The 8 Best Wooden Cutting Boards, Tried and Tested
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We chopped and sliced our way through over 20 different wood cutting boards to find the best. See which brands we liked the most.
Courtesy of Brand
Wooden cutting boards are a classic kitchen tool, and with good reason. They're durable and long-lasting, gentle on your treasured knives yet attractive enough for serving and display. Furthermore, with proper care, wood cutting boards can provide a safe, clean food-prep surface, making slicing and chopping less of a chore.
Many of our favorite wood cutting boards are made from hardwoods like maple, while others are made of wood-adjacent materials such as bamboo and paper composite. While each of these surfaces has its own unique strengths, you’ve got to contend with the design factor, too. You’d be well within your rights to feel overwhelmed at having to decide whether or not you’re ready to commit your heart and your countertop to a high-end cutting board (like this editor-loved version from John Boos, for example).
To help make this choice feel a little less daunting, we asked our test kitchen experts to try out 21 popular wooden cutting boards and give us their feedback on which ones came out on top. After being put through the wringer, we came away with this list of the eight best wooden cutting boards.
Our Wooden Cutting Board Recommendations
Best Overall: FiveTwo The Happy Medium Bamboo Cutting Board
Best Value: Totally Bamboo 3-Piece Cutting Board Set
Best Splurge: The Boardsmith Maple End Grain Cutting Board
Best Set: Caraway Cutting Board Set, Set of 3
Best Large: John Boos Chop-N-Slice Board
Most Durable: Epicurean Gourmet Series Groove Cutting Board, Natural
Editor’s Pick: John Boos Maple Edge Grain Wooden Cutting Board
Best Overall: FiveTwo The Happy Medium Bamboo Cutting Board
Food52
What we like: At a manageable price point, this board ticks all of our boxes regarding size and durability and has proven itself to be a workhorse in the kitchen.
What to know: This board is heavy but not entirely non-slip, so you'll need to employ your favorite stability hack if you have tiled or uneven countertops.
If Goldilocks were searching for a cutting board, this is undoubtedly the one she would choose. Not too big to be difficult, but not so small as to be wobbly, and with just the right amount of extras, the Happy Medium Bamboo Cutting Board from FiveTwo is our top pick. For starters, this bamboo option has a relatively moderate price point at around $40; for that, you get a well-thought-out and executed cutting board. The 1-inch thickness adds some stability (though you may still want to place a towel underneath to prevent slipping), but it's not so hefty that it’s difficult to carry across the kitchen.
The rounded corners and juice grooves on this board feel like must-haves, but the pour spout and phone holder are undoubtedly nice add-ons. During testing, we found that this board was the ideal size for tackling nearly any kitchen task but not so large it was difficult to wash by hand. It proved durable and firm as we’d expect from bamboo, but it didn’t dull our knives, and no pigments or lasting smells were embedded in the grain. Overall, we’d consider this ideal on nearly every front and well worth considering if you’re in the market for a new wooden cutting board.
Material: Bamboo | Weight: 3.75 lbs. | Dimensions: 14.5” L x 11.25” W x 1” H | Special Features: Juice groove, pour spout, phone holder
Best Value: Totally Bamboo 3-Piece Cutting Board Set
Amazon
What we like: For cutting boards of this quality and with this much variety, we’d expect to pay significantly more, so we love this budget option.
What to know: You may have to use some elbow grease to extract leftover stains from things like strawberries and tomatoes.
Not only is this set of three cutting boards from Totally Bamboo affordable, but the quality is also excellent. This set has three different sizes of cutting boards, ranging from a small 8” by 6” size to the largest 13” by 9.5,” providing multiple surfaces for various uses. The larger two boards have handles for easy pickup and carrying, and the small board is a sensible choice for tasks like slicing citrus. All are made of bamboo, a popular option for cutting boards due to its eco-friendliness and its ability to help knives keep their edge. For all three boards, you’ll pay under $20, and that’s a value we think is tough to beat.
Despite a lack of silicone grips, we found these cutting boards to be relatively non-slip during testing. There are no grooves to catch drippings, but the handles and lightweight design make the boards easy to carry and tip into the sink. All three were easy to hand-wash, and while we did see some staining from foods like strawberries, this came away relatively quickly with some elbow grease. If you want a quality cutting board that’s a little less design-heavy but well-made for everyday use, you can't find a better value than this set.
Material: Bamboo | Weight: Not specified | Dimensions: 13”L x 9.5”W x 0.38”H; 11”L x 8.5”W x 0.38”H; 8”L x 6”W x 0.38”H | Special Features: Handles (large and medium boards)
Best Splurge: The Boardsmith Maple End Grain Cutting Board
The Boardsmith
What we like: This board is a beautiful combination of form and function, as eye-catching as it is useful.
What to know: Base-level pricing may not include some add-on design options like juice grooves, so prepare to pay extra for those.
We’ve named quite a few boards in our list that carry visual appeal and, dare we say, their own countertop charisma—but none can really compare to the Boardsmith. Is it over $200 for a single cutting board? Yes. Do we think it’s worth every penny? Also yes.
For starters, the “end grain” style is both a way to showcase the beauty of this maple wood while being notoriously easy on your knife edges and sturdy enough to last for years. The board arrives impeccably conditioned to give you the best start possible, and the manufacturer provides clear, easy instructions for care.
We loved all of the adaptations of this board and felt that the juice groove, carved handles and elevated feet each accomplished their jobs, whether that be stability, cleanliness or portability. While you may need to pay extra for those upgrades, we think they’ll be worth the price. This beauty also felt like it could easily double as a serving platter and the quality is impeccable, making it our pick for the best splurge.
Material: Maple | Weight: 9-10 lbs. | Dimensions: 12” L x 18” W x 2” H | Special Features: Optional finger and juice grooves, wooden feet
Best Set: Caraway Cutting Board Set, Set of 3
Amazon
What we like: This set is functional and aesthetically appealing, and it comes with a storage organizer to keep your new cutting boards neatly tucked away.
What to know: You’ll likely notice the nicks left behind by certain knives and possibly some staining, too.
With the highest price point of any item on our list, you’d be right to set your expectations high for this Caraway set. It includes three cutting boards of different sizes made from birch wood, plus an organizer for storage. The large- and medium-sized boards have recessed indentations along the top edge for separating ingredients or storing your knife when not in use. If you flip over the medium-sized board, you’ll also find a groove for catching juice. The smallest board has a small square indent in the top corner, making it easy to pull out of the included upright organizer. Overall, the light natural wood finish and rounded corners lend these boards a warm, elevated look that is in keeping with their price point.
We noted some scoring and staining left behind from knifework during our testing, so keep in mind that scratches, especially from larger knives, may remain noticeable. However, this set played well with our knives and didn’t leave them overly dull or warped with multiple rounds of washing and air-drying, per the manufacturer’s instructions. Overall, these boards worked well as a set and met many of our day-to-day needs, and we feel the quality is well worth the higher price.
Material: Birch | Weight: Not specified | Dimensions: 17”L x 12”W; 14”L x 10”W; 10”L x 7”W | Special Features: Double-sided, recessed indents for storage; groove for liquids on medium board, storage container included
Best Large: John Boos Chop-N-Slice Board
Amazon
What we like: This board boasts the expansive surface area you’d want from a large option, and its solid build makes it a countertop-worthy accessory.
What to know: This beefy board can be challenging to move due to its 10-pound weight and lack of handles.
It may not seem like a nearly $90 cutting board is a good deal. But when it comes to Boos boards, this is one of the lower price points and higher performers, so we think it’s well worth the spend. While this board is basic, without hand grooves or a moat for juice collection, it still has the characteristics you'd want from a large-scale board. If you’re going to go big, we say go with something that will become a part of your countertop’s personality, and this board fits the bill, coming in at 10 pounds and over an inch thick. The rounded corners and light color give it a simple, minimalist design that can suit many styles, and you’ll find yourself using it as a work surface for nearly everything.
In testing, we found this to be great for knifework, only showing some scratches from an extra-sharp chef’s knife. Some pigment was retained from a foray into slicing purple carrots, which is to be expected for light-colored wood, but no nasty smells were left behind. We think this is a solidly built, no-frills classic, and it makes for a great surface for your everyday meals and snacks.
Material: Maple | Weight: 10 lbs. | Dimensions: 20”L x 15”W x 1.25”H | Special Features: Rounded corners, reversible
Best Grip: Farberware Thick Non-Slip Bamboo Cutting Board
Amazon
What we like: The non-slip features on this bamboo board are a big selling point for safety-conscious cooks.
What to know: In testing, we noted that the board was susceptible to staining, and the non-slip edge pieces started to pick up color over time.
Yet another bamboo-based favorite, this board holds true to the reputation of this long-lasting material. However, bamboo isn’t exactly known for being heavy enough to stop slipping during use. Luckily, this favorite from Farberware has taken that into consideration, outfitted with non-slip corner pieces to reduce how much your cutting board can shift while in use. Not only that, but it sells for around $12, roughly a tenth of the price of other boards.
Testing proved that incorporating this piece into the rotation won’t dull your knives faster than usual, nor will the board become heavily scratched from regular use. We love that it never shifted while chopping, and the juice groove helped to catch liquid and keep our work surfaces clean. Our one complaint was that the white non-slip corner pieces started to show some staining over time, making it look dingy.
Material: Bamboo | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Dimensions: 14”L x 11”W x 0.6”H | Special Features: Non-slip corners, juice groove
Most Durable: Epicurean Gourmet Series Groove Cutting Board, Natural
Sur La Table
What we like: These dishwasher-safe boards are highly resistant to wear and tear.
What to know: Although they're dishwasher safe, these boards still require maintenance to keep the surface from drying out.
Okay, these Epicurean boards are not technically made of wood, but the paper composite material acts like a wooden board on many levels. While the surface is harder and less porous than most wooden cutting boards, you get a similar feel when chopping, but with less damage. The material also lends itself to easy cleaning as these can be put in the dishwasher. However, the aftercare for these boards is similar to "real" wood in that they need to be oiled or conditioned regularly to prevent them from drying out.
For around $80, we felt that these boards were well worth the cost, especially when outfitted with extras like a drip catch groove and a corner hole for assistance with carrying and storage. The boards' weight felt substantial, like what you’d expect from wood, but it wasn’t nearly as cumbersome as some of the bigger, thicker boards we tested. These didn’t dull our knives like plastic surfaces often do, and they stood up to repeated use with no nicks, stains or odors left behind. These Epicurean boards also happen to be this author’s go-to in her own kitchen, and make a great gift option for your favorite cook.
Material: Paper composite | Weight: Not specified | Dimensions: 17.5”L x 13”W x 0.38”H | Special Features: Juice groove, corner hole for hanging
Editor’s Pick: John Boos Maple Edge Grain Wooden Cutting Board
Amazon
What we like: This is the board we want to live on our countertop for tackling daily tasks.
What to know: While this board has finger grooves for easy transport, there aren’t any grooves to catch liquid on the board surface, so be mindful if you’re working with something juicy.
Boos boards are a cult favorite among kitchen equipment aficionados. While they are investment pieces, they are not only functional countertop fixtures for daily life; they also add an aesthetic element. This particular option, an editor favorite, is no-frills but still highly useful. While it lacks grooves for juice capture, this board is reversible and it has indentations on the outer edges to make it easier to pick up. And since this particular board weighs around 12 pounds, you’ll be grateful for the ergonomics.
Ultimately, the love for these boards is well-deserved. They’re heavy enough to be stable without non-slip additions, and they resist knife marks, even from serrated blades. While testing showed us that they may be prone to staining from pigmented foods like strawberries, the stains eventually faded with repeated use. It’s also worth noting that the lack of wood stain on the grain also means it’s not as easy to see knife markings, so with the proper care and regular oiling, this board will remain attractive on its countertop perch for years to come.
Material: Maple | Weight: 12 pounds | Dimensions: 20” L x 15” W x 1.5” H | Special Features: Reversible, finger grooves
The Bottom Line: The Best Wooden Cutting Boards
For a wooden cutting board that does it all, you can’t do better than The Happy Medium Bamboo Cutting Board from Five Two (view at Food52). This board is truly made for the modern kitchen, built from sustainable yet durable bamboo shaped in a way that says “serious cooking takes place here,” all for a super reasonable cost. However, if you want a more budget-friendly option, the Totally Bamboo 3-Piece Cutting Board Set (view at Amazon) gives you three highly functional cutting boards for less than $20 total.
Choosing a Wooden Cutting Board
Does the Size Fit Your Needs?
Paramount to choosing the right cutting board is knowing what size makes the most sense for your needs and your kitchen. Bearing in mind that you’ll likely need to hand wash this item, start with how large of a board you can easily clean in your sink and also what makes sense for your counter space. Larger boards can be helpful if you do a high volume of food prep or work with larger vegetables and cuts of meat, while small boards might be useful to have around for tasks like slicing limes. We recommend basing the size of your cutting board on the kind of usage it will see and what can comfortably fit in your kitchen.
Consider the Materials
The type of wood used in your board will likely impact how well it stands the test of time. Bamboo has a harder surface than most wood boards and is, therefore, resistant to moisture retention and cut marks, though it may not feel as good under your knife. While hardness is not the only factor to care about, other woods like maple, walnut and cherry are also appropriate and will perform well and require a similar level of care. Avoid soft woods like cedar or pine, as these splinter more easily and are more likely to harbor bacteria.
Check for Useful Features
While you may want a simple board with no visual extras for serving, some key features are worth considering as you shop for the perfect wooden cutting board. First, consider the weight of your board, as you may want something portable. Heavier, larger boards work better for stationary jobs. If you need portability, look for handles or even hand grooves that may be cut into the side of thicker boards. Then, you’ll want to consider whether you prefer a board with non-slip grips or a board with grooves to capture juices as they flow from fruits or freshly grilled meats.
Hand-Wash vs. Dishwasher-Safe Cutting Boards
One of the few downsides of wooden cutting boards is that they can take a little more work to clean and maintain than their plastic counterparts. If you’re a low-maintenance cook, look for options that are resistant to odor retention, darker in color, resistant to staining and don’t require oiling. (Some of our favorites for this are bamboo and darker-toned woods.) Otherwise, keep in mind that your cutting board will likely need to fit in your sink for routine cleaning, so make sure it fits your space.
Our Wooden Cutting Board Tests
To narrow down our list of favorites, we put 21 wooden cutting boards through a battery of tests crafted and carried out by our test kitchen. We wanted to evaluate boards based on their durability, ability to resist odors and staining and how well they worked in daily use. We also assessed each board for its value, ease of use and maintenance, and how well it stacked up against competitors. Each item was subjected to the same set of tests and scoring protocols to create a level playing field. Our findings are the results of subjective research and the feedback after using these boards over several weeks.
We Also Considered
KitchenAid Classic Rubberwood Cutting Board ($26 at Amazon): We found this low-maintenance board to be right in the sweet spot of being heavy enough to be stable but not so heavy it was cumbersome to carry around. However, it did seem to dull our knives a teeny bit quicker than other boards and showed a bit of staining after use with foods like tomatoes and carrots.
Our Place Walnut Cutting Board ($95 at Our Place): This board felt like a step up from flimsy plastic boards, but it did show knife marks and signs of use more than others. That said, we love this option for serving your favorite charcuterie and other uses where the design can take center stage.
Made In The Butcher Block + Conditioner ($129 at Amazon): While this light-colored board was more resistant to staining than we anticipated and felt great to chop on, it did require significant oiling and care and soaked up more conditioning agent than was recommended for use. If you don’t mind extra upkeep and want a board that matches your minimalist aesthetic, however, this board could be a fabulous option.
Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting and Chopping Board ($47 at Amazon): These boards are incredibly durable and look great, but this particular model didn’t come with extras like non-slip grips or a groove to catch liquid, which we felt would be nice to have at this price point. Ultimately, we felt this board was outpaced by its other Epicurean counterparts.
Common Questions
What’s the best way to clean and sanitize a wooden cutting board?
In an ideal world, everything would be dishwasher-safe—but that’s not the case when it comes to your wooden cutting boards. Since exposure to water and heat can result in warping and damage to the wood, most wooden boards are hand-wash only. So to get your board truly clean, we recommend washing it thoroughly in hot, soapy water with a good scrub, and then immediately patting it dry. The USDA suggests that boards can be sanitized with a diluted bleach solution, and we also recommend trying a vinegar-based option.
Are wooden cutting boards better than plastic?
Use cases for wooden versus plastic cutting boards vary, so you may develop a preference depending on what you often do in the kitchen. The USDA says that wood or nonporous surfaces can be used for cutting items like raw meat and poultry, but that you'll need to designate different boards for different tasks to limit cross-contamination from bacteria. While wooden boards can be used for nearly everything, we often defer to plastic boards for raw meat, as they're more likely to be dishwasher-safe. We recommend reserving your wooden boards for prepping vegetables and cooked meats, and for using as serving platters for things like charcuterie.
How often should you replace wooden cutting boards?
There isn’t a hard and fast rule about how long a wooden cutting board can last, as that can vary based on how well the board is cared for, how much use it gets and the material of the board itself. High-quality boards that are correctly maintained can endure heavy use and last for years, but there are some signs that indicate your board needs to be replaced. First, you’ll want to assess whether deep grooves or cracks are present. These gouges can become hard to clean and they can even harbor bacteria—something you don’t want near your food. If you can’t refinish the surface to get rid of the marks (such as sanding, finishing and oiling the board), it may be time to let it go.
How do you maintain a wooden cutting board?
We always recommend checking in with the manufacturer of your specific board, as instructions can vary a lot between materials and brand requirements. In general, maintaining a wooden cutting board comes down to proper (and thorough) washing, oiling if needed and refinishing as required. This can mean avoiding the dishwasher in favor of hand-washing, using oil between uses to ensure the wood doesn’t dry out, and refinishing the board either personally or professionally once knife cuts and grooves become too deep into the surface.
Our Trusted Expertise
Tori Martinet, M.S., R.D. is a registered dietitian with a background in culinary nutrition and recipe testing. She has been testing, reviewing and writing about food and kitchen products since 2021, and her work has been featured in publications such as Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, Verywell Health, Verywell Fit, Health, Shape, U.S. News and more. She has worked in both professional and home kitchens. She is an avid lover of functional and aesthetically pleasing equipment for home use, and she regularly uses her Epicurean Gourmet Series cutting board in her own kitchen.
This article was edited by Katie Tuttle, a commerce editor and contributor to publications such as Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats.
Read the original article on Eating Well.
