Picking the Right Cutting Board: Tips from a Woodworker
, by Shelley Swanson,
4 min reading time
You've decided to buy a wood cutting board. Awesome! Now the question is, how to pick the right board?
This should be a straightforward process. But with so many choices, finding the right board can be exhausting. When shopping for a wood cutting board, consider these 4 factors: Style, Size, Storage & Spend.
Style: Edge Grain v. End Grain
Here we go again, talking about wood grains. But believe us, this is an important factor to consider when shopping for a cutting board. Wood has three sides of grain: (1) face grain, (2) edge grain, and (3) end grain.
Face grain (or often called flat grain) is used for serving boards, charcuterie boards and tabletops, so let’s move along to edge grain (or long grain) v. end grain.
Edge Grain Cutting Board
On an edge grain (or long grain) board, we glue long strips of wood together with the edge of the wood flipped sideways, showing the length of the grain. These long strips can be the same wood species (as shown here) or a mix of different woods, like our Original Series.
Edge grain boards are a great first step into wooden cutting boards. They are more affordable than end grain boards and they require less upkeep since the ends of the grain are not fully exposed. You can find a wide variety of edge-grain boards online in different colors and sizes.
End Grain Cutting Board
Since the wood’s grain is fully exposed, these cutting boards can expand and contract much more than an edge grain board. This movement could cause your board to warp or crack. To prevent any damage, you should condition end grain boards frequently with mineral oil and board cream. We recommend oiling once a month or more, depending on how often the board is used and your environmental conditions. (Drier air = dried cutting boards.) Here are 4 easy steps to cutting board care.
End Grain = More Expensive
Plain and simple, it takes longer to make an end grain cutting board than it does to make an edge grain board. Because the process is more involved, the cost is generally higher. But if you enjoy cooking, and if you like sharp knives, an end grain board is worth the investment. With a little care and regular maintenance, your cutting board can be handed down for generations to come.
Size + Storage
When considering what size board you need, think about the size of your average meal prep.
If you typically cook smaller meals for 2-3 people, you can get by with a 10-16” cutting board (like the Short Round or Sand Hills). If you cook for more than 3 people, you will probably enjoy a larger 16-23” cutting board (like the Signature Essentials, Original or Carving Board).
Also, be sure to think about storage space. Do you plan to store the cutting board in a cabinet or propped against the backsplash? If so, look for a board around 1.25-1.5″ thick. If your cutting board will have a dedicated place on the countertop, consider a thicker board with handles. A 2-3″ thick board makes an impressive statement. Plus it’s handy to have a cutting board on the counter all the time, for a quick slice or meal prep.
Bottom line, measure the area where your board will be stored, then shop for the largest board you can comfortably fit in your workspace.
Spend
On average, wood cutting boards cost more than their counterparts (plastic, bamboo, etc). But we genuinely believe wood cutting boards are a smart investment. Bamboo is extremely hard on your knives and plastic boards can quickly harbor bacteria (ick!). A well-cared-for wooden board can last for MANY years to come.
And here’s a secret. Wooden cutting boards do not have to break the bank. Below are a few of our top-rated, tried and true cutting boards across various price points.
$45-$80 – Short Round, Sand Hills or Signature Essentials
$100-$140 – The Original, Carving Board or Circle Cherry Butcher Block
$175 and up – Cole Cutting Board, Circle Walnut, River Rock Farm, Big Original or BAB
Have other questions about cutting boards? Give us a shout anytime. We can help you find the perfect cutting board for your kitchen.
