product-specific

what are the measurements?

Each product description includes the product’s measurements rounded to the closest quarter (0.25 inches) and measured from the widest points unless stated otherwise. L=Length is up and down; W=Width is left to right; and D=Depth is front to back/thickness.

How are wood products finished?

Unless noted in the product description, all wood is finished with Howard Cutting Board Oil (mineral oil enriched with natural waxes), which is usually used for maintaining and conditioning cutting boards and wooden kitchen surfaces. I like to use cutting board oil (CBO) to finish wood for the following reasons:

1) Safety - CBO is FDA food-grade and safe to use for eating and drinking, and there are no added fragrances or dyes that may be an irritant;

2) Protection - CBO protects wood by sealing it, prevents wood from drying and cracking, reduces moisture absorption, and thus enhances the longevity of the wood;

3) Care - Overtime, the finish on wood products can be worn away, but using CBO is simple (pour it on the wood and rub the CBO into the wood) and inexpensive so you can easily care for your products; and

4) Look - CBO creates a natural finish so the wood grain and character is still visible.

What are the Finishing alternatives?

1) Painting - completely covered or can still see wood grain; Need to use clear coat to protect the product, and I cannot use CBO.

2) Stain

3) Charred: Instead of just using CBO, for some products you have the option for different finishes. The “charred” option refers to using a propane torch to char the surface of the wood, which not only changes its color and highlights the wood grain, but also helps preserve and protect the wood (a centuries-old Japanese technique). If you select a “charred” option, after the burning the wood will be treated with CBO for extra protection and smoothness.

how to apply cutting board oil (CBO) so to maintain wood products?

While I use Howard CBO, you can use any CBO or cutting board wax. Here are the general steps (though there should be instructions on the CBO product and there are tons of articles and videos with directions):

1) Make sure the wood is clean and dry.

2) Pour the oil directly onto the surface of the wood. You should use a generous amount and you want the surface to be wet on all sides.

3) Put the wood on a wire rack or upright so it can dry.

4) Let the oil soak into the wood for as long as possible (at least a few hours) before wiping off any excess oil.

What’s with all the options?

Lawless Upcycling wants every customer to love their products, and the major benefit of shopping with a small business that handmakes all of its products is that Lawless Upcycling can easily customize various features with its products. As some folks have strong preferences about items in their homes or to gift, Lawless Upcycling provides various options so customers can choose exactly what they want. This being said, too many options can sometimes be overwhelming so customers can skip the options in which case the default options will apply.

Some options do not have an increased cost while other options increase the cost by a few dollars so to cover the additional materials and/or time required to accomplish the option. The price will automatically update based on the options chosen.

The options for products also demonstrate the kind of choices customers can make if they want a fully-customized product.