlike red oak) has naturally sealed, rot-resistant grain that is coarser and of a darker hue. Oak is perhaps a bit more durable and less likely to show stains, although all treated boards resist stains, and stains can be removed. Read our blog for more on maple versus oak (Wil's favorite).
Are your cutting boards one solid piece?
Yes.
Do they contain any glue, plastics or petrochemicals such as mineral oil?
No.
How do I clean and take care of my board?
We will include full printed care instructions. The main thing is to keep water out of the wood grain, a goal aided by occasional application of our board balm or another oil or wax.
How often do I apply board balm?
For the best protection, board balm should be applied when the wood surface appears dull or “dry,” or when water tends to soak into the wood rather than being repelled. Your personal kitchen style and cleaning habits will determine how often the board reaches this state. Over time, the board’s outer layers may become impregnated with oil, reducing the need to apply board balm as frequently.
Can you send the cutting board without any finish so that I can use my favorite oil or wax?
Yes, please just leave a note in the “order comments" section when checking out.
What are the dimensions of your cutting boards?
The latest dimensions are listed in the description for each product on the website. The standard dimensions are about 8 inches by 10 inches for the smalls and 10 inches by 13 inches for the mediums of each species. Large oak and maple board are about 11½ inches by 23 inches.
Can you make a custom cutting board somewhat different from the standard sizes?
We often can. The best way is the order a similar-sized cutting board and put the requested dimensions in the “order comments" section. If we can make it, we'll send you an invoice by email for the custom board fee or else notify you if we can't (and your purchase will be refunded).
Can you make me an extremely thin cutting board?
No, unfortunately such a board would quickly warp and crack upon exposure to water, and we prefer long-lasting, durable boards that our company can stand behind. If you want a somewhat thinner board, please mention in the order comments, and we will send you an invoice for the extra work.
Are your products returnable?
Yes, please see the “shipping and returns” tab above, which contains a link that allows you to generate a shipping label and return your cutting board or other product.
Are the linseed oil and carnauba wax in your board balm organic?
Yes.
Should I get silicone rubber feet on my cutting board?
Feet come by default on our large cutting boards, and we strongly recommend them on the big boards to allow for easy lifting, to help them sit flat and to keep them above moisture on your counter. For the small and medium boards, you will need to click a checkbox to request feet, which depend on use and personal preference. Large boards without feet may be requested via the “order comments" when checking out.
Why don't other companies sell solid, one-piece cutting boards?
Treeboard has special relationships with lumber suppliers in the nearby Appalachian region, getting us access to a limited amount of wider, thicker lumber at reasonable prices. Other companies are pursuing higher volumes and profit margins but using smaller, thinner pieces of wood that are glued together in a factory.
Is your wood sustainable?
Yes, our wood species are in the category of least threatened, and our supplier has the Appalachian Certified Legal and Sustainable certificate. In addition, for each order Treeboardmakes a donation big enough to plant a tree to Green Forests Work, a non-profit organization that restores forests in the Appalachian region. We have already supported the planting of thousands of trees, and Green Forests Work has thanked us in its newsletter.
Does Treeboard help protect the environment?
Yes, Treeboard uses recyclable paper and cardboard packaging and recyclable tin-coated steel containers for board balm. We recycle in our shop and seek fuel-saving shipping routes for our lumber and packages. Our durable products mean less lumber is needed in the long run.
Can I see your products in person before buying?
Please come visit us between Thanksgiving and Christmas at the holiday market outside the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. In addition, we may be planning road trips to the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas.
How much is shipping? Do you ship abroad?
We have hundreds of customers in Canada and around the world. Please start checking out with one or more of our products to get a shipping quote.
I really like what you guys do. How can I help?
We appreciate your repeat business, which helps us stay in business. We really like Google reviews (which you can submit here) in addition to regular reviews with photos on our website (customers receive an email requesting a review). We also like to see your photos of our products posted on Instagram tagging @treeboard. Finally, please remember us during the holiday gift-giving season.
Who is Will?
Read more here about Treeboard's founder Will, a longtime international journalist with a passion for wood.