90 Proof Woodworking in Charleston: Custom Engraving and Handcrafted Wood Goods

What 90 Proof Woodworking Does

90 Proof Woodworking is a Charleston-based workshop that combines custom wood engraving with handcrafted wooden products. The shop specializes in personalized items—cutting boards, serving boards, boxes, and other wood goods—where customers can add engraved text, names, dates, or designs. The work is done on-site, and the owner takes custom orders for both one-off pieces and larger quantities for events or gifts.

The name reflects the owner's background in distilling and woodworking, two crafts that share precision and patience. Whether you're looking for a wedding gift, a corporate award, a housewarming present, or a custom piece for your own kitchen, the shop can engrave and finish wood to your specifications. Orders typically take a few weeks depending on complexity and current workload.

Key Takeaways

• 90 Proof Woodworking offers custom engraving on wood items like cutting boards, serving boards, and boxes made in their Charleston workshop.
• You can order personalized pieces for weddings, corporate events, housewarming gifts, or personal use with text, names, dates, or custom designs.
• The shop works by custom order rather than maintaining a large inventory, so turnaround time is typically a few weeks.
• You can visit the workshop in person or contact them to discuss your project, materials, and engraving preferences before placing an order.

Types of Items You Can Order

The most popular items are cutting boards and serving boards in various wood types and sizes. These are functional pieces that also serve as keepsakes—a board engraved with a couple's initials and wedding date, or a family name, becomes something people actually use and display. The shop can customize dimensions, wood finish, and the placement and style of the engraving.

Beyond boards, 90 Proof Woodworking creates wooden boxes for storage or display, coasters, plaques, and other wood goods. Corporate clients order branded items or awards; individuals commission pieces for anniversaries, retirements, or milestone birthdays. The engraving can be simple (a name and date) or more detailed (a logo, a map, a custom illustration).

Wood selection matters to the final look. The shop works with different domestic and imported woods, each with its own grain, color, and character. Discussing wood type with the owner during the ordering process helps ensure the finished piece matches what you're imagining.

How to Place a Custom Order

Start by contacting 90 Proof Woodworking directly—either by visiting the workshop in Charleston or reaching out by phone or email. Have a clear idea of what you want: the item type, approximate size, the text or design you want engraved, and when you need it. If you're unsure about wood type or engraving style, the owner can walk you through options and show examples of past work.

Once you've discussed the project, you'll receive a quote based on materials, engraving complexity, and current turnaround time. A deposit typically secures your order, and the balance is due when the piece is ready for pickup or shipping. The owner will confirm the engraving details in writing before work begins, so there's a chance to catch any spelling or design changes.

Turnaround depends on the workshop's current queue and the complexity of your order. Simple engravings on existing stock items may be faster; custom wood pieces or detailed designs take longer. It's worth asking about timing upfront, especially if you're ordering for a specific event.

Pricing and What Affects Cost

Pricing varies based on the wood type, size of the item, and complexity of the engraving. A simple engraved cutting board costs less than a large custom box with detailed artwork. Corporate orders or bulk quantities may have different pricing than single gifts.

The best way to understand cost is to describe your project to the owner and ask for a quote. There's no hidden markup—you're paying for materials, the time to craft or source the wood item, and the precision engraving work. Shipping costs are separate if you're not picking up locally.

Why Engraved Wood Makes a Lasting Gift

Wood engraving creates a permanent mark that doesn't fade or wear off like paint or printing. A cutting board used for years in a kitchen, or a box stored on a shelf, carries the engraved message or design as long as the wood lasts. This permanence is why engraved wood is popular for weddings, anniversaries, and milestone events—it becomes a keepsake, not a disposable item.

The handmade quality also matters. A piece from 90 Proof Woodworking is made by a craftsperson in Charleston, not mass-produced overseas. That story—that someone took time to select the wood, engrave your specific message, and finish it by hand—adds meaning to the gift beyond the object itself.

Visiting the Workshop

If you're in Charleston, visiting the workshop in person lets you see wood samples, past projects, and engraving examples. You can discuss your idea face-to-face, ask questions about materials and techniques, and get a sense of the owner's style and attention to detail. The workshop is a working space, so hours may be limited or by appointment—call ahead before stopping by.

For those outside Charleston, phone and email orders work well. The owner can describe options, send photos of similar pieces, and walk you through the process remotely. Shipping is available for completed orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a custom order take?

Turnaround is typically a few weeks, depending on the workshop's current workload and the complexity of your piece. Simple engravings may be faster; custom wood items or detailed designs take longer. Ask for a specific timeline when you place your order, especially if you need it by a certain date.

Can I bring my own wood or item to be engraved?

Contact the shop to ask about this. Some woodworkers will engrave items you provide; others prefer to source and prepare materials themselves to ensure quality. The owner can tell you what's possible for your specific project.

What if I want a design engraved, not just text?

90 Proof Woodworking can engrave logos, maps, illustrations, and custom artwork. Discuss your design idea with the owner—they may ask for a file or image, or work with you to refine the concept. More detailed designs take longer and may cost more than simple text.

Do you ship orders outside Charleston?

Yes, the shop ships completed orders. Shipping costs depend on the item's size and weight and your location. Ask about shipping fees when you receive your quote.

What's the best way to care for an engraved cutting board?

Hand wash and dry it promptly; avoid the dishwasher, which can warp wood and fade finishes. Oil the board occasionally with food-safe mineral oil or beeswax to keep the wood from drying out. The engraving itself won't fade or wear away with normal use.