Farmhouse Handcrafted Araucana Egg Serving Board
Description
Handmade in Vermont, the wood is crafted from either maple, walnut, or ash.
Rinse with water to remove food particles and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Never leave submerged in water. Apply mineral oil only as needed to prevent splitting.
Related Products
Each order is hand picked. If you have special requests, please note them here. We will do our best to accomodate:
Really great distressed black cabinets and awesome butcher block island!
Newsletter
Sign up today and you'll be the first to know about exclusive offers, events and exciting finds at 503found!
The Story Behind the Board
Every board that leaves our Vermont workshop begins as a rough plank selected for its grain, weight, and character. We work primarily with three hardwoods—maple, walnut, and ash—each chosen for a different reason. Maple offers a pale, even surface that lets the natural color of the eggs shine. Walnut brings a deep, chocolatey richness that feels at home on a farmhouse table. Ash has a bold, open grain that adds texture and a slightly rustic feel. No two boards are ever identical, and that is exactly the point.
The boards are cut, shaped, and sanded by hand using traditional woodworking techniques. Edges are softened just enough to feel good in the hand, but not so much that they lose their crisp, handcrafted look. The surface is finished with food-safe mineral oil, which brings out the wood’s natural warmth and provides a subtle sheen. Because we avoid heavy lacquers and synthetic finishes, the wood remains porous and alive—it will develop a patina over time that tells the story of every breakfast, brunch, and gathering it has served.
We named this piece after the Araucana chicken, a breed known for laying eggs in shades of blue, green, and olive. Those unexpected colors deserve a backdrop that is equally beautiful and unpretentious. This board was designed to be that backdrop—a quiet stage for one of the simplest, most honest foods there is.
How the Board Is Made
The process begins with sourcing. We work with small, family-owned sawmills in New England that share our commitment to sustainable forestry. The trees are harvested selectively, and every part of the log is used. Once the lumber arrives at our shop, it is air-dried for several months to stabilize the wood and reduce the risk of warping or cracking later on.
Next comes the milling. Each plank is planed to a consistent thickness, then cut to size. The board’s signature shape—a gently tapered oval with a small handle at one end—is drawn by hand and cut on a bandsaw. The handle is not just decorative; it makes the board easy to carry from kitchen to table and gives it a place to hang when not in use.
After cutting, the board is sanded through a progression of grits, from coarse to ultra-fine. This is the most time-consuming step, but it is what gives the surface its silky, almost soft feel. We pay special attention to the edges and the inside of the handle, where rough spots are most likely to hide. Finally, the board is oiled, buffed, and inspected. If it does not meet our standards, it goes back to the sanding bench—never to the shelf.
Caring for Your Board
Wood is a natural material, and it responds to its environment. With a little attention, your board will last for decades and only get better with age. The most important rule is to keep it dry. After each use, rinse the board under warm water and wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth. Do not soak it, and never put it in the dishwasher. The high heat and harsh detergents will strip the wood’s natural oils and cause it to crack or warp.
When the board starts to look dry or dull—usually every few weeks, depending on use—apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil. Use a soft cloth or your fingers to rub the oil into the wood, working in the direction of the grain. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then wipe away any excess. This simple ritual keeps the wood supple and prevents splits from forming at the edges.
If your board develops small scratches or knife marks, do not worry. These are part of its story. You can lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper and re-oil it to refresh the look. Avoid using vegetable or olive oil, as these can turn rancid over time. Stick with mineral oil or a dedicated wood board conditioner.
Ways to Use the Board
This board is designed with eggs in mind, but its uses go far beyond the breakfast table. Here are a few of our favorite ways to put it to work:
- Soft-boiled egg service: The shallow recess in the center holds eggs steady while you slice off the tops. Pair with toast soldiers and a pinch of flaky salt.
- Deviled egg platter: The oval shape and gentle lip keep filled eggs from sliding around. Garnish with paprika, chives, or crispy shallots.
- Cheese and charcuterie: The board is large enough for a small wedge of cheese, a few slices of cured meat, and a handful of nuts or olives.
- Bread and butter board: Serve a warm baguette with a ramekin of softened butter and a drizzle of honey.
- Everyday catch-all: Use it on the counter to hold salt and pepper, a small vase of flowers, or your morning coffee setup.
Because the board is made from solid hardwood, it is sturdy enough for daily use but elegant enough for special occasions. It transitions easily from a casual family breakfast to a holiday brunch with friends.
Why Handcrafted Matters
In a world of mass-produced kitchenware, a handcrafted board stands apart. It carries the fingerprints of the person who made it—the slight variations in grain, the tiny tool marks, the way the light falls on a hand-sanded edge. These are not flaws; they are evidence of care. When you buy a handcrafted piece, you are supporting a tradition of craftsmanship that goes back generations.
We believe that the objects we use every day should be beautiful. A board like this one does not hide in a drawer. It lives on the counter or hangs on the wall, ready to be used and admired. It becomes part of the rhythm of your kitchen—a small, quiet reminder that even the simplest meal deserves a thoughtful setting.
If you are drawn to pieces with a similar spirit, we invite you to explore other items in our tabletop collection. The Tina Frey Extra Large Resin Tray with Leather Handles brings the same handmade warmth to serving drinks or displaying objects. For a sculptural centerpiece, the Tina Frey Large Resin Trough is a stunning vessel for fruit, bread, or greenery. And if you are looking for a matching set for summer entertaining, the Seagrass Pitcher & Glasses Set pairs beautifully with the natural wood tones of this board.
A Note on Sustainability
We are committed to making products that are kind to the earth. Our hardwoods come from responsibly managed forests, and we use every scrap of wood—small offcuts become coasters, trivets, or kindling for the shop stove. The mineral oil we use is food-safe and biodegradable, and our packaging is plastic-free whenever possible.
By choosing a handcrafted wood board, you are making a choice that is both beautiful and sustainable. Unlike plastic or composite boards, this piece will never end up in a landfill. It can be sanded, re-oiled, and passed down to the next generation. That is the true meaning of heirloom quality.
Thank you for supporting small-batch, American-made craftsmanship. We hope this board brings warmth and character to your table for many years to come.