I'm looking into making a cutting board and my main source of wood is recycled pallet wood. I'm aware that some woods and glues are safe for food contact while others are not. While figuring out the right glue is straightforward, I'm uncertain about how to determine if the wood I have is safe for food use. As a beginner in woodworking and a total novice at wood identification, any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
If you do consider using pallet wood, make sure it's not treated. Pallets usually have markings that indicate their treatment—just a quick Google search would help. I've made a few things with pallet wood and haven't had issues, but I'd be cautious. Lately, I've been using salad bowl finish for my charcuterie boards, which is pretty durable compared to oil mixes that need frequent reapplication.
Pallet wood is a gamble. You can't know if it’s safe since it may have absorbed something toxic. Plus, most pallets are softwoods like pine, which isn't ideal for cutting boards. I'd suggest avoiding it altogether.
Honestly, I'd steer clear of pallet wood for anything food-related. You can't be sure how it was treated or what it has been exposed to. If you don't know the history of the pallet, there's a chance it could have harmful residues from whatever was shipped on it. Instead, check out local cabinet makers for scraps or explore sites like Facebook Marketplace for free hardwood!
That’s a great suggestion, thanks! Based on the responses, it sounds like it's better to save this wood for non-food projects and look for local sources instead.
Thanks a lot for the advice! Unfortunately, I cut the pallets a while back, and the marks are mostly gone. I think I'll keep this wood for other projects and find a better option.