Wooden Cutting Boards: Which Type of Wood Is Best?

When selecting a cutting board (or two!) for your kitchen, a wooden cutting board is preferable but once you have settled on wood, do you know where to go from there? There are multiple types of wood that can be used to make cutting boards and understanding the options can help you select the one that is right for you.

3 factors to differentiate wood types

There are many factors that differentiate wood types – durability, toxicity and environmental concerns are three of them. 

1- Durability

It is important that wooden cutting boards be made from hard, tight-grained wood. Hardwoods are extremely durable, have pores to transport water and will not score easily from sharp knives. 

2- Toxicity

Toxicity is important to consider when selecting a wood type because it affects whether the cutting board is food safe. Toxicity refers to reaction experienced from being exposed to wood dust – ranging from mild irritation to poisoning.  Woods that have high levels of oil or resin can seep into food being prepared and should be avoided.

3- Environmental

When selecting material for a wooden cutting board, it is important to consider the environmental impact the process has. Habitat destruction, deforestation, economic and sustainability issues are all factors that should be factored in.   

3 types of wood

The most popular types of wood used for cutting boards are walnut, cherry and maple. 

1- Walnut

Walnut is a very strong wood that ranges in color from yellow to chocolate brown. This wood is often used for carvings or engravings as this intensifies its beauty. It can be expensive though and some people do not like that a single piece of wood can contain a range of color.  

2- Cherry

Cherry has a fine, straight grain that ranges from blonde to reddish brown. It has a beautiful color without being stained but can be on the expensive side.

3- Maple

Maple is one of the hardest woods and is typically a creamy white, although sometimes it has a reddish tint to it. It is an inexpensive wood and extremely durable, making it a popular option for wooden cutting boards.   

Not that you know the specific options, it’s time to get shopping. Having a high quality wooden cutting board is essential for every kitchen since it is so frequently used. Wood Cutting Boards offers customers a wide variety of beautiful cutting boards in Maple, Cherry and Walnut. Be sure to check out our supply to find the one that fits your kitchen best! Shop now online!