Care guide
The essentials
Wash by hand
Use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth or sponge.
Dry promptly
Wipe the board dry, then allow both sides to breathe.
Never soak
Do not leave your board sitting in water or place it in the dishwasher.
Condition as needed
Apply food-grade board oil or balm whenever the wood begins to look dry.
One piece of wood. One-of-a-kind grain.
Each Of Surge & Keel serving board begins as a single piece of locally sourced hardwood rather than a panel assembled from many smaller strips.
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The grain, colour, knots, and natural markings continue uninterrupted across the board. No two pieces will ever be exactly alike.
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Because it is genuine solid wood, your board will naturally respond to the humidity around it. Small seasonal changes are part of the character of the material—not a sign that the board has been poorly made.
Why choose local solid wood?
Rooted here
Made in small batches from locally sourced wood, each board carries a direct connection to the forests and communities of the coast.
Every board is selected, shaped, sanded, and finished individually. The final form follows the particular grain and character of the wood rather than a factory mould.
Shaped by hand
Made to be renewed
Unlike many disposable household goods, a solid hardwood board can often be cleaned up, reconditioned, and refinished as it ages. Scratches and signs of use can become part of its story—or be gently sanded away when the time comes.
Our single-slab boards contain no glue lines or laminated layers. They are finished with carefully chosen food-contact-safe ingredients that highlight and protect the natural wood.
Naturally simple
How to care for your board
1. Wash gently
After use, wash your board by hand with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that may scratch the surface.
2. Keep washing brief
Do not soak the board or leave it sitting in a wet sink. Never place it in the dishwasher.
3. Dry both sides
Towel-dry the board promptly. Then stand it on an edge or place it where air can circulate around both faces until it is completely dry.
4. Avoid extremes
Keep the board away from heating vents, woodstoves, radiators, and prolonged direct sunlight. Sudden or uneven changes in heat and humidity can encourage solid wood to move.
5. Recondition when it looks dry
When the surface appears pale, dry, or less richly coloured, apply a thin coat of food-grade board oil or Of Surge & Keel board balm. Allow it to absorb, then buff away any excess with a clean cloth.
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Treat both faces and the edges rather than conditioning only the top side.
A board that changes with you
Solid wood naturally deepens in colour and develops small marks and variations with use. These are part of the patina of a well-loved piece.
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Changes in seasonal humidity may also cause slight movement in the wood. Most movement settles as the surrounding conditions stabilize and does not affect the board’s beauty or usefulness.
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Pronounced rocking or cracking is not something you should simply ignore. Please contact us so we can take a closer look and help determine the best next step.
FAQ
Will my board remain perfectly flat forever?
​Solid wood naturally reacts to changes in humidity. Careful drying, balanced conditioning, and protection from extreme heat greatly reduce the likelihood of noticeable movement, but no maker can guarantee that natural wood will never change.
Can I put it in the dishwasher?
No. The prolonged heat and water can cause warping, cracking, surface roughness, or damage to the finish.
How should I store it?
Store it somewhere dry and away from direct heat. It may be placed flat or stood securely on its edge, provided that air can circulate and one face is not held against a damp or hot surface.
How often should I apply board balm?
There is no fixed schedule. Recondition it whenever the wood begins to look dry, pale, or dull. Boards that are washed frequently or kept in a very dry home may need care more often.
What should I do if it begins to rock?
Move the board away from direct heat and allow it to rest in a stable indoor environment with airflow around both faces. Do not soak it, steam it, or attempt to force it flat.
If the movement remains pronounced, send us photographs taken on a known-flat surface so we can assess it.
Surge Narrows Collective is based on Read Island in the Discovery Islands, British Columbia, Canada.
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