frequently asked questions
Categories
types of boards
what is the difference between "end grain" and "edge grain or face grain"?
End grain has the fibers of the wood running vertically. You will see the rings of the wood in this type of board.
Edge grain has the fibers of the wood running horizontally. Face grain is similar to edge grain. Face grain is when you see the largest flat section of a piece of wood.
which type of grain is better?
There is no right answer for this.
Face Grain: Face grain boards will show knife marks faster than edge grain or end grain boards, and are not recommended for heavy chopping use. Face grain shows the beauty of the wood more than any of the others.
Edge Grain: Edge grain boards are more durable than a face grain board. Edge grain cutting boards require less maintenance than an end grain board because the wood will soak up less moisture, making it less likely to warp or crack if not oiled regularly. They may also be thicker than face grain giving the board more weight and body. They also do not have to be as thick as an end grain board which at times can become rather heavy. They retain less moisture and are less likely to warp and crack.
End Grain: End grain cutting boards are are extremely durable. They can hide knife marks, and it tends to not dull knives as quickly as plastic or glass cutting boards. End grain wood boards tend to come with a higher price tag as end grain is harder to work with. End grain boards are more susceptible to bowing, contraction and expansion without regular maintenance.
Each type of board has their positives and negatives. In the end, it's up to the customer to decide what's right for them depending on use.
As long as you care for your board with regular maintenance, it should last a long time.
caring for your board
how do I clean my cutting board?
Cleaning the board is very simple. Use a warm soapy cloth to wipe all surfaces of the board. All sides of the cutting board should be treated the same, whether they have been used or not. This ensures equal moisture throughout the board. Be sure all soap has been removed. Wipe with a dry towel or stand it on the edge on your countertop and lean it against the wall to air dry.
how do I sanitize my board?
If you've prepared raw meat on the board, or you feel it needs to be sanitized, the first step is to clean the board following the instructions above. Before wiping down the surface with a damp cloth, you'll want to sanitize it using a vinegar and water solution at a ratio of 1:5. Let the solution sit on the board for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean damp dish towel. Dry the board in the same manner as you normally would.
how do I maintain my board so it continues to look great?
Performing routine maintenance on your board is important to prolong its life. The board is solid wood and it likes to move. Your board has been conditioned with food safe mineral oil and beeswax, or Walrus Oil cutting board oil and wood wax. In the first month, condition the board weekly, so it acclimates to your environment. After the first month, your board should only need treatment once a month based on usage.
If your board is looking rough or dry, it most likely needs to be reconditioned. I have included a sample of Walrus Oil cutting board oil and wood wax.
what not to do with your board:
- Do not put it in the dishwasher
- Do not soak or submerge cutting boards in water
- Do not stab the surface with knives or forks
- Do not use scrubbing brushes or scouring pads to clean the board
- Do not set hot pots/pan on the board
- Do not use serrated knives (aka bread knives) on it
- Do not use olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil to condition your board
purchasing & returns
how can I purchase one of your boards?
I do my best to keep some boards available for immediate purchase, but most of my work is by custom orders. I'm currently working off of a waiting list that is about 2-3 months out. If you're interested in being placed on the list, please contact me.
how long does it take to have a cutting board made?
Every cutting board is handmade and most are custom orders, making each one unique and one of a kind, so they take time and effort or get them as perfect as possible. I do my best to turn requests around quickly, but currently the average time for a board to be completed is 3-6 weeks.
what is your return policy?
I stand by the products that I make. If something is wrong with your order, or if you're just not happy with it for any reason, please contact me immediately and I'll do my best to make it right.
I'll gladly accept a return if it can be placed in my inventory. To return your products they must be unused, unwashed, and returned in their original packaging within 30 days of receiving the order. After 30 days, items will no longer be accepted for returns. Please contact me before sending any items back. Please take care when repackaging items to avoid damaging them in transit.
If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value. Items that have been used, cleaned, damaged after arrival, or kept for more than 30 days, are not eligible for refund or credit.
my item arrived damaged, what should I do?
If your package has arrived damaged or defective, please contact me immediately. Email me at tarynbuilds@gmail.com within 10 days of receiving your item. Please include your name, a description of your item, photographs showing the damage or defect, and whether you would prefer a refund or a replacement. Be advised that a replacement item may take an additional 2-3 weeks to be ready, but we will make you a priority.