About KenCraft
Who We Are
At KenCraft LLC, we focus on creating unique digital woodworking designs utilizing state-of-the-art computer numerically controlled (CNC) precision woodworking routers and laser engravers. We specialize in creating sophisticated inlay products, including both wood inlay and epoxy inlay designs. For wood inlay cutting/serving boards, we offer precision crafted wood inlay designs that combine elegant visual appeal with everyday functionality in your kitchen or for your next party. They also make great gifts. Click the Learn More button below to find out more about our wood inlay designs.
Browse our gallery to see some of our handcrafted creations and visit our ETSY shop to purchase a special gift or home décor item. We also welcome client requests for personalization of standard products or custom designs for that special one-of-a-kind gift or home décor item. Our passion for woodworking is evident in every project we undertake, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship, precision and attention to detail.
Custom Design Services
Product Customization
Many of our precision crafted woodworking products can be customized to create a perfect personalized home décor item or gift. We specialize in wood inlay products and can provide custom wood inlay services. You can have a cutting/serving board personalized with a custom wood inlay monogram, name, image, business logo, or special lettering. A personalized home decor item or wood inlay cutting/serving board makes a perfect gift for a wedding, birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion. We can also provide custom laser engraving and epoxy inlay products.
For custom designs, please send us a message using the custom order form in our ETSY shop to let us know what you need. We would love to work with you to create that special one-of-a-kind gift or décor item.
Wood Inlay - the Superior Product
Wood Inlay Overview
Wood inlay is a decorative woodworking technique that involves embedding pieces of contrasting hardwood into a base wood to create intricate designs and patterns. Careful selection of different species of wood for contrasting colors and grain for the inlay results in a high-end product that is visually striking. The wood inlays use naturally vibrant hardwoods, showcasing rich, natural color without the use of any dyes, stains, paints or artificial coloring/pigments, just the pure beauty of nature preserved in every detail.
The wood inlay process at KenCraft uses the CNC to precision carve intricate patterns into the base cutting/serving board as well as create the inlay piece that is inserted into the base. The computer precision of the CNC allows the inlay to fit perfectly into the base cutting/serving board. The edges of the resulting inlay are crisp, the transitions are seamless, and the surface of the cutting/serving board is sanded smooth resulting in a final product that is as visually elegant as it is functional.
Wood Characteristics
Wood has a natural way of self-healing over time when cut with a knife, and numerous studies have found that there are natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties in many varieties of hardwood due to its healing nature. Wood pulls bacteria in trapping and killing it through the drying process after cleaning. The wood inlay approach maintains this natural self-healing characteristic of your cutting/serving board.
At KenCraft, we offer three wood species for the base of our cutting/serving boards: walnut, cherry and maple. These are widely considered the top-tier hardwoods for cutting/serving boards thanks to their ideal balance of durability, beauty, and food safety. The important factors are described below:
- Hardness: Walnut, cherry and maple are hardwoods making them resistant to damage from knives and they will not dull knives as quickly as softer woods.
- Grain: The grain of walnut, cherry and maple is closed, meaning that the pores are not visible. This will help to prevent food from becoming lodged in the wood, which can lead to the growth of bacteria.
- Porosity: Walnut, cherry and maple wood are low in porosity, meaning that they do not absorb moisture easily. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
- Resistance to warping: Walnut, cherry and maple are resistant to warping, which can be caused by changes in moisture content.
- Appearance: Walnut, cherry and maple are all beautiful hardwoods with distinctive grain patterns, creating a cutting/serving board that is both decorative as well as functional.
Why Wood Inlay Serving/Cutting Boards Stand Above the Rest
When looking for a custom cutting/serving board, several options can be found on the market, including wood inlay, laser engraved and epoxy resin. At KenCraft, we feel when it comes to craftsmanship, durability, and food safety, wood inlay cutting/serving boards are the superior product. A wood inlay cutting/serving board offers a distinct blend of durability and functionality and adds a level of sophistication that sets it apart from laser-engraved or epoxy alternatives. It is not only a tool for food preparation and serving but also a decorative piece.
Unlike laser engraving, which lacks visual richness and can fade or roughen over time with regular use, wood inlay integrates contrasting natural hardwoods seamlessly into the board, preserving their visual clarity and functional elegance through years of use. Also, the burning process of laser engraving creates carbonized areas and micro-crevices that can trap food particles and bacteria, making cleaning more difficult. In contrast, wood inlays are flush with the board’s surface and transitions are seamless, avoiding grooves or crevices where bacteria can hide, and the smooth surfaces of the inlay make the cutting/serving board easy to clean.
Epoxy boards, while trendy, can pose some food safety concerns if improper epoxy resin is used that has not been certified food safe, is not compliant with FDA standards, or has not been properly cured. Even if these standards are met, with use over time, epoxy can harbor bacteria in scratches and can chip leading to potential ingestion of micro-particles. In contrast, wood inlay cutting/serving boards can maintain the natural antibacterial properties of hardwood and will preserve their heirloom quality for years. The result is a wood inlay food serving surface that’s visually striking and functional — built to last and made to be used.
Cutting/Serving Board Maintenance and Care
Our cutting/serving boards are designed to be just as functional as they are visually elegant. A coating of food-grade conditioning oil has been applied to your board, so it is ready to use. Below are some tips for the care and maintenance of your board.
Cleaning After Each Use
- Scrape off Debris: Use plastic scrapper to remove stubborn bits of food. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.
- Wash gently: Use warm (not hot) water and mild dish soap with a soft sponge.
- Disinfect: For boards that held raw meat or fish, wipe with a mix of white vinegar and water or lemon juice.
- Dry immediately: Dry thoroughly after rinsing, use a towel to remove excess water to prevent warping.
What to Avoid
- Never soak: Submerging n water can cause swelling and cracking.
- Never use Olive or Vegetable Oil: These can get rancid over time and cause your board to smell that way.
- No dishwasher: High heat and harsh detergents damage wood.
- Avoid direct sunlight: It can dry out and warp the board.
Monthly Maintenance
- Condition regularly: Apply food-grade cutting board conditioner, sourced from a US company, to protect your board.
- Deodorize and remove stains: Use baking soda paste or scrub with a lemon dipped in coarse salt.
Storage Tips
- Store upright: Allows air circulation and prevents moisture buildup. Avoid storing in a closed space.
- Keep in a cool, dry place: Avoid humid environments.
With these steps, your cutting/serving board will stay beautiful and functional for years.