Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Timber Roots FAQ. Here you'll find answers to common questions about our handcrafted cedar planters, hardwood cutting boards, shipping, returns and custom orders. If you don't find what you're looking for, please contact us at info@timberroots.ca

Assembly

How are your planters assembled?

Our cedar planters are designed with a tool-free interlocking system — no screws, no hardware, no frustration. The panels slot together by hand in minutes, so you can spend more time gardening and less time assembling. The same design makes disassembly and storage easy at the end of the season (if required).

Cedar Care & Durability

Why do you use Western Red Cedar?

Western Red Cedar is one of nature's most durable outdoor woods. It contains natural oils that make it inherently resistant to rot, moisture, and insects — without any chemical treatment. It's also lightweight, beautiful, and sustainably sourced. These characteristics make Western Red Cedar an excellent material for outdoor planters and raised garden beds.

How long will a cedar planter last?

With normal outdoor use and proper care, our Western Red Cedar planters are built to provide many years of service. Cedar naturally weathers to a soft silver-grey over time. If you prefer to maintain its original warm tone, applying a suitable exterior wood oil or finish periodically can help preserve the colour. 

Does cedar need to be sealed or treated?

No sealing is required—Western Red Cedar is naturally resistant to moisture and decay. If you'd like to slow the natural greying process, apply a suitable exterior wood oil or penetrating cedar finish according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid film-forming finishes that may peel or flake as the wood weathers.

Cutting Board Care

How do I care for my hardwood cutting board?

A little regular care goes a long way. We recommend:

• Hand-wash only — never put your cutting board in the dishwasher. Prolonged heat and water will cause the wood to crack and warp.
• Dry immediately — stand the board upright or lay it flat on a rack after washing so both sides dry evenly.
• Oil regularly — apply food-grade mineral oil or a beeswax board cream every few weeks (or whenever the wood looks dry). This keeps the wood hydrated and prevents cracking.

What oil should I use on my cutting board?

We recommend food-grade mineral oil — it's inexpensive, odourless, and won't go rancid. Board creams made with beeswax and mineral oil are also excellent for added protection. Avoid olive oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil, as these can turn rancid inside the wood over time.

My board has some light scratches or knife marks. What can I do?

Light surface marks are normal with everyday use and are easy to address. Sand the board lightly with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit works well), wipe away the dust, and re-oil. Your board will look refreshed and last for years to come.

Shipping

Where do you ship?

We ship across Canada and the United States, with shipping rates and estimated delivery times calculated at checkout. For destinations outside Canada and the United States, please contact us with your delivery address and postal code and we'll confirm whether shipping is available and provide a quotation.

How long does shipping take?

Most orders are shipped within 3–5 business days. Delivery times after shipping typically range from 2–7 business days within Canada, and 5–14 business days for US orders, depending on your location and the carrier.

Will I receive tracking information?

Yes — once your order ships, you'll receive a confirmation email with your tracking number so you can follow your package every step of the way.

Returns & Exchanges

What is your return policy?

We accept returns or exchanges within 30 days of receiving your order, provided the product is unused, in its original condition and returned in its original packaging. Customers are responsible for return shipping costs, and original shipping charges are non-refundable. Custom orders are final sale. If your order arrives damaged or there is a problem with your product, please contact us as soon as possible and we'll make it right. Please see our Refund and Shipping policies for full details.

What if my order arrives damaged?

We take great care in packaging every order, but if something arrives damaged in transit, please reach out right away. Send us a photo of the damage and your order number and we'll arrange a replacement or refund as quickly as possible.

Still have questions?

We'd love to hear from you. Reach out at info@timberroots.ca and Kim will personally get back to you.