Keeping it beautiful

Care Instructions & FAQ

Every piece that leaves the shop is built to last — but wood is a living material that rewards a little attention. These guidelines will keep your boards and furniture looking their best for generations.

Cutting Boards

Everyday Cleaning

1

Rinse immediately after use

Rinse under warm water and scrub with a soft brush or sponge. A drop of dish soap is fine for everyday use — just rinse it off completely.

2

Dry standing upright

Never lay the board flat to dry. Stand it on its edge so both sides get air circulation and dry evenly, preventing warping.

3

Sanitize when needed

Sprinkle coarse salt over the board and scrub with half a lemon. The salt acts as an abrasive and the lemon deodorizes naturally. Rinse and dry as usual.

Oiling & Conditioning

Oil your board once a month, or whenever the wood looks dry or lighter in color.

1

Use food-safe mineral oil

Use food-grade mineral oil or a beeswax board cream. Avoid vegetable, olive, or coconut oils — they go rancid inside the wood over time.

2

Apply generously

Pour a tablespoon of oil onto the board and spread with a soft cloth. Cover the entire surface, edges, and back.

3

Let it soak in

Leave the oil to absorb for at least 20 minutes — overnight is ideal. The wood will take what it needs.

4

Buff off the excess

Wipe away remaining oil with a clean dry cloth. The surface should feel smooth and slightly waxy, not greasy.

Do

Use both sides of the board to wear it evenly

Re-oil when the wood looks pale or feels rough

Use a rubber mat underneath to prevent sliding

Sand out deep knife marks with 220-grit sandpaper, then re-oil

Don't

Put it in the dishwasher — heat and steam cause cracking and warping

Soak it in water or let it sit in a puddle

Store it next to a heat source like an oven or radiator

Use vegetable or cooking oils for conditioning

Tables & Furniture

Daily Care

1

Wipe with a damp cloth

For everyday dust and spills, wipe with a slightly damp cloth and immediately dry with a second cloth. Do not let water sit on the surface.

2

Use coasters and placemats

Always use coasters under glasses and placemats under hot dishes. Even a durable finish can mark with prolonged moisture or heat.

3

Lift, don't drag

Lift objects when moving them across the surface. Small particles of grit underneath can scratch the finish.

Seasonal Maintenance

1

Oil-finished pieces (once or twice a year)

Apply a thin coat of Danish oil or tung oil with a lint-free cloth, following the grain. Allow to dry fully (at least 8 hours) before use.

2

Poly-finished pieces

A light application of furniture wax once or twice a year helps maintain the sheen. Apply with a soft cloth, allow to haze, then buff to a shine.

3

Touch up scratches

Shallow scratches in an oil finish can often be rubbed out with 000-steel wool following the grain, then re-oiled. For poly finishes, contact us for advice.

Do

Keep furniture away from heating vents and direct sunlight

Use felt pads under objects that live on the surface

Re-tighten any loose hardware annually

Let us know about any damage — most wood issues are repairable

Don't

Use ammonia-based or silicone cleaners — they dull the finish

Place furniture over floor vents or near a fireplace

Let spills sit — blot immediately, wipe and dry

Use paper towels; they can scratch softer finishes

Long-Term Care

1

Wood moves with humidity

All solid wood expands and contracts with seasonal humidity changes. This is normal — not a defect. Keeping your home between 35–55% relative humidity minimizes movement and reduces the risk of cracking or gapping.

2

Patina is part of the story

Over time, most woods develop a beautiful patina. Walnut lightens slightly, cherry deepens to a rich amber. This natural aging adds to the character of your piece.

3

When in doubt, reach out

If something doesn't look right or you're unsure how to treat a specific finish, just ask. We're always happy to advise on the best approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I oil my cutting board?

Once a month is a good rule of thumb for a board used regularly. A simple test: sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads up, the board is well-oiled. If it soaks straight in, it's time to oil.

Can I put my cutting board or serving board in the dishwasher?

No. The heat, steam, and prolonged moisture of a dishwasher will cause the wood to crack, warp, and split. Always hand wash and dry immediately.

My board has developed a small crack. What should I do?

Small hairline cracks are usually a sign the board has dried out. Apply a generous coat of mineral oil and let it soak overnight — this often fills and reduces the crack. If the crack is significant, reach out to us directly.

What finish is on my furniture piece?

Each piece is finished according to its intended use. Dining tables and high-contact surfaces typically receive a durable poly or hardwax oil finish. Decorative pieces may have a natural oil finish. Your order confirmation will note the specific finish applied, and it is also available in the product details.

My table has a water ring. Can I remove it?

For an oil-finished surface, lightly rub the affected area with 000-steel wool following the grain, then re-apply oil. For a poly finish, try rubbing with a small amount of non-gel toothpaste on a soft cloth — it can gently buff out surface-level marks. If neither works, contact us and we can advise on a more targeted repair.

Do you offer refinishing or repair services?

Yes. Most wood damage — scratches, water stains, worn finish — can be addressed with a refinish. Get in touch with photos of the piece and we'll let you know what's possible.

Will my piece look exactly like the photos?

The studio photography shows the species and style accurately, but because every board and table is cut from a unique section of timber, the exact grain pattern, swirl, and color depth of your piece will be its own. See our Natural Variation notice below for full details.

How long will my piece take to arrive?

In-stock items typically ship within 3–5 business days. Custom and made-to-order pieces have lead times noted on the individual product page, usually 4–12 weeks depending on complexity. You will receive tracking information as soon as your order ships.

Natural Variation & Character

Every piece we craft is a unique expression of nature. Because we work exclusively with premium, locally sourced hardwoods, no two boards or tables are identical.

Grain & Color

While your piece will be crafted from the specified species (e.g., Black Walnut), the natural grain patterns, swirls, and exact color depth will vary from the studio photography.

Unique Identity

Small knots and unique grain structures are not flaws — they are the fingerprints of the wood, ensuring your piece is the only one of its kind in existence.

By purchasing, you acknowledge that your piece will possess its own distinct character within our rigorous quality standards. Studio photography is representative of the species and craftsmanship — not a guarantee of an identical grain pattern or color profile.

Have a question about your piece?

We're happy to help with care advice, touch-ups, or repairs.

Get in Touch