A cutting board is more than a kitchen accessory. Beneath the surface, structural design, material selection, and construction techniques determine long-term durability and performance.

When selecting hancrafted wooden pieces it’s easy to be drawn first to appearance—-thesilhoutte, the color, the finish. Bur wood holds qualities than run far deeper than what we see at a glance. Read miore to discover what Walnut really should look like.

A rare and beautiful rosewood, Cocobolo is known for its deep red and orange tones, dark streaking, and glass-smooth finish. In this Rare Wood Series feature, I share why Cocobolo is considered one of the world’s most precious hardwoods — and why I use it thoughtfully and sparingly in my handcrafted work.

Ebony has a long history in fine craftsmanship and luxury woodwork. The variety I use — Macassar Ebony — is beautifully streaked with warm orange and black grain. In this Rare Wood Series post, I’m sharing what makes this wood so rare, how it’s used, and why I choose it thoughtfully and sparingly in my handcrafted work — including a very special board in my Signature Collection.

The Rare Wood Series: When Rarity Meets Craft:

Welcome to The Rare Woods Series, a new chapter at 86 Custom Woodowerking, 86 Custom Studio, where craftsmen meets some of the most extradinary wood on earth.

Padauk is an exotic hardwood known for its fiery orange-red color and strength. Learn why I love it, how to care for it, and where it’s featured in our shop.

Teak is a golden tone tropical hardwood known for its durabilituy and natural oils. Learn why I love it, how to care for it, and where it’s featured in our shop.

Wenge is a bold African hardwood known for its deep brown to black tones. Learn why I love it, how to care for it, and where it’s featured in our shop.

Cherry wood is loved for its warm tones and fine grain. Learn why I love using Cherry, how to care for it, and where it's featured in our shop.

Handmade once meant simple tools and human touch. Today, machines and algorithms reshape that meaning. Let’s talk about what handmade means for the future.

Ebony is a very dense and fine-grained hardwood known for its deep black color. Ebony is finely textured and has a mirror finish when polished, making it valuable as an ornamental wood.

Walnut is a customer favorite for its deep tone and calm grain. I source most of my walnut locally and mill it with care, bringing out a smooth, satin finish. Below are my sourcing notes, the exact key traits I rely on, simple care, and how I use walnut in the shop.

Curly Maple’s rippling figure catches light like silk. It’s durable, takes a beautiful finish, and suits heirloom pieces you’ll use every day. Below I share how I source it responsibly, why I love working with it, key traits to know, simple care tips, and pieces you’ll find in my shop.

Whether you're a curious newcomer or a seasoned wood enthusiast, this blog is for anyone who wants to learn more about exotic hardwoods — the rare and remarkable species that bring warmth, character, and timeless beauty into the home.