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, soft maple, cherry, yellow birch, white oak, and sapele, 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.
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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.Â
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.
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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 conditions and direct sunlight, as these can severely reduce your board's lifetime.
Download our complete Care & Usage Guide here:
Board Care Guide & FAQs
Is your woodwork safe for food prep?
Definitely. We avoid all synthetic stains or lacquers, opting instead for non-toxic hardwoods and FDA-cleared adhesives. Any necessary fills utilize food-safe epoxy tinted with organic materials. Every piece is seasoned with NSF-certified mineral oil and pure beeswax. Note: Items like coasters or trays not meant for direct food surface contact still receive high-quality, FDA-approved oil finishes like walnut or pure tung oil for your peace of mind.
What is the lifespan of these pieces?
If you follow our maintenance steps—gentle washing, routine oiling, and smart storage—these boards act as heirloom quality tools for your family. We utilize time-tested joinery techniques specifically built to withstand decades of daily use.
Is it possible to fix deep knife gashes?
It is, though precision is key. While hardwood is tough, we suggest avoiding serrated blades. For surface nicks, strip the wax with mineral spirits and let it dry. Sand the spot—avoiding engravings—starting with a 120-grit and moving up to a 320-grit finish, always following the natural grain. Wipe away debris with a soft cloth and re-season with our specialized glaze to bring back the glow. For significant damage or deep restorations, please reach out to our team for professional help.
Has the color or texture of my wood shifted?
That is a sign of quality! Natural timber evolves, deepening in character much like a vintage wine. You will notice cherry darkening to a bronze hue, while walnut gains a mysterious depth. The shimmering grain patterns in species like sapele become more vivid as you condition the wood. This transformation is a beautiful part of owning a living material that matures gracefully alongside your kitchen memories.
What kind of protection do you offer on sales?
Wood is a dynamic, organic element that reacts to its surroundings, especially moisture and heat levels. While we build our boards to accommodate this movement, we cannot cover damage from environmental neglect or dishwashers. We do promise that your item will arrive in flawless condition. With consistent care, it will serve you for a lifetime.
What can I get engraved on my board?
You can engrave almost anything that expresses your personal style, from names and special dates to custom family crests and original artwork! To keep things legal and respectful, we are unable to engrave trademarked logos, brand designs, or copyrighted characters. We also will decline to engrave any text or imagery that could be considered offensive, discriminatory, or hateful. If you have an idea but aren't sure if it's allowed, send us a message and we’ll help you figure it out!