Ordering a custom cutting board is not like adding something to your cart and waiting for a shipping notification. It is a collaborative process, and that is exactly what makes the finished piece feel like yours. But if you have never commissioned custom woodwork before, the process can feel unfamiliar. You might wonder what information we need, how long it takes, or whether you will end up with something you love.

We have walked hundreds of customers through custom cutting board orders at our Jacksonville, FL workshop, and we want to make the process as clear and comfortable as possible. Here is a step-by-step look at what happens from the moment you reach out to the moment your board arrives.

Starting the Conversation

Every custom cutting board begins with a conversation. You can submit a custom order request through our website, and we will get back to you within one to two business days. There is no commitment at this stage. You are simply telling us what you have in mind.

Some customers come to us with a very specific vision. They know the exact dimensions, wood species, and engraving they want. Others come with something more general, like "I want a nice walnut board for my wife's birthday." Both starting points work perfectly. Our job is to ask the right questions and guide you toward a board that fits your needs.

At this stage, it helps if you can share a few basics: who the board is for, how it will be used (daily cooking, serving, display), any size preferences, and whether you are interested in engraving. But if all you have is a vague idea, that is fine too. We will figure it out together.

Choosing Your Wood

Wood selection is one of the most important decisions in a custom cutting board, and it is also one of the most enjoyable. Each species has its own character, and the right choice depends on how the board will be used and what aesthetic you prefer.

Our most popular options include:

Hard maple. Light-toned with a subtle grain pattern. Extremely hard and durable, making it ideal for heavy daily use. This is the workhorse of cutting board woods.
Walnut. Rich, dark tones with striking grain. Slightly softer than maple but still excellent for kitchen use. Walnut boards are especially popular as gifts because of their dramatic appearance.
Cherry. Warm reddish-brown tones that deepen beautifully over time. Cherry falls between maple and walnut in hardness and offers a classic look that suits almost any kitchen.

We also build boards with mixed species, combining walnut, maple, and cherry into patterns that highlight the contrast between the woods. If you have seen our product collection, you have probably noticed some of these designs. For a custom board, we can tailor the pattern to your preferences.

Sizing and Style

Custom means you are not limited to standard sizes. If you need a board that fits a specific counter space, covers a particular stovetop, or matches an existing piece in your kitchen, we can build to those dimensions.

That said, we always share recommendations based on experience. A board that is too thin will warp. A board that is too large becomes unwieldy. We will suggest a thickness, length, and width that balances usability with your space requirements.

You will also choose between edge grain and end grain construction. Edge grain boards show long, parallel lines and are lighter and more affordable. End grain boards display the distinctive checkerboard pattern, are gentler on knives, and tend to be thicker and heavier. Both are built to last decades, so the choice comes down to your priorities and budget.

Engraving Options

Many of our custom boards include engraving, especially boards ordered as gifts. We can engrave names, dates, monograms, short messages, or simple designs. If you have a specific logo or artwork, we can often work with that too.

Engraving works best on smooth, flat surfaces, so we typically place it in a corner or along the edge of the board where it will not interfere with the cutting surface. The depth is shallow enough to look clean but deep enough to last through years of use.

We will send you a digital mockup of the engraving placement before we cut anything. This way you can see exactly how it will look and request adjustments. We want you to be completely happy with the design before the engraving tool touches the wood.

Understanding Pricing

Custom cutting board pricing depends on several factors, and we are always transparent about what drives the cost:

Wood species. Walnut tends to cost more than maple or cherry due to lumber pricing.
Size and thickness. More material means more cost, and thicker boards require more wood and more labor.
Construction style. End grain boards take significantly more time to build than edge grain boards, which is reflected in the price.
Engraving. Simple text engraving is typically included or adds a modest cost. Complex logos or detailed artwork may add more depending on the design work involved.
Special requests. Juice grooves, handles, rubber feet, or other custom features each add a small amount to the total.

We provide a detailed quote before you commit to anything. There are no hidden fees. The price we quote is the price you pay, and it includes the finish, any standard customization, and careful packaging for shipping.

The Build Timeline

A custom cutting board is not something we rush. From the time you approve the design and quote, most boards take two to four weeks to complete. That timeline accounts for wood selection, milling, glue-up and curing, sanding, finishing, and final quality inspection.

If you are ordering for a specific occasion like a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, let us know the date when you first reach out. We will tell you honestly whether we can meet the deadline. If the timing is tight, we will work with you to find a solution, whether that means adjusting the design for a faster build or suggesting a similar board from our ready-made collection that we can engrave and ship quickly.

During the build, we are happy to share progress photos if you want to see your board taking shape. Many customers enjoy watching the transformation from raw lumber to finished piece.

Quality Check and Shipping

Before any board leaves our workshop, it goes through a thorough quality check. We inspect every glue joint, run our hands over every surface to feel for imperfections, and make sure the finish is even and fully cured. We hold our custom work to the same standards as everything else we build, and honestly, we tend to be pickier about custom pieces because we know how much they mean to the person who ordered them.

Once the board passes inspection, we apply a final coat of food-safe mineral oil and beeswax, let it absorb, and then package the board carefully for shipping. We use protective wrapping and sturdy boxes to make sure your board arrives in perfect condition, whether it is heading across Jacksonville or across the country.

After Your Board Arrives

When your custom board arrives, it is ready to use right out of the box. We include care instructions with every order so you know exactly how to maintain it. The basics are simple: hand wash with warm water and mild soap, dry it upright, and apply mineral oil every few weeks. A well-maintained cutting board will last 15 to 25 years or longer.

If you ever have questions about caring for your board, we are always here to help. We want every piece we build to last as long as possible and look as good at year ten as it did on day one.

Ready to Get Started?

Ordering a custom cutting board is easier than you might think, and the result is a piece that fits your kitchen, your style, and your life in a way that nothing off the shelf ever could. Whether you have a detailed vision or just a rough idea, we are here to help you bring it to life.

Start your custom cutting board order today, and let us build something you will reach for every day.

What to Expect When You Order a Custom Cutting Board