Discover the top 8 woods for cutting boards in our guide. Choose the perfect material for your kitchen needs.
A cutting board is an essential tool in every kitchen. While there are various materials used to make cutting boards, wood remains a popular choice due to its durability, aesthetics, and knife-friendly properties. However, not all woods are created equal.
Research at the University of Wisconsin suggested that wood inhibited the growth of bacteria and thus wooden cutting boards were safest to use. A good cutting board is an important part of the kitchen; it keeps your knives sharp and makes food preparation more efficient. But more importantly, a quality cutting board is a critical part of food safety. A bad cutting board can have bacteria or mold.
This article explores the best types of wood for cutting boards, and their pros and cons.
Table of Contents
Maple
Maple cutting boards are a top choice among culinary enthusiasts, and for good reason. This durable hardwood, derived from the native North American maple tree (Acer saccharum), boasts exceptional resistance to scratches and stains, making it a low-maintenance option for busy kitchens. Its light, even color, ranging from creamy white to pale yellow, features a straight grain pattern and fine texture. With a hardness rating of 1,450 psi and density of 0.63-0.75 g/cm, maple cutting boards are built to withstand heavy use and spills.
Ideal for those who prioritize durability and ease of maintenance, maple cutting boards are a versatile choice that can be stained or finished to suit any style. They’re perfect for home cooks and professional chefs alike, offering a reliable and long-lasting surface for food preparation.
Pros
- Resistant to scratches and stains
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Durable and long-lasting due to it hardness
- Light color makes it easy to spot stains
- Can be stained or finished in a variety of ways
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Not as resistant to moisture as other woods
- Stains easily
- Heavy
- Needs frequent conditioning
Cherry
Cherry is a popular choice for cutting boards due to its rich, reddish-brown color, fine grain, and durability. It’s a hardwood derived from the cherry tree (Prunus avium), native to North America. Cherry is known for its rich, reddish-brown color, which darkens with age, with a straight grain pattern and fine, even texture. Its hardness rating is 950 psi, and density is 0.50-0.60 g/cm, making it resistant to stains and spills.
Cherry cutting boards are ideal for those who prioritize aesthetics and durability. They have a rich, luxurious appearance that adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen. Cherry is also resistant to scratches and stains, making it a practical choice for heavy-duty use.
Pros
- Resistant to scratches and stains
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Lovely reddish color
- Gentle on knives
- Requires little maintenance or conditioning
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Too soft, does not last long
- Stains easily
- Dents and nicks easily
Walnut
Walnut is a strong and durable hardwood that’s perfect for cutting boards. It comes from the walnut tree, which is native to North America. Walnut has a rich, dark brown color and a straight grain pattern. It’s also very resistant to stains and spills. Its hardness rating is 1,010 psi, and density is 0.50-0.60 g/cm.
Walnut cutting boards are great for people who want a durable and functional cutting board. They can withstand heavy use and resist scratches and stains. Plus, they’re less likely to warp or crack, making them a practical choice for those who want a low-maintenance cutting board.
Pros
- Dark, rich color adds elegance to any kitchen
- Stain-resistant
- Lovely chocolate brown color
- Gentle on knives
- Works well as both a presentation and preparation board
- Can withstand heavy use
Cons
- Not the best choice for heavy-handed choppers
- Needs regular conditioning
- Also expensive
Teak
Teak is a tropical hardwood known for its durability, moisture resistance, and natural oil content, derived from the teak tree (Tectona grandis), native to Southeast Asia. Teak is known for its golden-brown color, ranging from light to dark, with a straight grain pattern and coarse, textured surface. Its hardness rating is 1,070 psi, and density is 0.50-0.60 g/cm, making it resistant to stains and spills.
Teak cutting boards are perfect for those who need a durable and moisture-resistant surface. They’re resistant to warping and cracking and can handle heavy use without showing signs of wear. Plus, teak is resistant to stains and spills, making it a great choice for those who want a cutting board that’s easy to maintain.
Pros
- Resistant to moisture and humidity
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Natural oil content makes it resistant to stains
- Can withstand heavy use
Cons
- Can be expensive
- May require periodic oiling
- Not as resistant to scratches as other woods
Bamboo
Bamboo is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for cutting boards. Native to Asia, this grass is lightweight, durable, and resistant. It has a natural light color and a straight grain pattern. While it’s relatively soft, a tensile strength of up to 28,000 pounds per square inch (psi) means bamboo’s strength surpasses that of oak and maple. it’s also very dense, with a density of 0.50-0.60 g/cm.
Bamboo cutting boards are ideal for those who prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness. They are made from a renewable resource, and are biodegradable and compostable. Bamboo is also a lightweight and durable material, making it a practical choice for those who want a portable and easy-to-handle cutting board.
Pros
- Sustainable and eco-friendly
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Resistant to scratches and stains
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as durable as other woods
- May require more frequent replacement
- Not as resistant to moisture as other woods
Oak
Oak is a strong and durable hardwood that comes from the oak tree. It’s native to North America and Europe. Oak has a light to dark brown color and a straight grain pattern. It’s also very resistant to moisture, with a hardness rating of 1,290 psi and a density of 0.75-0.90 g/cm.
Oak cutting boards are perfect for those who want a durable and beautiful surface. They’re resistant to scratches and stains and can handle heavy use without showing signs of wear. Oak is also resistant to warping and cracking, making it a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance cutting board.
Pros
- Resistant to moisture and humidity
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Natural beauty and charm
- Can withstand heavy use
Cons
- High cost
- Requires periodic oiling
- Scratch-resistant, but not as durable as other woods
- Vulnerable to water damage
- Susceptible to insect damage
Ash
Ash is a strong and flexible hardwood that comes from the ash tree. It’s native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Ash has a light to dark brown color and a straight grain pattern. It’s also very durable, with a hardness rating of 1,320 psi and a density of 0.60-0.70 g/cm.
Ash cutting boards are perfect for those who need a flexible and shock-resistant surface. They’re resistant to scratches and stains, and can handle heavy use without showing signs of wear. Ash is also resistant to warping and cracking, making it a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance cutting board.
Pros
- Flexible and resistant to shock
- Resistant to scratches and stains
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as resistant to moisture as other woods
- May require more frequent replacement
- Not as durable as other woods
Acacia
Acacia: the ultimate powerhouse of cutting boards! Sourced from the robust acacia tree, native to Africa, Asia, and Australia, this hardwood is renowned for its unyielding durability, remarkable resistance to scratches and stains, and its striking natural beauty. Its dark brown to black hue, straight grain pattern, and coarse texture make it a stunning addition to any kitchen.
But don’t just take its good looks for granted – Acacia cutting boards are built to last, with a hardness rating of 1,700 psi and a density of 0.70-0.80 g/cm. They can withstand even the toughest kitchen tasks without showing signs of wear, and their resistance to warping and cracking means they’ll remain a trusted companion for years to come. Whether you’re a culinary pro or a home cooking enthusiast, Acacia cutting boards are the perfect choice for those who demand the best!
Pros
- Resistant to scratches and stains
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Natural beauty and charm
- Can withstand heavy use
- Can be used for any food
Cons
- Can be expensive
- May require periodic oiling
- Not as resistant to moisture as other woods
Conclusion
Your kitchen deserves the best cutting board, one that not only withstands the rigors of daily use but also adds a touch of style and sophistication to your culinary space. When it comes to choosing the perfect wood for your cutting board, the options are vast and varied, each with its own unique strengths and advantages.
From the rugged durability of Maple and Cherry to the eco-friendly sustainability of Bamboo and the luxurious elegance of Walnut and Teak, there’s a wood type that perfectly complements your kitchen’s personality and your cooking style.
