Chopping Board From Spalted Beech and Alder

[Dorset Treeman]

My wife wanted to have a go at making simple chopping boards for friends and family out of some spalted beech and alder boards that I have.

 

I was talking to someone at the Stock Gaylard Oak Fair and they said not to use spalted wood for chopping boards due to the fungal mycelium and bacteria in the wood, but I have seen many made and sold from spalted wood at this show and similar shows.

 

Can you treat the wood with something human friendly first to kill any nasties or does anyone have any advice on this subject?

 

Thanks,

 

Alan

[Rob D]

Unfortunately it's 'one of those' - in that much easier to say that it could be dangerous rather than that it'll prob be fine...

 

 

...but I expect it's prob fine.

 

 

[nepia]

I think I'd be more concerned about the apparent risk from eating the warm soft cheese that will be served up on the board than anything in the board itself.

Not too concerned then...

[Ian Leach]

As Rob said above really, i've sold a few with food safe oil on them. There are loads of people selling them in shops and on the internet, so you should be fine.

[devon TWiG]

It depends how spalted they are , I do not think there is any real risk to human health ( other wise we would all die after cutting down a dead beech tree !!) but the white parts can be a bit soft and also if the board is often wet from use and washing it could carry on decaying , there are plenty of food safe oils to use, some use cooking oils .

[Dorset Treeman]

Thanks for the replies