The Art of Cutting Boards: A Journey from Tree to Table

In the heart of nature lies the humble beginning of a mesmerizing journey - the transformation of a simple tree into a stunning maple cutting board that graces kitchens with elegance and functionality. Join us on a captivating narrative that delves deep into the eco-friendly practices and unparalleled craftsmanship behind this process.

The Tree's Legacy

Every magnificent maple cutting board can trace its origins back to the sanctuary of the forest. It all starts with the careful selection of sustainably sourced maple trees. These trees, standing tall in their natural habitat, are chosen for their strength, durability, and captivating grain patterns that will later define the character of each unique cutting board.

 Cutting the Maple Tree (Logging)

The process begins with selecting a healthy, mature maple tree, often chosen for its high-quality wood grain and strength. Loggers use chainsaws or harvesting equipment to cut down the tree. Care is taken to fall the tree in a controlled manner to minimize damage to the wood. Once the tree is felled, its branches are removed, leaving only the trunk, also known as the log.

Transporting the Log to the Sawmill

Once the log is trimmed, it is transported to the sawmill. This is typically done using trucks or specialized logging equipment like skidders or forwarders, which are designed to haul logs from the forest. Depending on the location of the tree and terrain, helicopters or horses may even be used in remote areas to move logs.

Sawing the Log into Slabs

At the sawmill, the log is first debarked and then cut into rough slabs. This is usually done using a large band saw or circular saw, and the log is cut lengthwise to create slabs, with the aim to maximize the yield of usable wood. The sawyer determines how to cut the log based on its grain, defects, and intended use. These rough slabs are typically several inches thick, preparing them for the drying process.

Kiln Drying the Slabs

After sawing, the slabs need to be dried to remove moisture from the wood, which prevents warping and cracking later on. Kiln drying is the preferred method as it speeds up the drying process compared to air drying. The slabs are stacked with spacers (stickers) between them to allow for air circulation, then placed in a kiln. The temperature and humidity in the kiln are carefully controlled to slowly reduce the moisture content of the wood, typically bringing it down to around 6-8% over the course of several weeks.

Sawing the Slabs into Lumber

Once the slabs are dried, they are ready to be cut into lumber. This process involves re-sawing the dried slabs into the final dimensions required for different types of lumber. A table saw or band saw is used to cut the slabs into planks, typically of varying thickness (e.g., 1-inch, 2-inch). The lumber is then planed to ensure smooth surfaces and uniform thickness, and it may be trimmed to standard lengths, like 8 or 10 feet. The final product is high-quality maple lumber, ready for woodworking projects.

Our source for our maple lumber, Bell Forest Products located in Ishpeming, Michigan, ships beautiful hard maple and many other woods to shops like ours all over the world.

Our Cutting Board Process

Once we receive the lumber we are ready to begin the process of turning it into a cutting board. We select boards which are clear of defects and saw them down into narrow strips, depending on what kind of board we are making. Many of our boards are edge grain boards and we saw the lumber down in to strips of approximately 11/2'" in width and in whatever length board we will be building.

These strips are then laid on their edges and we visually inspect the grain and coloration of the board to be sure that it is pleasing. Slight coloration differences are normal but there needs to be a pleasing blend of the various colors of the wood.

Next, waterproof, food safe glue is applied to the surfaces of the strips and they are placed in a series of clamps to exert pressure as the glue cures, so that there are no spaces between the individual strips. We allow 24 hours for the glue curing process to complete.

The next step is to trim the board to size in length, assuring that the ends of the glued strips are uniform. Once that process is complete, we lightly run the board through a surface planer to assure that we have to totally flat surface on both sides of the board.

The final step is to sand the board by hand on all surfaces. This is usually a three to four step process starting with a coarse sanding disk to remove any slight surface imperfections and then on to smoother and smoother sanding disks until we end up with a satin smooth finish.

At this point if there is any customization to be done such a an inlay or a lasered image it is at this point that those steps are added to the process. For more information about the customization process check out our blog post on customization.

Eco-Friendly Finishes

To preserve the natural beauty of the maple cutting boards and protect them from the rigors of kitchen use, an eco-friendly, food safe finish is carefully applied. Our finish is a blend of food safe mineral oil and beeswax. This finish not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the boards but also ensures that they are safe for food contact, giving you peace of mind while preparing your culinary masterpieces.

From Workshop to Kitchen

As the finishing touches are put in place, the maple cutting boards are ready to embark on their final journey - from workshop to kitchen. Each board is a testament to the harmonious blend of nature's bounty and human artistry, ready to serve as a reliable companion in your culinary adventures.

Embracing Timeless Elegance

In a fast-paced world where trends come and go, the maple cutting board stands as a timeless symbol of elegance and craftsmanship. With proper care and maintenance, these boards age gracefully, developing a rich patina that tells the story of countless meals prepared and memories shared around the table.

As you ponder the enchanting journey from tree to table, let the allure of the maple cutting board inspire you to embrace the beauty of eco-friendly craftsmanship and the enduring charm of natural materials in your culinary sanctuary.

Let the artistry of the maple cutting board remind us of the simple yet profound transformation that occurs when nature's gifts are imbued with human creativity and respect.

With each slice and chop, may the cutting board whisper tales of the forest and spark joy in your culinary creations, bridging the gap between nature's abundance and the warmth of your kitchen.

In a world driven by mass production and fleeting trends, the maple cutting board stands as a beacon of authenticity, craftsmanship, and enduring beauty – a true testament to the remarkable journey from tree to table.

Remember, when you hold a maple cutting board in your hands, you're not just embracing a kitchen tool; you're holding a piece of nature's legacy, lovingly crafted for you to savor and appreciate every day.