If you enjoy cooking, have a little storage space, and some free time on your hands, look no further than butcher block or wood cutting boards.
There are some great advantages to using butcher block over plastic. They’re generally more durable, last much longer, and keep your knives sharper for longer. Additionally, if you’re like me and enjoy a nice, sharp knife, butcher block cutting boards will help you to achieve this every time.
However, keeping these boards in good condition can be a bit of a pain. BUT, it’s important to keep them well maintained, so you should wash them right away after using them.
I’m going to share with you a few of my favorite wooden cutting boards for home use that are cheap, simple, and easy to maintain.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| John Boos Block RA02-GRV Maple Wood Edge Grain Reversible Cutting Board | Best Overall |  |
| Greener Chef Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board | Budget Pick |  |
| John Boos Block CCB183-R Classic Collection Maple Wood End Grain Round Chopping Block | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. John Boos Block RA02-GRV Maple Wood Edge Grain Reversible Cutting Board
Pros:
- Made of American-grown Maple Wood
- Reversible with a Fiber-Epoxy construction
- Two Edges, one for detail work and the other for heavier work
- Olive oil finish and the board has rounded corners to protect the wood
- Handmade from a single piece of wood; No dropped glue, scraps or globs of glue
- Lifetime Guarantee
Cons:
- Has weight; this one is heavier than other butcher blocks
- Expensive
“The best butcher block for the money”. For their price this is by far the most beautiful butcher block I have seen.
Very dense wood that is very durable. One reviewer wrote:
I was truly surprised by the heavy weight- makes you think this will last forever.
2. SoulFino Bamboo Butcher Block
Pros:
- Made from bamboo
- Easiest cutting board to clean
- Safe for your knives
Back in the old days, before stainless steel and poly cutting boards were invented, people used to use wood to chop their food.
Today, with scientific advances, we have multiple ways of how those cutting boards can be made. But now we have to deal with the after effects of having nothing at all (just kidding).
We have to deal with cleaning it! We could always wipe it and leave it to dry, but if we want our cutting boards to last longer, we will do all those chores to take care of it.
3. Greener Chef Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board
Pros:
- Sustainably harvested
- Beautiful unique bamboo grain
- Dishwasher safe
- 100% BPA free
- 100% Biodegradable
Overall the Greener Chef Bamboo Cutting board offers over 40 cutting board sizes of high end quality. It’s made of sustainably harvested bamboo that’s guaranteed to outlast any other wooden cutting board on the market.
This cutting board is made of 5/8 inch thick stock which makes it very durable while still being aesthetically pleasing. It’s also not just a surface material, but an integral part of this ultra-strong cutting board.
We love the natural bamboo grain because it’s so beautiful. The materials of these boards are organic and completely free of all kinds of toxins which is fantastic. The bamboo is durable yet flexible which makes cutting on these boards pleasant and easy.
4. John Boos Block CCB183-R Classic Collection Maple Wood End Grain Round Chopping Block
Pros:
- Available in 18or 24inches in diameter
- Sturdy construction
- End grain for better cutting
- 24inches diameter is almost a full size briefcase
- Extra thick and strong
- Beautiful, elegant, and modern design
- Blocks are sold individually
- Made in the USA
Thick, Black Hoop.
This John Boos round chopping block has an end grain construction and 3in thick for more durability and longevity so you can chop and chop and chop and chop without a worry in the world.
The top features a textured black polyurethane finish that’s easy to grip. The John Boos CCB183-R allows you to chop your herbs, spices, onions, carrots, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini to name a few all in one go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best wood for a butcher block cutting board?
Maple is the best wood to use for butcher blocks when you’re also keeping sanitization in mind. It’s a naturally antimicrobial wood, and is also resistant to cancerous fungus growth when sanitized properly with high heat.
Walnut is another great option. It’s cheaper to work with than other butcher block woods, and you can find it in strips, squares, or planks at any hardware or lumber store.
Butcher block wood cutting boards shouldn’t be placed in the dishwasher or washed with harsh detergents because they’ll become nonstick and won’t be sanitized properly.
How thick should a butcher block cutting board be?
For optimal functionality, the best butcher block cutting board should be 1.5 to 2 inches thick. This gives the best combination of sturdiness and prevent damage to the board from knives.
However, you should not be fooled by too thick blocks of wood. Most are just decorative. They restrain chopping and become difficult to clean. In addition, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
The most practical board will have a thickness of 2 inches. This is what professional butchers usually use.
What do you seal a butcher block cutting board with?
Do you have to?
You have two options for sealing butcher block cutting boards. Butcher block oil is a long-lasting, natural sealant that helps to extend the life of the cutting board. It also has a pleasing aroma that’s gentle on your senses.
Stainless steel pads are another great option for sealing your cutting board. Made specifically for cutting boards, they will help prevent stains from setting in and protect your board from the typical damage caused by water.
Can you use butcher block as a cutting board?
Butcher blocks and cutting boards are different. Butcher block is made of wood that has been sliced with a grain angle to give it a hard board-like consistency. It is used to cut raw meat on and make it easier to clean. Cutting boards are more porous and made from different materials, such as plastic or wood, and are used with raw meat that has already been cooked. Plastic cutting boards should be used exclusively with raw meat, but wooden ones may be used with both raw and cooked meat, as well as with fruit and bread.
If you choose to use butcher block as a cutting board, keep in mind that it is harder than your standard plastic or wooden cutting boards. It is also more susceptible to staining and warping, which can be hard to get rid of.
Conclusion
There are a lot of things you need to consider while buying a good butcher block or cutting board. You have to figure out what's going to work best for the type of foods you plan to prepare and how you plan to keep your cutting board and butcher block in good shape over the long term.
Don't be blinded by beautiful decorations, as often they are pretty on the surface but can be made of inferior materials.
Read our detailed buyer's guide to learn about everything you need to know to pick the right one for your kitchen.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| John Boos Block RA02-GRV Maple Wood Edge Grain Reversible Cutting Board | Best Overall | |
| Greener Chef Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board | Budget Pick | |
| John Boos Block CCB183-R Classic Collection Maple Wood End Grain Round Chopping Block | Upgrade Pick | |