Not every wood makes a good cutting board. The best boards come from closed-grain hardwoods that are hard enough to resist deep cuts but soft enough to protect your knives. Here is how the popular choices compare, so you can pick the best wood for a cutting board for how you cook.
The Short Answer
Hard maple is the classic all-around choice: durable, closed-grain and knife friendly. Walnut and cherry are slightly softer and gentler on knives. Teak is naturally water-resistant and very low maintenance. Avoid open-grain woods like red oak and soft woods like pine.
Cutting Board Woods Compared
| Wood | Hardness | Knife friendly | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard maple | High | Good | Closed grain, the professional standard |
| Walnut | Medium | Very good | Dark, hides stains |
| Cherry | Medium | Very good | Warm color that deepens with age |
| Teak | Medium-high | Good | Natural oils resist water and warping |
| Acacia | High | Good | Affordable, striking grain |
| Bamboo | High | Harder on knives | Technically a grass; eco friendly |
What Makes a Good Cutting Board Wood
- Closed grain: small pores resist moisture and bacteria.
- Moderate hardness: too soft scars deeply; too hard dulls knives.
- Food safety: non-toxic woods traditionally used for food.
- Stability: resistance to warping and cracking.
Woods to Avoid
Red oak and ash have open pores that trap moisture. Softwoods like pine scar deeply. Exotic woods can be irritating or unsuitable for food use.
Our Favorite Boards
- Teak wood cutting board: low maintenance and beautiful for serving.
- Natural wood chopping board: an everyday workhorse.
- Wooden cutting board with handle: bread, cheese and serving.
- Acacia divided serving tray: for boards and snacks.
Keep Two Boards
Use one board for raw meat and poultry and another for produce and bread to avoid cross-contamination. Many cooks keep a plastic, stainless or titanium board for raw meat; see stainless steel and titanium cutting boards.
Equipment I Used
- Wooden cutting board with handle: for slicing and serving right at the table.
New to slow cooking? The Easy Slow Cooker Recipes guide is a beginner-friendly collection of easy crockpot breakfasts and dinners.
Best Wood for Cutting Boards FAQ
What is the best wood for a cutting board?
Hard maple is the best all-around choice. Walnut, cherry and teak are also excellent.
Is teak good for cutting boards?
Yes. Teak’s natural oils make it water resistant and low maintenance, though its silica content can dull knives slightly faster than maple.
Is bamboo better than wood?
Bamboo is eco friendly and hard, but it is tougher on knife edges than maple or walnut.
Are wood cutting boards sanitary?
Yes, when cleaned and dried properly. Closed-grain hardwoods are a safe choice.
