Our Story
Meet Andrú Mac Giolla Rí, a dedicated craftsman who began his journey with wooden boards from a young age, receiving his first tool set from Santa at just 4 years old. Upon returning to his childhood home nearly two decades ago, Andrú transformed his occasional hobby into a serious passion for creating wooden boards, emphasizing sustainability by utilizing wind-fallen, over-mature, dead, or recycled timbers. His mission is clear: to provide full traceability from tree to end-product, ensuring a more meaningful lifecycle for wood through his Irish wooden chopping boards and charcuterie boards.
The Process
Andrú oversees the entire timber process, from milling with his Logosol Chainsaw mill to air-drying and kiln-drying, ensuring each wooden board is crafted with care. Unlike commercial mills that rapidly dry timber, Andrú’s method involves slow air-drying, a meticulous process that minimizes warping and stresses, preserving the integrity of each piece.
One of Andrú’s favorite materials is Beech, particularly when it undergoes spalting. This natural process, taking 3 to 6 years, creates stunning black patterns, enhancing the beauty of spalted Beech boards. These pieces, whether as functional Irish wooden chopping boards or elegant charcuterie boards, showcase the unique characteristics of the wood.
The Result
To suit our dry, centrally-heated homes, Andrú kiln-dries the timber to achieve a moisture content of 8-10%, utilizing his own de-humidifying kiln. This careful drying process ensures each board’s durability and beauty, making Andrú’s work not just a product but a piece of art. Andrú Mac Giolla Rí isn’t just a founder; he’s a visionary craftsman dedicated to bringing the essence of nature into our homes with every wooden board he creates.
Benefits Of Using Our Chopping Boards
Our chopping boards at Bespoke Boards Ireland offer numerous benefits, particularly when it comes to quality and craftsmanship. Made from high-quality Irish hardwoods, including the unique spalted beech, our boards are not only visually stunning but also exceptionally durable.
The end grain construction of many of our chopping boards provides superior strength and longevity, making them resistant to warping and cracking. This design also helps preserve your knives' sharpness, as the wood fibers absorb the impact of chopping. Spalted beech, known for its striking patterns and natural beauty, adds an artistic touch to each board, ensuring that no two are alike. Additionally, the natural antibacterial properties of our hardwoods make our chopping boards a safer choice for food preparation.
Whether you’re slicing vegetables or carving meat, our handcrafted end grain boards and spalted beech chopping boards combine functionality with elegance, elevating your kitchen experience.
What Our Customers Say
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''The personalized engraving option on my board made it the perfect wedding gift. It was not only beautiful and practical, but the personalized touch made it an unforgettable token of love and craftsmanship.''
Anne M.
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''Discovering Bespoke Boards was a game-changer for our home. Each board is a piece of art, masterfully crafted with sustainability at its core. Knowing that our stunning piece comes from local Irish hardwoods makes it all the more special. It's not just a board; it's a story of nature's resilience and beauty.''
Sean M.
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''Each board from Bespoke Boards is a potential family heirloom. The durability, timeless design, and personal touch ensure that these boards are more than just kitchen tools; they are treasures that will be cherished for generations.''
Ciaran F.
FAQ’S
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Absolutely! We love exploring new ideas. Simply contact us with your vision.
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The time frame varies based on complexity. We aim for swift completion without compromising quality.
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Yes, sustainability is at our core. We use wind-fallen, recycled, and responsibly sourced timber.
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For now, our focus is on crafting locally, but do reach out for specific requests.
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Absolutely! We understand that everyone's needs are different. If you require a specific size for your wooden chopping board or charcuterie board, please reach out to us with your dimensions, and we'll be happy to accommodate your request.
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No, we use only natural, food-safe finishes on our wooden coasters and boards to enhance the wood's natural beauty and ensure they are safe for use in your home.
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Our boards are handcrafted from locally sourced Irish hardwoods, with each piece telling the story of its origin. The unique grains, natural imperfections, and the artisan's touch make each board one-of-a-kind.
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Yes, businesses can order personalised chopping boards with their branding in bulk. We offer special rates for bulk orders. Please contact us for more information on customization options and pricing.
