Our Range of Handcrafted Cutting Boards
We are pleased to offer a variety of options when it comes to a cutting board that will suit your needs. All of our cutting boards have a food-safe finish which serves to protect and preserve the wood while also safeguarding your food. Our large cutting boards measure 12” x 17” x 7/8” and come with non-slip rubber feet.* These boards are large enough to accommodate pretty much any chef’s needs. Each board has a unique pattern created from the wood species used and how they were combined. These boards are as much an artistic expression as they are a pleasure to use. We offer these boards both plain or customized with laser engraving. *Please note that boards with laser engraving will not include non-slip feet to allow users to cut on the non-lasered side of the board if preferred.
We also offer a line of shaped cutting boards. These boards are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to compliment any style or décor. If you don’t see a board in a shape that you would like, simply reach out and we will do everything we can to create one to meet your needs. As with the large cutting boards, the shaped boards are available with or without laser engraving, guaranteeing each and every board is truly unique.
Eco-friendly Materials and Processes
It’s no surprise that wood is more ecologically friendly than plastic, or even paper. It is strong, durable and, with proper care and minimal maintenance, it will last several lifetimes. With many people now focused on sustainability and preserving resources, using wood to produce cutting and serving pieces may appear more harmful than beneficial. UBBH is committed to protecting the environment and the natural resources upon which we all rely and therefore we insist on using only suppliers who source their materials from responsible and certified-sustainable providers. Sustainable forestry practices have resulted in reforestation to replenish the supplies upon which we all rely and to minimize the impact of logging upon the surrounding communities and wildlife populations. The result of better managed forests is better quality lumber that is less disease-ridden and pest infested. This, in turn, means a higher quality end product for our customers. We are also very selective about the species of wood we choose. There are several factors that must be considered when we make these decisions:
- The wood must be appropriate for use with food. Some have naturally occurring saps and oils that are not healthy to ingest and some are poisonous.
- The wood must have a tight grain. The more open the woodgrain is, the greater the likelihood that food particles or bacteria will be absorbed, and this can cause contamination when anything else comes into contact with it. The tighter grain also helps repel water, preserving both the look and functionality of the board.
- While cutting boards should be made from hardwood to ensure the surface can stand up to contact with knives and other kitchen utensils, it is important that the wood isn’t “too hard” as this will quickly lead to dull and damaged knives.
- The final consideration we include in our decisions is how fast-growing the species is. We never want to use wood species that cannot be replenished in a timely fashion when there are so many options that can be.
Choices for Professional and Home Chefs
There is a misconception that plastic cutting boards are actually more hygienic than wood because they can be placed in a dishwasher and/or exposed to extremely hot water. In recent years, however, a study showed plastic cutting boards to be a significant source of microplastic deposits in food. This is obviously a huge concern as the ingestion of plastic and the chemicals found in them can lead to a variety of health concerns. Numerous studies have also debunked the idea that properly maintained wood cutting boards harbour bacteria and cause cross-contamination of food. This makes wood the clear and obvious choice for cutting boards of both professional and home chefs.
Advantages of UBBH Cutting Boards
At UBBH we ensure we purchase the raw material for our cutting boards from certified sustainable suppliers. We only use solid hardwoods that possess both the desired hardness to stand up to kitchen utensils and the tight grain that preserves your food safety. We offer boards that will provide years, and even generations, of functionality while also providing aesthetic appeal.
Longevity and Durability
Our cutting boards are made with top quality raw materials and the highest levels of craftsmanship to ensure their durability and longevity in addition to our customers’ satisfaction. With proper care and maintenance, our boards will provide your family with a treasured heirloom.
Easy to Clean and Maintain
After each use, remove any food residue with a scraper. Clean with mild dish detergent and a clean sponge or soft brush, rinsing with warm water. Towel dry, then stand upright to completely air dry for up to an hour.
If raw meat or poultry was cut on the board, simply sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of salt and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Then use a soft brush and cold water to scrub and remove the salt. Follow this with a clean sponge or scrub brush using mild dish detergent and hot water to work up a slight lather. Rinse the board thoroughly. Towel dry and then stand upright to air dry for up to an hour.
Care Instructions for Your Cutting Board
Periodically apply an even coat of mineral oil to all 6 sides of your board. Allow the oil to absorb into the wood for up to 24 hours. Wipe any excess oil with a soft, dry cloth. Follow the oil with a thin coating of board butter and buff with a soft, dry cloth.
Best Practices for Daily Use
Never place your wood cutting board in a dishwasher for cleaning. Never submerge your board in a sink of water. Follow the cleaning and care instructions provided with your board and detailed above. Some kitchens designate specific boards for use with raw meat and poultry as an additional safeguard against cross-contamination.
Keeping Your Board Like New
With proper care and maintenance your board should retain its natural beauty for its functional lifetime. If, however, your board is showing signs of wear or heavy knife use, it can be lightly sanded first with 80 grit sandpaper to remove the wear, then with 180 grit sandpaper until the surface is completely smooth. After sanding, apply a heavy coating of food-safe mineral oil and allow it to penetrate for 24 hours. Wipe off any excess with a clean, dry, soft cloth and then using another dry, clean, soft cloth, apply a thin layer of conditioning board butter (like the proprietary board butter offered by UBBH) and buff until smooth.
