Hey everyone! I'm new here and excited to learn more about woodworking. I was gifted 20 beautiful 3-inch maple cookies that I'd like to use as charcuterie boards for my wedding centerpieces in October 2026. I love the natural bark and want to keep it intact for that live edge look. However, I'm unsure where to start. What would you recommend for prepping these? I've heard I should use stickers during the drying process and weigh them down to prevent warping. I'm considering Anchorseal, but I need advice on how to avoid bark separation during drying and what timeline I should follow for planning and prep work for epoxy to minimize cracking. Also, any tips on making them food safe would be awesome since one of my guests wants to keep one as a cutting board! Thanks!
2 Answers
Just a heads up, freshly cut cookies might not dry out in time for your wedding next fall. If you’re in a rush, a vacuum kiln might work to speed things up, but it can get pretty pricey. You might want to consider purchasing pre-made maple boards instead, as it could save you a lot of hassle!
Honestly, I would be cautious about the bark on your maple cookies. It tends to fall off or split over time, which isn't ideal for charcuterie boards or cutting surfaces. To dry them, a common rule is to let them sit for a year per inch of thickness. Using an end sealer can help too. As for speeding up the drying process, a warm, dry area works best. A kiln can help, but it can also stress the wood and cause cracking. For making them food safe, a finish with mineral oil and wax is usually recommended.