Why choose end-grain?

So what is end-grain? End-grain is what you see if you took a log and looked at it on its end to see all the rings. Now imagine an end-grain cutting board is just a bunch of logs set on their ends and glued together. Of course it’s a bit more complicated than that but the general idea is instead of looking at the face-grain of a board you are looking at the end. End-grain cutting boards are the ideal boards for use with kitchen knives as they do not dull your knives the way glass, stone, or even face-grain cutting boards do. This is due to the knife’s cutting edge gets caught between the natural the fibers of the wood instead of cutting on a hard surface. And lets be honest, look miles better than a plastic board. End-grain boards are also self-healing and don’t show scratches like other non end-grain boards. This has to do with the wood fibers mentioned above; when the knife is lifted off the board, the fibers will close back up and fill scratches back in naturally. Scratches are a breeding ground for bacteria and because end-grain boards are self-healing they are generally more sanitary than other non end-grain boards as long as the end-grain board is properly maintained with mineral oil and cleaned regularly.

How do I take care of my board?

Wooden cutting boards need to be kept clean and dry, daily maintenance is often a good scrub with hot soapy water after using. Do not soak your boards in water or they'll crack and warp. After every use, wash your cutting board with hot water and a sponge, with soap or a liquid dish detergent, but not with a product intended for the dishwasher. Place the cutting board on edge in a dish drainer or hand dry. Apply oil if board seems dry.

How do I oil my board?

The goal of board oil is to penetrate the wood and saturate the wood fibers, in order to stop any other liquids (blood, bacteria) and moisture from soaking into the board. A well-oiled cutting board will keep the same shape when the wood fibers are saturated, so it will not expand and shrink compared to a board that is left to completely dry, then exposed to water. This shrinking and expanding effect is the main cause of warped cutting boards.

While board oil penetrates the wood, board cream/wax acts as a physical barrier on the surface of the wood that protects against stains and liquids. The wax also aids in sanitation, as it fills and seals knife scars and microscopic cracks where bacteria would gather.

Used in conjunction, cutting board oil and cream provide an effective combination of protective outer layer and sealed wood that is sanitary, easier to clean and won’t warp.

Depending on how often you use your boards you should also give them an oiling to help maintain their surface and keep them from drying out. If you use a board often and it begins to look dry or dull, apply a generous coat of a food-safe mineral oil. Wait an hour and wipe off any excess. The idea is to protect the wood, but not allow the oil to build up. Don’t use vegetable oil or olive oil; they get sticky and go rancid after a while. There is no “rule of thumb” on how often you should oil your board, but certainly at least 2-3 times each year.

What oil/ wax products should I use on my board?

Last Chair Designs offers our premium mineral oil and mineral oil beeswax mixture in the store. These are the same products used on your board before it gets shipped. We also recommend Howard Cutting Board oil available at your local big orange box store (Home Depot). And Howard Butcher Block Conditioner with beeswax mixed in (also available at HD). Both products are food safe and either one can be used. Other products can also be used just make sure they are made for conditioning wood cutting boards and are food safe.

What is your return policy?

Here at Last Chair Designs we are very proud of the products made. And because of that we strive for customer satisfaction. If something is not right with your order let us know right away and we will do everything we can to make it right.

If you are still not satisfied we offer a free 30 day return for a refund or store credit. We only accept returns as long as the product is unused, has not been washed, and is returned in original packaging. Please use the Contact page to reach out before sending returns in.

Any custom made pieces are non-returnable.

What if my purchased arrived damaged?

This one is easy!! Just reach out to us within 7 days of receiving your package and we will make it right. Please include your name a picture of the damaged product and if you want a refund or replacement. Please note a replacement may take 2-3 weeks to make.