About Our Boards
At Unhinged Woodworks, we're all about the wood. We embrace every piece's inherent uniqueness to showcase the wood itself as the real star of the show. We work with premium hardwoods, like black walnut, hard maple, cherry, yellow birch, and African mahogany, chosen for their durability, ease of cleaning, and exceptional beauty.
Our processes ensure that each board is not just a tool, but a centerpiece for your kitchen and your table. Through hand-selected grain matching, thoughtful assembly and engraving, and only food-safe adhesives and finishing, we create serving ware that transcends the ordinary to enrich your culinary experiences.
Care & Usage
1. Proper Cleaning
Hand wash only, with mild dish soap (e.g., Dawn) and lukewarm water. Hot water and harsh abrasives will dull the surface and remove the protectant oils and waxes, allowing moisture and contaminants to find a home in the wood.
Never put it in the dishwasher, as extreme heat and moisture can irreversibly damage the wood, glue, and finish. Towel dry immediately after washing, and only store after completely dry.
2. Regular Conditioning
Apply only food-grade mineral oil or cutting board conditioner (NEVER food oils, e.g., olive, avocado, etc.) as often as needed. This keeps the wood fibers nourished and sealed against moisture, and preserves the wood's natural luster.
We recommend our Glaze Craze Board Glaze (50% off with any purchase over $50)! Apply as needed by rubbing a generous amount over the entire board, allowing to rest an hour, then buffing with a clean, lint-free cloth.
3. Gentle Use and Storage
For longest life, use only well-sharpened, non-serrated knives, and avoid heavy chopping. Use for cool foods and dishes only. Foods and dishes above 140F will melt the beeswax coating and potentially damage the wood.
When not in use, we recommend displaying your boards proudly on a cabinet shelf or hung safely on a kitchen or dining room wall. Avoid prolonged exposure to moist/damp environments and direct sunlight, as these can severely reduce your board's lifetime.
Download our complete Care & Usage Guide here:
Board Care & Usage FAQs
Are your cutting boards food safe?
Absolutely. We never use stains, dyes, lacquers, or varnishes. We use only food safe, non-toxic hardwoods and US FDA-approved wood glue. All fills are done using food safe epoxy or CA glue, and are naturally colored with wood dust or coffee grounds. Finally, every board is treated with NSF/USP-certified pure mineral oil, and natural beeswax.
NOTE: Although coasters and serving trays are not intended for direct/prolonged food contact, they are finished with FDA-approved food safe oil finishes (e.g., pure tung, raw linseed, or walnut oils).
How long will my Unhinged board last?
With proper care and handling—regular conditioning, gentle hand washing, and proper storage—our boards are designed to be heirloom pieces that last for generations. Each board is crafted using traditional joinery meant for longevity.
Can I repair a deep scratch or knife mark?
Yes...but please be careful. Hardwood is resilient, but we strongly caution against serrated knives or heavy chopping. For light or accidental scratches, first rub the board down with mineral spirits (aka: paint thinner) to remove the wax, and let air dry for several hours. Then you can lightly sand the area (avoiding any engraved areas) with medium grit sandpaper (120-150 grit) until the scratches have been removed, then progress to finer grits (220-320 grit) until silky smooth. Be sure to sand in the same direction as the wood grain. Clean away the dust with a dry lint-free cloth such as a clean T-shirt, and re-apply a board conditioner of mineral oil and beeswax to restore the finish. We highly recommend our Graze Craze Board Glaze.
For more intensive restoration of your boards, please contact us.
Why does my board look different than when I bought it?
Wood will naturally mature over time like the fine wines you're sure to enjoy with them. Cherry will take on a warm bronze tone. Walnut will grow deeper and more mysterious. And that beautiful chatoyance (the "cat's eye" effect) of woods like sapele and African mahogany will continue to dance through the years. Proper care will keep that precious beauty preserved for years to come.
Do you offer any warranty or guarantee for your boards?
Because wood is a natural, organic material, it has a "mind of its own" and responds to changes in its environment, particularly dramatic shifts in humidity and temperature. Our boards are deliberately constructed to safely account for this natural wood movement, but we cannot predict or cover outcomes caused by environmental factors (e.g., temperature, moisture, or improper care). We do guarantee that you will unbox a beautifully crafted product in prime condition. With proper care and routine maintenance, your board is designed to last for many, many years.
For tips on how to keep your board in beautiful condition, check out our downloadable Board Care Guide.