FREE SHIPPING OVER $99*
Laser Etched 16-in Ash Plank Board + Handle #35528
When a hostess gift or housewarming present needs to feel genuinely considered, this 16-inch ash plank delivers in a way a generic board never could. Each one is hand-made in the USA from thermal ash wood, roasted in a kiln until the grain turns a deep, chocolatey brown, then finished with all-natural butcher block oil — no chemicals, no stain. The laser-etched personalization is included in the price, and with three font options (Copperplate, Edwardian or Willow) and a grapes icon, the result is a board that looks like something you had made, not something you ordered.
At 16 inches with a leather handle, it has real presence on a table — wide enough for a proper cheese and charcuterie spread, easy to carry out to guests. The dark, smoky tone of the wood means food looks striking against it, and because the etching goes through the full board, the name doesn’t fade with use. Wood grain and color will vary naturally from board to board, which is part of what makes each one its own.
Best For
- Giving a wedding or housewarming gift that has a name on it and will stay in the family
- Setting out a cheese and charcuterie spread when guests are coming and the table needs to look considered
- Giving a host gift for someone who entertains and will actually use it, not just display it
- Adding a personalized family board to your own kitchen that doubles as a serving piece and a keepsake
- Personalization is included in the price: Laser etching is not an add-on — it’s built into the cost. Choose your text, one of three fonts (Copperplate, Edwardian or Willow) and a grapes icon, and it’s etched before the board ships.
- Allow 2–3 weeks for production: Each board is made to order, so plan ahead if this is a gift for a specific occasion.
- Natural woodsmoke scent from the charring process: Because the ash is roasted — not stained — the board carries a faint woodsmoke or tobacco note. This is expected and comes from the charring that runs through the entire board, not a finish applied to the surface.
- 16 x 10 inches gives you real serving room: Wide enough to hold a cheese wedge, a ramekin of olives and a spread of charcuterie at the same time without crowding the surface.
- Leather handle attached at the short end — functional for carrying and doubles as a display hook
- Requires hand washing and periodic oiling: Do not soak or run through the dishwasher. The charring makes this wood slightly more porous than an untreated board, so regular treatment with food-safe mineral oil is important to prevent cracking over time.
- Handmade in the USA
Pairs Well With
- Food-safe mineral oil for ongoing board maintenance — the care instructions recommend oiling periodically, and IWA carries one specifically listed for this board.
Brand: IWA
Size: 16w x 10d x 1 1/4h (in)
Weight: 5 lbs
Care Instructions
After use, the cutting board should be cleaned with hot, mild soapy water. It should not be soaked in water, because this may cause the board to crack and warp. Periodically, the board should be oiled with a food-safe mineral oil to keep it from cracking. Make sure the board is completely clean and dry before oiling, and use a clean soft cloth or paper towel to apply. Let it soak in, then wipe off the excess.
Where does the dark, chocolatey color come from — is it stained or painted?
A: No stains or paints are used. The rich brown color comes entirely from the kiln-firing process. Each board is made from thermal ash wood roasted in a kiln until it reaches that deep, chocolatey brown tone. Because it's a natural process, the exact color, grain and shade will vary from board to board — and without identical lighting, your board may appear darker than the product photos.
Is this board safe to use with food, and what finish is on it?
A: Yes, it is fully food safe. No chemicals or stains are used at any stage of production. After kiln-firing, each board is treated with an all-natural butcher block oil (no chemicals) to extend the life of the wood and prevent cracking. Any visible residue on the surface is simply the oil combined with the dark wood — not a coating or additive.
Will the board have a smell, and does that go away?
A: Yes — because the charring process goes throughout the entire board, you can expect a woodsmoke or tobacco-like scent when you first receive it. This is completely normal and not a sign of a defect. It typically fades with regular use and cleaning over time.
How does the personalization work, and what are my font options?
A: Personalization via laser etching is included in the price — no add-on fee. You choose your text (typically a family name) and select from 3 fonts: Copperplate (bold, traditional serif), Edwardian (elegant script) or Willow (loose, flowing script). A grapes icon can also be added above the text. Because this is a custom item, please allow 2–3 weeks for processing before shipment.
Can this go in the dishwasher, and how do I care for it long-term?
A: No — do not put this board in the dishwasher or soak it in water, as both can cause the wood to crack and warp. After each use, clean it with hot, mild soapy water and dry it promptly. Periodically treat the surface with a food-safe mineral oil — make sure the board is completely clean and dry first, apply with a soft cloth or paper towel, let it soak in, then wipe off the excess. This keeps the wood from drying out and extends the life of the board significantly.
Is this a good hostess or wedding gift, and does it come ready to give?
A: It works well as a hostess, housewarming or wedding gift precisely because the personalization makes it feel considered rather than generic. At 16 x 10 inches it's a practical size for charcuterie and appetizers — large enough to entertain with but not oversized for everyday use. The board ships as a finished, personalized piece. It is hand-made in the USA with a leather handle, so presentation out of the box is strong on its own.