A recipe board that keeps the handwriting, not just the words
An engraved recipe board takes a treasured recipe card, note or scanned page and turns it into a piece of wooden decor you can hang in the kitchen or display on a shelf. We work from your supplied text or image and recreate the layout in a clean readable format, while keeping the feel of the original where possible.
These boards are popular for family recipes, wedding gifts, memorial pieces and housewarming presents. A board can include the recipe title, ingredients, method, a short message and a name or date. If the original handwriting is faint or cropped, we can clean up the layout so the finished piece still looks neat and practical.
- Suitable for handwritten notes, typed recipes or scanned originals
- Can include family names, dates and short dedications
- Made for display, not food preparation
Size options and finish choices for kitchens, gifts and events
We make recipe boards in a range of sizes so they suit a small kitchen nook or a larger wall space. The most common size is around 300 mm x 400 mm, with smaller keepsake boards for compact spaces and larger statement pieces for feature walls or corporate gifting. Thickness is typically 6 mm to 12 mm depending on the look and the amount of handling expected.
You can choose from plain wood tones or darker contrast layers depending on the design and legibility needed. For recipe boards with a lot of text, we usually recommend a lighter face so the engraving is easier to read. If the board is going into a busy family kitchen, we can add a hanging hole or wall mounting points to suit the final display spot.
- Small keepsake boards for gifting tables and shelves
- Standard wall boards for kitchens and sculleries
- Large format boards for feature walls, farmhouses and hospitality spaces
Where engraved recipe boards work best
These boards suit homes, guest houses, boutique kitchens, bridal showers, anniversary gifts and corporate hampers. They also work well in restaurants and cafes that want to show a signature recipe or a heritage dish in a visible way. In Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Paarl and Hermanus we often make them for family homes, wine estates and event venues where the decor needs to feel personal rather than generic.
Because the boards are engraved wood, they suit interiors with warm finishes, timber shelving and natural textures. They also photograph well for social media, which makes them popular for event styling and market displays. If you want a set of boards for multiple recipes, we can keep the layout consistent across the whole group so they look neat together.
How the boards are made and what they need on site
Engraved recipe boards do not need power, gas or plumbing once they are made. They arrive ready to hang or place on a shelf, which makes them useful for homes dealing with load-shedding or venues that want decor without added installation work. For wall use, all you need is a suitable hook, picture nail or adhesive mounting method matched to the wall type.
Our finishing team checks edges, engraving depth and surface quality before dispatch. If the board is being installed in a kitchen with steam or higher humidity, especially near the coast in places like Strand, Gordon's Bay or Hermanus, it is best to keep it away from direct heat, stove splash zones and steam from kettles or dishwashers. That helps preserve the wood for longer.
- No electricity, gas or water connection needed
- Can be hung on dry interior walls or displayed free-standing
- Keep clear of direct heat, cooking splash and constant moisture
Care, cleaning and long-term use
Wooden recipe boards are easy to keep clean if they are treated properly. A dry or slightly damp cloth is usually enough for dust. Do not soak the board, and avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive scouring pads because they can mark the surface and lift the finish over time. If the board is displayed in a kitchen that gets regular steam, wiping it down now and then will help keep the engraving crisp.
For gifting, many clients ask us to include a protective box or wrap so the board stays clean in transit. If you are ordering for a business, guest house or event, we can pack multiple boards securely for courier delivery. Should a board need a small touch-up after years of use, bring it back to us and we can advise on the best repair or refinish option where practical.
- Wipe with a soft dry cloth or lightly damp cloth
- Avoid soaking, dishwashing and chemical cleaners
- Store flat if not on display for long periods
What to confirm for a custom menu board order
Before ordering, check the exact recipe text, spelling, line breaks and any special names or dates you want included. If you are sending a handwritten version, take a clear photo in good light or scan it at high resolution so we can read the detail properly. Small changes in spacing can affect how well the recipe fits on the board, so it helps to send the final wording as early as possible.
Also think about the display space. Measure the wall or shelf area in millimetres, and decide whether the board should be portrait or landscape. If you want a gift for a wedding, anniversary or memorial, allow time for proofing and production. For bulk orders, event sets or business gifting, we recommend confirming quantities and delivery town early, whether that is Somerset West, Cape Town, Durbanville, Paarl or further afield by courier.
- Check spelling, dates and family names carefully
- Send a clear image or typed copy of the recipe
- Confirm size, orientation and hanging preference before production
Key facts
| Product type | Engraved wooden recipe board |
|---|---|
| Common sizes | Small keepsake, 300 mm x 400 mm standard, larger custom sizes available |
| Material | Timber board with engraved surface and optional layered detail |
| Use | Kitchen decor, gifting, memorials, weddings and hospitality display |
| Mounting | Wall hanging hole, picture nail or shelf display depending on style |
| Ordering | Custom made from your recipe text, photo or scan via the enquiry form |
