Measure the space first
Check the counter depth, sink, storage, and clearance around nearby appliances. Compare those measurements with the stated finished dimensions. Include feet and handles in the total height and footprint.
Ask for approximate weight. Large end-grain boards can be awkward to wash even when they fit the counter. Decide whether the board will stay in place or move after every use.
Request construction details
- Exact wood species, not only colour names.
- Finished width, depth, and thickness.
- Whether the images show the actual board.
- Finish used and maintenance instructions.
- Feet, handholds, grooves, and whether both faces are usable.
- Repair, return, and warranty terms.
Pattern complexity does not prove construction quality. Look for a flat surface, clean joints, consistent edge work, and no visible open cracks. Natural colour variation is normal; structural defects are a different issue.
Check the working surface
A juice groove reduces the uninterrupted cutting area and makes a board face-specific. Confirm its position, width, depth, and distance from the edge. If you do not need it, a flat two-sided board may be easier to use and refinish.
Feet improve clearance and grip but normally make one face the top. Handholds help with heavy boards. Edge roundovers can make lifting more comfortable, while large decorative profiles remove more material.
Photos are not dimensions. Ask for a dimensioned specification or drawing when the board must fit a particular space.
Questions for the seller
- Is this exact board available, or is the image representative?
- What are the finished dimensions and approximate weight?
- Which species and finish are used?
- How should it be washed, dried, and re-oiled?
- What variation should I expect from the photographs?
- What happens if the board arrives damaged or develops a joint problem?
Inspect it on delivery
Check the package before discarding it. Place the board on a known flat surface, inspect both faces and every joint, and compare dimensions and details with the order. Follow the maker's acclimation and care instructions before first use.