The wood we use in our products is probably the single most important item we source for production. Both the species and the way it is harvested are considerations that will always remain at the top of our list of priorities.
Sustainable Wood Sourcing at UBBH
At UBBH, sustainability is a requirement when sourcing wood for our products, and we are lucky to have found suppliers that follow strict guidelines when selecting the wood they offer.
Yes, wood literally grows on trees, but that means the source needs to be constantly replenished, and our suppliers are very aware of this when they source their materials.
In fact, one of our suppliers has committed to becoming a carbon neutral company by 2026 and has taken this a step further, aiming to be climate positive by 2030. That level of commitment to sustainability is something we respect and will support as we make our purchasing decisions.
Discover Our Wood Types
The wood type we choose for our cutting and serving boards is the foundation of a product that is not only beautiful to look at but also durable and food-safe.
Wood for cutting boards, in particular, needs to be:
- Solid hardwood for durability
- Tight grained to stop moisture from penetrating the wood, which can breed bacteria in your board
The Local Hardwoods We Use
With that in mind, we primarily use three wood species in our boards and trays.
Maple
Canadian Maple is ideal for food service and preparation because of its strength, durability and resistance to moisture. It has a very tight grain, which can give it an almost iridescent look depending on the piece.
Walnut
Walnut is a very strong species with high resistance to damage and moisture. Like Maple, its tight grain makes it a great choice for food-related products, and as a bonus, it is stunningly beautiful on its own or paired with another species.
Cherry
Cherry is a North American hardwood that ranges in colour from blonde to red. It is strong and durable while also offering an appealing look. Its tight grain also helps keep liquids from penetrating the wood and causing cross-contamination or mould.
The Exotic Woods We Use
In addition to these three staples, we occasionally use exotic species for their visual appeal. The two exotic woods we use are Purple Heart and Zebra Wood, chosen for many of the same reasons outlined above.
Purple Heart
Purple Heart is a tropical wood, and the boards currently in our shop were sourced from Brazil. It is essentially unbreakable: incredibly dense and actually watertight. Thanks to that density, it resists decay, mould, fungus and insects.
While Purple Heart's stunning purple colour might make it seem rare, it is actually one of the most sustainable species in the world.
Zebra Wood
Zebra Wood has a dramatic, beautiful grain pattern similar to the stripes on a zebra. The grain is interlocking, which can make it challenging to work with, but in our view the end result is worth it.
It is a very hard wood grown in Central Africa (our current stock is from Cameroon). Because of its hardness, it has been used in cars by both Cadillac and Mercedes.
Our Ethical Sourcing Practices
UBBH believes it is our collective responsibility to protect our planet and the resources it provides. That's why we only work with suppliers who follow ethical, sustainable and environmentally conscious practices when sourcing their products.
Sustainably sourced wood minimizes the impact of logging on the forest and on the surrounding wildlife and community.
Tip: One of the best ways to find sustainable, ethically sourced wood is to look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label. Considered the gold standard, this certification shows the wood came from a well-managed forest using lower-impact logging methods.
Partnerships with Sustainable Forests
Around the world, the need to protect the future of our forests has been recognized for some time. As a result, many groups focus on partnerships between organizations, individuals and even nations to promote "the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests and to strengthen long-term political commitment to this end."
At UBBH, we wholeheartedly support these organizations and initiatives, and we will continue to source our lumber from ethical dealers committed to sustainability.
How Sustainable Sourcing Improves Product Quality
Yes, sustainable sourcing has an impact on our products, but maybe not the one you'd expect. Sustainable forests actually create better quality wood, and better raw materials for us mean better finished products for you!
In a well-managed forest:
- The trees harvested are older and healthier
- Fewer diseases and insects affect the trees
- Lower-impact logging keeps the surrounding ecosystems much healthier
All of this means better quality wood coming into our shop and better quality wood products going out.
How Wood Type Affects Your Product
Each wood species has its own characteristics, which means each is best suited to different uses.
By using only the highest quality solid hardwoods with a closed grain and high density, we can offer wood cutting and serving boards and trays that can last several lifetimes while keeping their beauty with proper care and attention.
They resist mould and won't harbour the bacteria that cause cross-contamination, because your food safety is paramount to us.
In short, we only use wood species we want in our own kitchens, and we only sell products we know we can stand behind.