The wood that we use in our products is probably the single most important item that we source for production. Both the species and the way in which it is harvested are considerations that will always remain at the top of our list of priorities.
At UBBH sustainability is a requirement when sourcing our wood for our products and we are lucky to have found suppliers that adhere to strict guidelines when they select the wood they have to offer. Yes, wood literally grows on trees but by default that means we need to be constantly replenishing the source and our
suppliers are very aware of this when they source the materials they offer. In fact, one of our suppliers has committed to become 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 selection of wood type for our cutting and serving boards is the foundation of ensuring that the end product is not only beautiful to look at but also durable and food-safe. Wood for cutting boards, particularly, needs to be solid hardwood to give it durability and it also needs to have a tight grain to inhibit moisture
penetration which can breed bacteria in your board.
With the above information in mind, we use primarily use three wood species in our boards and trays:
Maple – Canadian Maple is ideal for wood used in food service and preparation because of its strength, durability and resistance to moisture. It has a very tight grain which can give it almost an iridescence depending on the piece.
Walnut – Walnut is a very strong species with a high resistance to damage and moisture. Like Maple, the tight grain makes it a great choice for food-related products and as a bonus it is stunningly beautiful on its own or against another species.
Cherry – Cherry is a North American hardwood that ranges in colour from blonde to red. It is strong and durable while also providing an appealing aesthetic. Its tight grain also helps ensure that liquids don’t penetrate the wood causing cross-contamination or mould.
In addition to these three staples of our shop, we do occasionally use an exotic species to provide visual appeal.
The two exotic woods we use are Purple Heart and Zebra Wood for reasons similar to what was outlined above.
Purple Heart – Purple Heart is a tropical wood. The boards currently in our shop were sourced from Brazil. Purple Heart is essentially unbreakable. It is incredibly dense and is actually watertight. It is resistant to decay as well as mould, fungus and insects because of its density. While Purple Heart seems rare based on its incredibly beautiful purple colouring, it is actually one of the most sustainable species in the world.
Zebra Wood – Zebra Wood has a dramatic and beautiful pattern in the grain which is similar to the stripes on a zebra. The grain is interlocking which can pose some challenges for processing but the end result is worth it in our view. It is a very hard wood grown in Central Africa (our current stock is from Cameroon). Because of it’s hardness, it has been used in cars by both Cadillac and Mercedes.
Ethical Sourcing Practices
UBBH believes that it is our collective responsibility to protect our planet and the resources it provides. As a result, 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 both the forest and the surrounding wildlife and community. When looking for a sustainable, ethical source of wood, one of the best ways to ensure this is by looking for a Forest Stewardship Council, or FSC, label. This certification
indicates that the wood came from a well-managed forest with lower-impact logging methods and is considered the gold standard.
Partnerships with Sustainable Forests
Around the world the need to ensure the future of our forests has been recognized for some time. As a result, there are many different groups focused on partnerships between organizations and 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 focused on and committed to sustainability.
Impact of Sourcing on Product Quality
Yes, sustainable sourcing has an impact on our end products – but it might not be the impact you would imagine. Sustainable forest, in fact, create better quality wood. Better quality raw materials for us means better quality finished products for you! A well-managed forest means the trees that are harvested are older and healthier. There are fewer diseases and insects affecting the trees and because of the dedication to lower impact logging, the ecosystems surrounding those forests are much healthier. All of this means better quality wood coming in and better quality wood products going out of our shop.
How Wood Type Affects Your Product
Different wood species have different characteristics for which they are known, and this means there are different applications for which each type of wood is best suited. Using only the highest quality solid hardwood species which possess closed grain and high density allows us to provide you with wood cutting and serving boards and trays that will last potentially several lifetimes while retaining their beauty with proper care and attention. They are not susceptible to mould or harbouring bacteria that can cause cross-contamination because your food safety is paramount to us. In short, we only use wood species that are what we want in our own kitchens. The bottom line is we only sell products we know we can stand behind.
