Get to Know
GET TO KNOW LARCH WOOD CANADA, MAKER OF HANDCRAFTED CUTTING BOARDS AND CHOPPING BLOCKS

Story by Bridget Brazie / Interview with Liam O'Rourke, General Manager of Larch Wood / Photos from Larch Wood Canada

Larch Wood Canada

We’re endlessly inspired by makers who bring intention, beauty, and a deep respect for nature into their craft. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce you to Larch Wood Canada, a small team from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, whose end-grain cutting boards are as much a celebration of the forest as they are a kitchen essential. Larch Wood Canada transforms larch into heirloom-quality pieces that elevate the everyday. We sat down to learn more about the story behind the wood, the hands that shape it, and why these boards have found their way into homes around the world.

"IT STARTED WHEN A GROUP OF LOCAL CRAFTSMEN SAW THE POTENTIAL IN THIS UNDERUTILIZED WOOD."

– Liam O'Rourke

ROOTS IN CAPE BRETON

Larch Wood Canada began over a decade ago in Margaree, a tight-knit community on Cape Breton Island, where the rugged landscape and resilient tamarack (larch) trees set the stage for something special. “It started when a group of local craftsmen saw the potential in this underutilized wood,” Liam O’Rourke, General Manager of Larch Wood, shares. That vision grew into a workshop that now employs over 25 people, crafting cutting boards (and more) that marry function with artistry.

The larch itself is a cornerstone of the story. Known for its durability and striking grain, it’s a tree that thrives in the region’s harsh climate—shedding its needles in winter only to burst back with vibrant green each spring. Every board begins with timber sourced in eastern Canada, ensuring a connection to the land that’s as authentic as it is sustainable.

CRAFTSMANSHIP MEETS PURPOSE

What sets Larch Wood apart is their dedication to the end-grain technique—a method where the wood fibers are cut and arranged vertically, creating a surface that’s gentle on knives and built to last. Each piece is handcrafted, sanded to a silky finish, and conditioned with a custom beeswax blend. The result? A board that’s not just a tool but a tactile experience—one that invites you to slow down and savor the process of preparing a meal.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

In the Margaree workshop, every day brings a rhythm of creativity and collaboration. Mornings might hum with the sound of raw timber being transformed, while afternoons shift to refining designs or connecting with partners (like Bloomist!). The small, tight-knit team operates like a family, each member invested in crafting something lasting. Beyond the boards, Larch Wood plays a vital role in the rural community, offering steady work where opportunities can be hard to come by—a point of pride that runs deep.

Lifts of kiln dried larch wood

Gluing together end grain blocks for production of larch wood cutting boards

Oiling and conditioning end grain kitchen cutting boards

FINDING BALANCE IN NATURE

For Larch Wood, inspiration comes from the island itself. Cape Breton’s wild beauty—its forests, mountains, and coastline—fuels the team’s inspiration. The island’s untamed spirit mirrors the resilience of the larch trees they work with, which shed their needles in winter only to renew each spring. That cycle of growth and renewal shapes their ethos: creating pieces that endure while honoring their origins. For the crew, stepping outside—whether hiking local trails or simply breathing in the crisp air—reinforces why they do what they do.

That connection to nature echoes in Larch Wood’s ethos. “We’re not just making cutting boards,” Liam explains. “We’re sharing a piece of where we’re from—a material that’s been here for centuries, worked by hand into something timeless.” It’s a philosophy that resonates with Bloomist’s own love for natural materials and slow, purposeful design.

Larch Wood Canada

WHY WE LOVE LARCH WOOD CANADA

We’re drawn to Larch Wood Canada for the same reasons their boards have won fans worldwide: they’re a perfect blend of beauty, utility, and story. Each one carries the marks of its origin—the swirling grain, the faint scent of larch, the care of the hands that shaped it. Whether you’re slicing bread for a quiet breakfast or prepping a feast for friends, these boards bring a touch of Cape Breton’s wild heart to your table.

Ready to bring one home? Explore Larch Wood Canada’s collection with Bloomist and discover a piece that’s as enduring as the trees it came from.

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