Recently, I had the pleasure of crafting a custom butcher block for a client in Northern California who wanted something large and robust for their kitchen. This board, measuring 22x17x2 inches, is not just a functional piece but a work of art. The end-grain construction, made up of rich cherry and maple, showcases a unique brick and mortar pattern, where the brick is maple, and the mortar and border are cherry.

One of the standout features of this board is its integrated finger holds, making it easy to carry and move around the kitchen. Engraved on the front is the Wild Board logo, a mark of craftsmanship and quality. For this project, I opted for a clear CA glue inlay within the logo, which allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through while protecting the exposed fibers from food and other contaminants. Typically, I would go with a black inlay, but something about this board called for clarity, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out.

To complement the board, I also created two custom stands tailored specifically for it. These stands are crafted from wenge wood and African padauk, chosen for their striking contrast. The deep, dark tones of wenge against the vibrant, reddish hue of padauk add a sophisticated touch to the overall aesthetic, making this butcher block a stunning centerpiece in any kitchen.