FAQs
What wood do you use for your cutting boards?
Our cutting boards are made primarily from black walnut, maple and mahogany were chosen for their durability, tight grain, and food-safe qualities. Each board is solid hardwood, not a laminate or veneer, so it holds up to years of daily use. Unless the boards are small, they are multiple pieces of wood that are glued using a glue FDA approved for indirect food contact.
What does "approved for indirect food contact" mean?
Approved for indirect food contact means a material is safe to touch items used to process, package, or hold food without being added to the food on purpose. Tiny amounts of the material may safely transfer into the food, but it will not harm people or change how the food tastes.
Are your cutting boards food safe?
Yes. All boards are finished with a food-safe mineral oil and wax blend that's free of nut oils, so they're safe for anyone with nut allergies and safe for direct food contact.
How do I care for a wood cutting board?
Hand wash with warm water and mild soap, then dry it standing up right away - never soak it or run it through the dishwasher. Re-oil the board about 4 times a year (or if you notice the board drying out) with food-grade mineral oil to keep the wood from drying out, cracking or warping.
Can I order a custom size cutting board or tray?
Yes, several of our boards and trays are available in custom sizes. Reach out through our contact page with your dimensions and preferred wood species, and we'll confirm pricing and lead time before you order.
Are your products actually made in the USA?
Every item is designed and handcrafted in the USA. We source domestic hardwood and do all cutting, sanding, and finishing in-house rather than outsourcing production overseas.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes, we offer free shipping on all orders within the United States. Orders typically ship within a week of purchase.
Do you ship internationally?
Unfortunately, we currently do not ship internationally.
What is your return or refund policy?
We want you to be happy with your purchase. Full details on eligibility, timeframes, and how to start a return are on our refund policy page.
Do the wood grain and color match the product photos exactly?
Because each piece is cut from natural hardwood, grain pattern and coloring will vary slightly from board to board and from the photos shown. This natural variation is part of what makes each piece one of a kind. Also keep in mind that many woods darken over time.
Do you make custom engraved or personalized pieces?
We can add personalization either through wood inlays, epoxy inlays or laser engraving. Contact us with your idea and we'll let you know what's possible.
How long does an order take to arrive?
As this is my second job, orders will take 1-2 weeks to proccess, ship and arrive. If you have a deadline, please reach out and I will do my best to get it to you on time.
Who makes the products at Bearded Owl Studio?
Bearded Owl Studio is a one man show, run by Matt Anlyan, based in Wilmington, North Carolina. He founded the studio in 2021 after years of woodworking as a hobby, and every piece is hand and machine crafted in-house rather than mass produced overseas. His full time job is working as the Marketing & Volunteer Manager and Woodworking Instructor for Kids Making It, a non-profit entrepreneurial woodworking organization that teaches woodworking and skilled trades to at risk youth in Wilmington, NC.
What's the difference between your cutting boards and decorative trays?
Our cutting boards are built and finished for food prep and daily kitchen use. Our decorative trays, like our catch-all and rolling trays, are designed more for display, valet, or serving use rather than direct food cutting.