Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're choosing your first threadtree piece or looking for care information, you'll find answers to many of the most common questions below.
If you don't see what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to reach out through the Contact page. I'm always happy to help.
Reader Goods
Are your totes, aprons and apparel original designs?
Yes. Every threadtree design is created in-house and inspired by readers, everyday rituals, and a healthy appreciation for books, coffee, and a little dry humor.
How are your designs applied?
Our reader goods are professionally printed using high-quality direct-to-film (DTF) transfers chosen for their durability, color, and everyday wear.
How should I care for my apparel?
Wash inside out in cold water with similar colors. Tumble dry low or hang dry when possible. Avoid bleach and do not iron directly over the printed design.
Can I wash my tote?
Spot cleaning is recommended to help preserve the shape and print. If needed, hand wash in cold water and allow it to air dry.
Will you be adding more designs?
Absolutely. New reader goods and original designs will be released regularly alongside our handcrafted wood collections.
Wood Products & Craftsmanship
Are your products really handmade?
Yes. Every threadtree piece is handcrafted in my Maine workshop using carefully selected hardwoods. While I use modern tools to ensure precision and consistency, every board is individually finished, inspected, and prepared by hand.
Will my board look exactly like the one in the photos?
No—and that's one of the things that makes hardwood so special.
Every tree grows differently, so grain patterns, color, mineral streaks, knots, and natural figure will vary. Your piece will always follow the same design but will be uniquely yours.
Where does your wood come from?
Whenever possible, I source hardwoods from local sawyers throughout Maine and New England. Choosing local wood allows me to support small businesses while creating products with beautiful, natural character.
Why do you use different wood species?
Each species has its own personality.
​
Walnut offers rich, dramatic tones. Cherry warms beautifully with age. Maple is bright and clean. Purpleheart brings bold color, while Padauk adds warmth and vibrancy.
The wood is never an afterthought—it's part of the design.
Are your products food safe?
Yes. All cutting boards and serving boards are finished using food-safe products appropriate for their intended use. Detailed care instructions are included with every board and are also available on the Product Care page.
Can I actually cut on my board?
Absolutely. threadtree boards are made to be enjoyed and used. That said, engraved artwork is often preserved by using the reverse side for food preparation and displaying the engraved side when serving.
Orders & Customization
Do you offer personalization?
Many products can be personalized. If personalization is available, it will be listed on the product page.
Do you accept custom commissions?
Occasionally.
Availability depends on my production schedule. If you're interested in a custom project, please contact me with as much detail as possible.
Can I request a specific grain pattern or wood color?
I'll always do my best to accommodate reasonable requests, but because I work with natural hardwood, I cannot guarantee specific grain patterns or color variations.
Do you offer wholesale?
Please contact me directly regarding wholesale inquiries.
Do you offer licensed collections?
Yes—when available.
Licensed collections are created in partnership with authors or intellectual property owners and will be clearly identified within the shop.
Shipping
How long will my order take?
Processing times vary depending on the product.
Ready-to-ship items generally leave the workshop within a few business days,
while made-to-order and personalized items require additional production time.
Current estimates are listed on each product page.
Do you ship internationally?
At this time, threadtree ships within the United States only.
Can I send an order directly as a gift?
Yes. Pricing information is never included inside gift shipments. Please let us know if you want a card or note placed with your gift, we're happy to help.
Product Care
How should I care for my board?
Wash by hand using warm water and mild soap. Dry immediately.
​
Never place hardwood boards in the dishwasher or allow them to soak in water.
​
Regular conditioning with a quality board oil or wax will help maintain the wood's beauty for years to come.
Why does my board change color over time?
Hardwood naturally changes as it ages and is exposed to light.
​
Cherry becomes deeper and richer. Walnut gradually softens in tone.
These changes are part of the natural aging process and add to each board's character.
Can I use both sides of my board?
Yes. Many customers choose to display the engraved side while using the reverse side for everyday food preparation.
About threadtree
Why the name threadtree?
threadtree was created from the belief that stories connect us.
​
Books become conversations, gatherings become memories, and thoughtfully crafted pieces become part of those moments. It's where the words meet the woods.
Why don't you waste your wood?
Every piece of hardwood has value.
​
Whenever possible, offcuts from larger projects become bookmarks, small gifts, test pieces, or future designs. It's one way I honor both the material and the tree it came from.
Do you use your own products?
Every new collection begins with prototypes that spend time in my own home.
Living with a design helps me refine its function, proportions, and feel before it becomes part of the threadtree collection.
​
I believe the best designs are the ones I'd happily choose for my own table.
Still Have Questions?
I'd love to help. Visit the Contact page, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.