Of the cutting board materials on the market, solid wood is one of the most popular — and for good reason. Not only are wooden cutting boards aesthetically pleasing, but they are also durable and can even help your knives stay sharper for longer. But with so many different types of cutting board wood to choose from, how can you be sure you’re picking the best one for your kitchen? In this article, we’ll take a look at the best wood for cutting board quality.
Properties of a Good Wood Cutting Board
Not all woods are created equal when it comes to cutting boards. Here are a few key properties to look for when choosing a good wood for cutting board superiority:
- Hardness. The hardness of wood is measured using the Janka hardness scale. You’ll want a wood that is hard enough to resist scratches and dings but not so hard that it will dull your knives. A good range to aim for is between 900 and 1500 on the Janka scale.
- Porosity. The porosity of wood refers to the size of its pores. For a cutting board, you’ll want a wood with small pores, also known as a closed-grain wood. This will prevent the wood from absorbing too much moisture, which can lead to warping, cracking, and the growth of bacteria.
- Toxicity. It’s important to choose a wood that is nontoxic and food-safe. This means avoiding woods that produce oils or saps that could be harmful if ingested. A good rule of thumb is to stick with woods from trees that produce edible fruits, nuts, or sap.
The Best Woods For Cutting Boards
Here are some of the best woods for cutting boards that fit these criteria:
Maple. Often considered the industry standard, maple is a hard, closed-grain wood that is resistant to scratches and moisture.
Walnut. Gentle on knives, walnut is a durable, dark-colored hardwood that helps to hide stains.
Cherry. Known for its rich, reddish-brown color, cherry wood is a durable and attractive option for a cutting board.
Beech. Similar to maple, beech is a hard, closed-grain wood that is resistant to scratches and bacteria.
Teak. Naturally resistant to moisture, teak is a tropical hardwood that requires less conditioning than other woods.
Cypress. This wood contains natural antibacterial and anti-mold properties, making it a hygienic choice for a cutting board.
Since most of these woods are native to the US, it makes sense to keep your dollar in the American economy by choosing a fully made-in-the-U.S.A. cutting board.
Now that we have a better understanding of what to look for in a wood cutting board, let’s take a closer look at two options popularly touted as the best cutting board wood: maple and walnut.
Why Maple and Walnut Are Top Choices
While there are a number of woods that make great cutting boards, maple and walnut are two of the most popular and highly recommended options. Here’s a closer look at what makes them stand out.
Maple
Maple is a classic choice for cutting boards, and it’s easy to see why. A maple cutting board has a Janka hardness rating of 1450, which makes it extremely durable and resistant to scratches. Maple is also a closed-grain wood, so it won’t absorb a lot of moisture and is less likely to harbor bacteria.
In fact, some studies have shown that maple has natural antimicrobial properties, which can help to keep your cutting board clean and sanitary. Plus, its light color makes it easy to see when the board is dirty and needs to be cleaned.
One of the biggest advantages of maple is its affordability and availability. It’s a common wood that is widely used in the U.S., so you can easily find a high-quality maple cutting board at a reasonable price.
Walnut
Walnut is another excellent choice for cutting boards, offering a beautiful, dark alternative to maple. With a Janka hardness rating of 1010, a walnut cutting board is a bit softer than maple, but it’s still durable enough to withstand daily use. And because it’s a closed-grain wood, it’s also resistant to moisture and bacteria.
One of the unique features of walnut is its self-healing properties. Over time, minor cuts and scratches on the surface of the board will blend in and become less noticeable. This helps to keep your cutting board looking its best for years to come.
While walnut is generally more expensive than maple, its rich, dark color can be a beautiful addition to any kitchen. The dark color also helps to hide stains from foods such as berries and red meat, which can be a major plus for home cooks.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to choosing the best wood cutting board, you can’t go wrong with maple or walnut. Both of these woods are durable, nonporous, and food-safe, making them excellent choices for any kitchen.
Get Superior Wooden Cutting Boards With Purposeful Design
When it comes to cutting boards, Purposeful Design is an excellent go-to nonprofit manufacturer. Not only will you receive a beautiful, long-lasting product, but you’ll also be helping vulnerable individuals get a second chance at life. If you’re purchasing a cutting board as a gift, your recipient will appreciate it all the more for the positive wider impact it will have.
A solid wood cutting board is a practical, beautiful, and long-lasting kitchen must-have for everyone. Getting one from Purposeful Design is the best possible option — a crafted-for-a-cause product that truly goes the distance.
