Boards

Boards for Serving and Presentation

Boards are simple pieces. They carry starters, sharing plates, small bites, and desserts. They need to be steady, clean easily and hold up to repeated handling.

The ones here are made for that kind of work. You’ll find wood, slate, porcelain and mixed materials. Some suit rustic menus. Others feel more neutral.

Most venues use boards alongside ramekins or small dishes. It keeps portions tidy and adds a bit of structure to the plate.

The right size depends on what you serve and how much counter space you have.

What You’ll Find

There are long boards, round boards, small tasting pieces and heavier styles for shared dishes. Some stack well. Others take more space, though they work better for presentation.

Board thickness makes a difference. Too thin, and they warp. Too thick, and they feel awkward on busy passes.

Many restaurants use one board shape for most dishes because staff learn the feel of it. Easier to handle, easier to store.

A few kitchens mix shapes for variety, but that needs more shelf room.

Wood looks good, though it needs proper care. Slate offers a clean contrast but can chip if handled roughly.

Porcelain boards are easier to wash and last longer in heavy service. Each option has a trade-off. You pick based on how your kitchen runs.

A Note from a Chef

“We switched to porcelain boards because they stack tighter. It freed up a whole shelf. Looks clean on the table, too.”

Related Crockery Categories

• Ramekins →
  Used on boards for dips, small sides or baked items.
• Plates →
  For dishes that don’t need a board and work better on a flat surface.
• Bowls →
  For parts of the dish that need depth — soups, salads, pasta.
• Tableware Accessories →
  Small pots, pinch bowls and extras that often sit on boards.
• Stands →
  Used with boards during buffets, displays or counter service.

Articles You May Find Useful

• Restaurant Tableware Guide →
  Helpful if you’re planning your full presentation setup, not just boards.
• Avoiding Tableware Mistakes →
  Talks about durability issues and storage habits that apply to boards, too.
• Matching Tableware to Your Venue →
  Good if you’re deciding whether to use wood, slate or porcelain across your menu.

Explore More Collections

To build out your full crockery range — bowls, plates, mugs, ramekins — return to the catering crockery collection.

To browse all tableware categories in one place, visit the main restaurant tableware collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these boards dishwasher safe?
A: Porcelain boards are. Slate and wood vary by range. Each listing includes cleaning guidance.

Q: Do boards work with ramekins?
A: Yes. Most have enough flat space for one or more ramekins.

Q: Can boards chip or warp?
A: Slate can chip if knocked. Wood can warp if left wet. Porcelain is the most stable.

Q: Can I buy them individually?
A: Yes. Most boards are available as single pieces or in small packs.

Written and published by Ascot Wholesale, supplier to the UK hospitality trade since 1995.