Handmade Wooden Serving Pieces in Ireland – Bowls, Boards, and Choosing What’s Right for Your Table

When people think about food serving pieces, they often jump straight to practicality. But when those pieces are made from real Irish hardwood, they become more than just functional objects. They become part of the occasion.

I make handcrafted wooden bowls and serving boards from locally sourced Irish hardwood, taking each piece from log to finished item in my workshop in Tralee. Whether they’re used every day or brought out for special occasions, these pieces are designed to feel good in the hand, look right on the table, and last for decades if cared for properly.

This post brings together what I’ve learned over years of turning, selling, and using wooden serving pieces myself. It’s not a sales pitch. It’s a practical guide to understanding the difference between bowls and boards, how they’re used, and what to look for when choosing one. And why buying quality handmade is always better than mass produced wood products.

Still one of my favourite pieces, a large Ash bowl I made a few years back.

Why Wooden Serving Pieces Still Matter

Wood has been used for food preparation and serving for thousands of years, long before ceramics, pottery and plastics became common. When finished correctly, hardwood is naturally durable, gentle on food, and visually warm in a way that modern materials struggle to replicate.

Every bowl and board I make comes from Irish trees that have taken decades to grow. In many cases, the timber comes from storm-fallen or responsibly sourced wood that would otherwise go to waste. Turning that material into something functional and long-lasting is a big part of why I do this work.

These aren’t disposable items. They’re pieces you live with.

Hand-Turned Wooden Bowls – Functional and Timeless

There’s something quietly satisfying about a well-made wooden bowl. The shape is simple, but getting it right takes time. Each bowl I make is turned from solid Irish hardwood and finished slowly to bring out the natural grain and colour of the wood.

Wooden bowls work especially well for:

• Salads and shared dishes

• Bread, fruit, or dry foods

• Table centrepieces that still earn their place

• Display pieces

Because every bowl is turned by hand, no two are ever identical. Grain patterns, colour variation and subtle differences in form are part of what makes each piece unique. I’m often asked to make matching bowls, but I have to politely decline. Wood simply doesn’t behave like that, and my own style naturally introduces slight variations in size and shape.

I often hear from customers that my photos don’t fully capture the depth and warmth of a wooden bowl. That’s why I’m always happy to arrange in-person viewings when possible, so people can see and feel the pieces for themselves. In those situations, I usually let the customer choose from the display before I say anything. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and their first choice is almost always the right one.

If you're browsing for a handmade wooden serving bowl in Ireland, I keep a rotating selection in stock, each one turned from Irish hardwood in my workshop in Tralee. You can view what’s currently available in my shop here, wooden bowls.

My bowls are made for real use, so the finish matters just as much as the wood. I use food-safe finishes chosen specifically for wooden bowls, balancing protection with a natural feel and a subtle sheen that highlights the beauty of the grain. The same finish is used whether the bowl is for display, fruit or regular food use, but the outcome differs depending on how it’s treated. A bowl that is washed, whether occasionally or frequently, will naturally require more maintenance over time than one used purely for display.

I’ve written more about my past finishing processes, the pros and cons of each, and why food-use finishes behave differently once water is introduced, in my post on how I finish wooden salad bowls for food use.

Choosing the Right Bowl Size

One of the most common questions I’m asked is about size. Bowls can be surprisingly hard to visualise online, so here’s a simple guide:

• Small (under 10”) – ideal for snacks or small servings

• Medium (10”–14”) – versatile, everyday table use

• Large (14”–16”) – perfect for salads or family meals

• Extra Large (over 16”) – statement pieces, made from exceptional wood

A practical tip: use a tape measure on your table or counter and lock it to the diameter you’re considering. It’s a simple way to avoid surprises.

Handmade Wooden Serving Boards in Ireland – Made for Presentation

Serving boards and cutting boards often get confused, but they’re designed for very different jobs.

Cutting boards are typically made from end grain and built to absorb knife impact. For heavy chopping, a basic, replaceable board does the job just fine. I regularly find customers mixing the two up, and I’m always happy to explain the difference.

Serving boards, on the other hand, are about food presentation and style.

The boards I make are designed to showcase food, not sacrifice themselves to knife blades. As the food is enjoyed and cleared away, the grain begins to reveal itself, becoming part of the dining experience.

One of my favourite boards, Irish Ash with striking heartwood, sapwood and quilted grain, now in its new home.

Serving Boards are ideal for:

• Cheese and charcuterie

• Bread and pastries

• Cold meat cuts

• Fruit & nuts

• Entertaining and shared platters

Each board is shaped to highlight the grain and character of the wood, while maximising usable space from the original cut slice. The result is a centrepiece rather than a background item. They’re finished to be food-safe and durable, but intended to be enjoyed visually as much as practically.

A well-made board can easily become a hand-me-down piece, shared from one generation to the next. If needed, boards can be lightly re-sanded and refinished to restore their original lustre.

You can view my handcrafted serving boards here.

The Story in the Wood

One of the things people connect with most is the story behind the material. Irish ash, beech, oak, and other native hardwoods each have their own character, and once a tree is gone, that timber can never be replaced in the same way.

Ash, in particular, is now under serious threat worldwide. Many of the ash pieces I’ve worked with came from trees that were already lost. Turning that wood into something lasting feels important. These boards and bowls are, in many ways, records of a material that won’t always be available.

A Thoughtful Irish Gift That Gets Used

Wooden serving pieces make especially good gifts because they sit at the intersection of useful and meaningful. They’re practical enough to be used regularly, but personal enough to feel considered.

They suit occasions like:

• Housewarmings

• Weddings and anniversaries

• Christmas and milestone birthdays

Unlike novelty gifts, these are pieces that become part of daily life.

Looking After Wooden Serving Pieces

A well-made wooden bowl or board doesn’t need complicated care. Simple habits make all the difference:

• Hand wash only, no dishwasher!

• Dry thoroughly after use

• Re-oil occasionally with a food-safe oil

Treated properly, these pieces will outlast trends and fads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are wooden serving boards hygienic? Yes. When properly finished and cared for, hardwood serving boards are naturally antibacterial and perfectly safe for food presentation.

Q: Can wooden serving boards be used for chopping? I recommend using them for serving and presentation rather than heavy food preparation, as repeated knife use will mark the surface over time. For everyday chopping, it’s best to keep a dedicated kitchen cutting board and reserve your serving board for bringing food beautifully to the table.

Q: What wood do you use for your serving bowls? Primarily Irish hardwoods such as ash and beech, depending on availability.

Final Thoughts

This page exists because people often ask whether they should choose a bowl or a board, or whether they need both. The answer depends on how you cook, entertain, and live.

Bowls tend to become everyday companions. Boards tend to come out when people gather.

Both have their place, and both deserve to be made properly.

If you’re curious, take your time browsing the individual sections. And if you ever want to see pieces in person or ask about something specific, I’m always happy to help.

Thanks for Reading,

David

About the Author

I’m David Condon, a professional woodturner and small business owner based in Tralee, Co. Kerry. I spent 11 years working as a carpenter before starting my own woodturning business, which I’ve now been running for over a decade.

For more than ten years, I’ve been designing and making handmade wooden bowls, serving boards, and functional pieces from Irish hardwoods, selling them across Ireland and beyond. Bowls in particular have always been a core part of my work, from large salad bowls to smaller serving pieces, each one turned, finished, and food-safe treated in my workshop.

I teach woodturning full-time and work with wood every day. The advice I share here comes directly from hands-on experience — not theory — shaped by years of making, refining, and learning at the lathe.

© David Condon Woodcraft – All Rights Reserved.

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More Woodturning Pages to Explore​

● Hampshire Sheen - Fine Finishing products that will highlight your project pieces

● Hamlet Tools - Fantastic Woodturning Tools from a well trusted brand

● Woodcraft Hub - View my woodcraft creations for inspiration of gift buying.

● Sanding Essentials - Essential sanding products for Woodturners & Woodworkers.

● Woodturning Blanks - A fine range of Hardwood Spindle Blanks & a few Bowl Blanks too!

● Woodturning Pen Blanks - A huge assortment of Acrylic & Irish Hardwood Pen Blanks.

● Crafter's Haven – A vast range of craft supplies for crafters and gift givers!

Original content © David Condon Woodcraft — Written by David Condon. Please credit and link if shared.