More than a serving board
A good quality charcuterie board isn’t defined by size or shape alone — it’s defined by material, making, and intention. The best boards are functional pieces that also carry character, longevity, and a sense of craft.
This guide explains what to look for in a quality charcuterie board, and why some pieces are made to be repeated — while others are truly one of a kind.
The Wood Comes First
Quality begins with the timber itself.
Mass-produced boards are typically cut from uniform stock chosen for efficiency and consistency. A higher-quality board starts earlier — with the selection of the wood, not just the cutting of it.
For our thick, statement boards, timber is hand selected. Each piece is chosen for:
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natural grain patterns
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character marks
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movement and variation
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a strong, well-formed wany (live) edge
These boards begin as a specific slice of a tree, chosen for its individuality rather than uniformity.
Thickness Matters — for Different Reasons
Thickness isn’t just about weight; it changes how a board feels, functions, and lasts.
Thinner boards
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Lighter and easier to store
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Ideal for everyday use
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More consistent in shape
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Designed to be repeatable
These boards are practical, well-made, and accessible — perfect for regular use or gifting when consistency matters.
Thicker boards
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Substantial and tactile
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Naturally resistant to warping
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Feel anchored and permanent
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Highlight grain depth and movement
A thick board holds presence. It doesn’t just sit on a table — it belongs there.
Hand Processing vs Repeatable Shaping
This is where the difference becomes clear.
Repeatable boards are shaped, finished, and engraved to a consistent design. This allows for:
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predictable sizing
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repeatable pricing
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uniform appearance
Your one-off thick boards, however, are processed by hand from start to finish:
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Each board responds to the shape of the timber
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Edges are worked, not imposed
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Grain dictates the final form
No two boards are ever the same — because no two trees are.
The Importance of Character
In handcrafted boards, character is not a flaw — it’s the point.
Natural features such as:
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grain variation
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knots
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colour shifts
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organic edges
are what give a board its identity. These details can’t be replicated, only discovered.
Each board carries its own visual rhythm and balance, shaped by the wood itself rather than a template.
Engraving as a Final, Personal Layer
On a handcrafted board, engraving isn’t decoration — it’s a finishing mark.
The designs engraved onto your boards are:
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created in-house
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unique to Byard’s Boutique
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designed to complement the grain, not compete with it
On one-off boards, engraving becomes part of the artwork rather than a label — responding to the board rather than sitting identically on every piece.
Why One-Off Boards Cost More
The difference in price reflects:
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time spent selecting timber
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hands-on processing
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the impossibility of repetition
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the fact that once sold, that exact board will never exist again
These boards aren’t produced — they’re made.
They sit somewhere between functional object and artwork, valued not just for use but for individuality.
Choosing the Right Board for You
A good quality charcuterie board isn’t always the most expensive — it’s the one that suits how you’ll use it.
Choose a thinner, repeatable board if you:
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want everyday practicality
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prefer lighter pieces
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value consistency
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are buying for regular use or gifting
Choose a thick, one-off board if you:
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value craftsmanship
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enjoy natural variation
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want a statement piece
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appreciate owning something truly unique
Both have their place — they simply serve different purposes.
A Board with a Story
At its best, a charcuterie board is more than a surface for food. It’s something you reach for repeatedly, something that ages with use, and something that quietly tells a story.
Whether chosen for everyday simplicity or as a one-off piece of functional art, quality shows in how a board is made — and how it’s lived with.
