Inspect the stock before designing around it
Moisture, defects, grain direction, dimensions, and milling quality affect the result directly. Confirm that the boards are dry for the workshop conditions and leave enough section to joint and plane them to the required strip size.
Reject or work around checks, unstable pith, loose knots, decay, and other defects that compromise the planned elements or glue surfaces. If a defect is removed, update the stock calculation rather than treating the offcut as usable material.
Compare species with the same checklist
- Suitability: verify the exact species and intended food-contact use with a reliable material reference.
- Availability: choose dimensions that can be sourced consistently, especially for repeated orders.
- Machining: test ripping, crosscutting, glue preparation, and flattening on the actual stock.
- Appearance: inspect end grain, not only a long-grain sample. Finish a test piece because oil changes colour and contrast.
- Service: consider movement, surface behaviour, maintenance, and whether repairs will remain practical.
Mix species deliberately
A three-colour pattern does not need three equal areas. Use one main wood, one contrast, and a smaller accent if required. Strip width often produces better hierarchy than adding another species.
Before mixing woods, compare moisture content and machine small samples. Markedly different movement or machining behaviour can complicate flattening and service. Do not assume that similar colour means similar performance.
Studio colour is a preview. Screen colour, lighting, tree variation, cut position, and finish all affect the real board. Approve physical samples for a custom order when colour is important.
Questions to ask a maker
- What exact species are used?
- Are the images of the actual stock or representative samples?
- What finish is applied, and how should it be maintained?
- Will natural colour variation be shown before production?
- How are defects, cracks, or joint failures handled?