materials and care

materials

From rich Black Walnut to vibrant Purpleheart, Alley Katz selects only structurally sound, visually distinctive hardwoods. Each board is chosen for grain movement, tone, and figure, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that balance function and artistry.

materials we work with

Domestic

  • Black Walnut

  • Cherry

  • Maple

Exotic

  • Olivewood

  • Canarywood

  • Tigerwood

  • Wenge, Zircote

  • South African Black Limba

  • Brazilian Pau Ferro

  • Zebrano

  • Padauk

  • Purpleheart

  • Bloodwood

  • Osage

  • Yellowheart

All materials are ethically sourced through sustainable harvest, natural fall-down, or decay recovery. The goal is to preserve the beauty of rare hardwoods while ensuring responsible use of the forest.

Care & Maintenance

Maintenance:

IUse mineral oil or the provided paste whenever the surface appears dry or dull. Apply liberally, let absorb, then buff dry.

Every AlleyKatz board is bathed in mineral oil for 2 hours and finished with our homemade board balm, a unique blend of Canadian Beeswax, Brazilian Carnauba Wax, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Golden Jojoba Oil, Moroccan Argan Oil, with hints of Frankincense, Lemon, and Benzoid Oils, before shipping. Once received, apply the provided paste every few days as the board acclimates to your home’s humidity.

Washing:

  • Hand wash only

  • Use mild dish soap and warm water

  • Wash both sides to prevent warping

  • Never soak or use a dishwasher

sanitizing:

  • Use coarse salt and half a lemon, or

  • Spray with 2:1 water–vinegar solution and wipe clean