Frequently Asked Questions
About the Store
Do you have retail store locations?
No. The NW Co. is an online-only store. Every board is handcrafted in Oregon and shipped directly to you. Browse the full collection at nwboards.com.
How can I contact you?
Email us at khalil.l.burton@gmail.com or use the contact form. We typically respond within 1 to 2 business days.
Do you offer bulk or wholesale orders?
Yes. We work with select wholesale partners. Visit our Wholesale page for details and to get in touch.
Do you have active discount codes or promotions?
We do not run ongoing discount codes. Our pricing reflects the actual cost of handcrafting each board to the standard we hold ourselves to. Subscribers to our email list occasionally hear about limited promotions first.
Shipping
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes. Every board ships free in the lower 48, with engraving included in the price. Small accessory orders under $49, such as a tin of Wood Butter on its own, ship at a flat $6.99. Alaska, Hawaii, US territories, and international orders are calculated at checkout.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship to most countries worldwide. International shipping rates and estimated delivery times are calculated at checkout based on your location.
How quickly will my order ship?
Personalized walnut and maple boards are engraved and shipped within 1 to 2 business days, and you will see an estimated delivery date at checkout. Walnut end-grain blocks ship within 1 to 2 business days as well. Maple end-grain blocks are built to order and ship in 7 to 10 business days. Order by December 11 for Christmas delivery. If you have a specific deadline, reach out before ordering and we will tell you honestly what is possible.
Do you offer express shipping?
We do not currently offer guaranteed express delivery. If you have a time-sensitive gift or occasion, email us at khalil.l.burton@gmail.com before placing your order and we will let you know what is possible.
The Wood
What types of wood do you use?
Black walnut and hard maple are what we build and engrave every week. We also carry a limited supply of teak.
Black walnut is deep, dark, and the gentlest common hardwood on a knife edge. It hides stains, takes an engraving with high contrast, and is the wood most people choose when the board is a gift. Is walnut good for cutting boards? has the full case.
Hard maple is light, clean, and the wood professional kitchens have used for a century. It is harder than walnut, shows knife marks a little sooner, and engraves crisp and dark. Walnut vs maple will help you choose.
Teak is naturally oily and dense, which makes it resistant to moisture. It is sold from a limited supply and is not personalized. Here is the honest read on teak, including what it does to knives.
What is the difference between face grain and end grain?
Face grain boards are cut along the length of the wood, showing the long grain pattern on the surface. They are thinner, lighter, and excellent for serving and everyday prep work.
End grain boards are cut to expose the cross-section of the wood fibers. This surface is gentler on knife edges because the blade slips between the fibers rather than across them. End grain boards are heavier and more complex to build and they develop a distinctive patina the more they are used.
Is teak always available?
No. Our teak comes from a limited supply and is not restocked on a schedule. What is listed is what we have.
Board Care
How do I clean my cutting board?
Wash with warm soapy water and dry immediately. Never submerge a wooden board in water or put it in the dishwasher. Standing water will cause warping and cracking over time. A quick wash and a towel dry is all it takes.
How do I condition my board?
Rub in a thin coat of Wood Butter when the surface starts to look dry, about once a month for a board in regular use. Let it sit 15 to 20 minutes, then buff off the extra. A board that is new, very dry, or coming out of storage gets a deep soak of board oil first. The whole routine is in How to Care for a Cutting Board.
Our Wood Butter is made in small batches with mineral oil and a higher beeswax ratio than most commercial conditioners. It goes on smooth and protects the wood longer than standard oil alone.
How long will a cutting board last?
A well-maintained solid wood cutting board lasts decades. The boards we make are not disposable. They are meant to be passed down. The finish we put on every board, sanded far beyond the usual standard and conditioned with our own Wood Butter, gives it a head start. The rest is up to you.
Personalized Boards
How does personalization work?
Our personalized boards are laser engraved to order. You can choose from Serif, Script, or Monogram lettering styles on either walnut or maple. Each board is already sanded long past the point most shops stop and finished with our Wood Butter before engraving, so the personalization sits on a board that is already exceptional, not a raw commodity blank.
How long does a personalized order take?
Personalized walnut and maple boards are engraved and shipped within 1 to 2 business days. Most arrive 3 to 6 business days after that in the lower 48, and checkout shows you an estimated delivery date. If you are ordering for a specific date, email us first and we will confirm.
Can personalized boards be returned?
Personalized boards are made specifically for you and cannot be returned or exchanged. If there is an error on our end, we will make it right.
Returns and Refunds
What is your return policy?
Non-personalized items may be returned within 30 days of delivery. Items must be in their original condition, unused and undamaged. To start a return, email khalil.l.burton@gmail.com. Refunds are processed within 10 business days of receiving the returned item.
Personalized items are non-returnable.