FAQ

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, growing as dark as walnut over time with linseed oil treatment. 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.

What about cherry?  

Our cherry is stunningly beautiful, with classic grain that turns redder over time withe exposure to ambient light. Recent batches including either "gum" cherry that shows dark streaks of natural hardened resin or "curly" grain that shows a wavy pattern with chatoyance. 

Cherry isn't as hard as white oak or hard maple, so it may show knife scratches more easily Overall cherry is better either for those with especially keen, hand sharpened knife edges they're seeking to preserve on a softer cutting board, or for jobs where chopping isn't as important—such as serving appetizers or cheese. 

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. Never use baking soda or washing soda on your board, as this may turn the wood black.

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.

How much do the boards weigh? 

We are constantly getting in new quality lumber and adjusting our boards to maximize value and performance. Here are the approximate weights as of Nov. 19. If a board listed has a weight range, then you may request a thicker (more durable) or a thinner (lighter) one in the order comments when checking out, and we'll do our best to honor your preference. The boards are smooth and rounded and in general easy to handle. The large boards come with feet by default, allowing you to slide hands under either end for easier lifting, and feet can be added to the small and medium boards for a fee via the checkbox. 

Can you make a custom cutting board somewhat different from the standard sizes? 

Sorry, in the current holiday period we're not really taking custom orders, but please check out our cutting boards page for some extra-large boards that we ruotinely put up for sale.. Outside the holiday season, we make custom boards if you buy a large-sized board.The best way is to order a large-sized cutting board and put the required dimensions in the “order comments" section during checkout. If we can make it, we'll send you an invoice by email for any custom fee or else notify you if we can't. Of course, your purchase will be refunded if we can't make the board or you don't agree to the custom fee. We rarely see one-piece slabs greater than 16 inches wide.

Can you make me an extremely thin cutting board? 

No, we prefer long-lasting, durable boards that our company can stand behind with little risk of warping or cracking. If you want a somewhat thinner board, please mention in the order comments, and we will send you the thinnest one we have, as sometimes they vary. Our cherry lumber is thinner, so that's also an option.

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? 

Yes! You are welcome to visit us most weekdays at 1131 Taft St., Rockville, Md. Please drop us a line before coming to help us know what you're interested in and to make sure that we're there and not covered in sawdust.

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.