The Berger Plank, Black Walnut

The everyday board, in black walnut. An edge grain cutting board built for daily prep, with the same wood, finish, and options as the Berger Block at a lower price.

Available in four sizes, from the Compact for quick jobs to the Extra Large for big prep days and carving. Pick your size above, then finish it your way with the edge, grip, and add-on options.

Why Black Walnut

Walnut is a deep chocolate brown with lighter tones running through it. In edge grain, that color runs in long, straight lines down the length of the board, so it reads calm and clean on the counter. With regular oiling it mellows and takes on a warmer glow over the years.

It's firm enough for daily chopping and still easy on a sharp knife, and its dark color hides the light staining that comes with real use, like beet juice or berries, better than lighter woods do. It costs more than cherry or maple because the lumber does.

Edge Grain vs. End Grain

Edge grain boards are built from long strips of wood glued side by side with the narrow edge facing up. That makes a dense, hard-wearing surface that takes much less time to build than end grain, which is why it costs less. The trade-off is that the knife cuts across the wood fibers instead of between them, so knife marks show a little more over time. If you want the board that's most forgiving on your knives and built to last the longest, see The Berger Block in Black Walnut.

Specs

• Material: Black walnut
• Size: Four sizes, from the 14" x 10" Compact to the 24" x 18" Extra Large (choose above)
• Construction: Edge grain
• Edge profile: 45 degree chamfer, roundover, or straight (choose above)
• Finger grooves: Reversible Grip or Underside Grip (optional, choose above)
• Finish: Mineral oil and beeswax board butter, hand applied
• Add-ons: Juice groove, rubber or brass feet, custom engraving (optional, choose above)
• Branding: Built By Berger mark on the side of every board

Edge and Grip Options

Edge profile. The 45 degree chamfer is the classic look, a crisp angled edge that softens the corners without rounding them off. The roundover gives a smooth, rounded edge that feels comfortable in the hand. Straight keeps a clean, square edge for a more modern, minimal profile.

Finger grooves. The Reversible Grip puts a groove in the middle of each end, so both faces of the board stay fully usable. Flip it for a fresh surface, or keep one side for prep and the other for serving. The Underside Grip sits low along the bottom edge, tucked out of sight from above for a cleaner profile and an easy lift off the counter. Adding feet? The Underside Grip is the better match, since feet make the board one-sided anyway.

The Build

Long strips of walnut are milled flat and square, glued side by side with the edge grain facing up, and flattened into one solid board. From there it gets the same finish as every board in the shop: sanded through six grits, 80, 120, 150, 180, 240, and a final pass at 320, and water popped between every one so it stays smooth after its first wash instead of turning fuzzy. Then multiple rounds of mineral oil and a final beeswax board butter. Each one carries the Built By Berger mark on its side.

Also Available In

The Berger Plank comes in three woods, same build and same options. Prefer a warmer tone that deepens with age? See The Berger Plank in Cherry. Want something bright and clean? See The Berger Plank in Maple.

Mineral oil and hand wash only. Full care guide on the Board Care page.