Frequently Asked Questions

Your cutting board is pre-treated with a food grade mineral oil and a food grade oil finish. Feel free to wash your board by scrubbing it clean with soap and water. After washing, wipe your board dry with a towel and prop it up on the countertop to fully dry. (Please DO NOT put your board in the dishwasher! Bad things will happen.) After your board has dried completely, store your board by propping it up on one edge when not in use. From time to time, based on use, you will find it beneficial to re-treat your board with a food grade mineral oil. Your local hardware store or favorite online store will sell products such as Howard Cutting Board Oil, Walrus Cutting Board Oil or similar. Apply mineral oil straight from the bottle, spread it around with your fingers or a paper towel, allow to absorb for a few minutes, then buff off with a clean paper towel. Be sure to oil both faces of the board. While there is no hard and fast rule for how often to oil a cutting board, there is a distinctive 'dry' look that wood gets when it hasn't been oiled sufficiently.

Shipping costs are automatically calculated for each order based on the size and weight of the items within your order. You will receive a package tracking number upon shipment.

We are happy to offer returns on all items within 30 days of purchase. The customer is responsible for the cost of return shipping unless the reason for the return is the fault of 531Workshop. Custom orders and laser engraved items with a personal message are not eligible for returns or refunds.

Yes! Most of our items can be laser engraved with the message of your choice. Names, dates, company logos, you name it! Please reach out to us for more information about laser engraving including design and ordering options.

Yes! We are happy to make any size board to your specifications. Please email us with your request for a custom quote.

We use Maple, Walnut, Cherry and some boards have a Mahogany accent. These hardwoods have a closed grain structure which is best for a cutting board. Hardwoods such as Oak have an open grain structure which can trap bacteria. Only closed grain hardwoods used here!

Yes! Boards built with closed grain woods naturally resist bacteria. Plastic boards will break down over time and have the potential to contaminate your foods. The American Chemical Society published a study in 2023 about plastic cutting boards. They found that plastic cutting boards are a significant source of ingesting microplastics in food. Plastic cutting boards also tend to trap bacteria in the deep grooves from knife marks.

Boards with feet can be stored on their feet or on their side. Boards without feet should be stored exclusively on their side. A board without feet should not be left flat on a counter top because moisture can accumulate causing the board to warp or crack.

No, do not place hot objects such as hot pots and pans on your board. This can lead to burn marks or even more serious issues like warping/cracking. Wood cutting boards should not be used as hot pads or trivets unless the pan is cool.

Maple is fairly prone to staining from berries, beets, etc. Walnut is much less so. A good coat of one of the finishing oils greatly inhibits stains from occurring. But if stains happen, don’t panic! They will dissipate over time. Lemon juice and kosher salt may also help to remove stains. Do not use hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or bleach on your board, especially on Maple! Chemicals such as those often discolor the butcher block far worse than the original stain.

Lead times vary depending on project complexity and current workload. Once we review your request, we’ll provide an estimated timeline.

Absolutely. Reference photos are very helpful. We’ll review them with you and suggest options that best match the look while staying within your budget.

Local delivery may be available depending on size and location. Shipping can be arranged for smaller items. Logistics and costs are confirmed on a case-by-case basis.

Pricing is based on size, materials, complexity, and finish. Once the scope is clear, we’ll provide a straightforward quote before any work begins.

Most custom projects require a deposit to reserve time on the build schedule and cover materials. Deposit details are included with your quote.

For certain projects, such as shelving or built-ins, installation may be available. Let us know what you’re planning and we’ll confirm what’s possible.

We offer a range of finishes, from natural clear coats to stained options. We’ll recommend finishes based on durability, use, and overall appearance.

Use the contact form and include dimensions, reference photos, and any timing considerations. We’ll follow up with next steps and any additional questions.