The Best Wood for a Cutting Board

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when selecting the best wood to use for your cutting board. Factors such as individual preference, type of board construction, and desired appearance all impact the right type of wood for your application. While some may be better than others for a particular use, it all comes down to what serves your best interest and liking.

Recommended Wood Options for Cutting Boards

Most often, in the last ten years, it has taken the lead for cutting board construction, particularly end grain boards. Its richness and ability to withstand even the greatest heat make it very popular – many custom boards are in the rich color of Black Walnut. Some makers also do borders or accent pieces from an exotic wood just to mix it up. Zebrawood, while stunning in end grain and face grain boards, is probably not the best choice in edge grain boards depending on how the wood is milled.

Hardwoods vs. Softwoods for Cutting Boards

Hardwoods are generally better for cutting boards because they are strong and hard. Softwoods can be used, and some hardwoods are poor choices for a cutting board. Poplar is a hardwood, but too soft to be used as a cutting board for heavy use. Heart Pine or Old Growth Pine is a softwood, yet harder than many hardwoods.

Some hardwoods, such as Oak, are dense but porous. This makes them not ideal for end grain boards. Red Oak is particularly more porous than White Oak, and when exposed to moisture, it absorbs liquids, which affects the longevity of the board. Oak may work for face grain or edge grain boards but is not my first choice for end grain construction.

Domestic vs. Exotic Woods

Some woods contain allergens and irritants that make them problematic, especially when they’re exotic species. One common allergenic wood is walnut, mostly as a result of the dust emitted during milling. Nevertheless, cutting on a wood board does not inject poison into your food. When milling wood, you should put on your respirator or mask because you don’t want to inhale the dust.

Exotic woods like Padauk, Zebrawood, and Purpleheart are often used in custom cutting boards for their striking colors and durability. These woods add uniqueness and character to any cutting board. Always make sure to do thorough research before using exotic woods.

Best Domestic Woods for Cutting Boards

The most common homegrown hardwood for cutting boards is Maple, Walnut, and Cherry. These types are easily obtained in North America and also provide the strength and density required in high-quality cutting boards. Among these, Maple has a reputation of being really hard-wearing, but Walnut and Cherry add a beautiful dark color to it. However, the softer versions of Maple need to be avoided; use the right version.

Best Foreign Woods for Cutting Boards

Exotic woods such as Mahogany, Peruvian Walnut, and Purpleheart lend a unique aesthetic and feature that is very much identical to domestic hardwoods, so a good choice for cutting boards will be these. Zebrawood and Goncalo Alves are also favorites that have unique grain patterns and color, ideal for creating masterpiece cutting boards.

Conclusion: The Best Wood for a Cutting Board

In the last analysis, the best wood for your cutting board entirely depends on personal preference. The secret is to find a wood that will both fit your needs functionally and aesthetically. Though I do have preferences—for example, combining Figured Walnut with Goncalo Alves for the face grain boards, or using Black Walnut with Zebrawood accents on end grain boards—I’m a firm believer in not having just one “best” wood. Rather, it is all of them combined for creating the unique, singular cutting board with varying wood species combinations.