Choosing the Best Cutting Board for Your Kitchen
Choosing the Best Cutting Board for Your Kitchen
When it comes to prepping meals, your cutting board is one of the most-used tools in your kitchen. Whether you're dicing vegetables, carving a roast, or assembling a cheese spread, the right board makes a big difference.
At Penguin Plank, I handcraft each board from premium American hardwoods like wallet, cherry, maple, and hickory. A cutting board should protect your knives, feel great to use, and look beautiful on your counter.
Why Hardwood Cutting Boards Are the Best
- Knife-Friendly: Won’t dull your blades like glass or bamboo.
- Antibacterial: Woods like maple and walnut resist bacteria naturally.
- Durable: With simple care, they last for years.
- Beautiful: Every board has its own unique grain and character.
Which Wood Is Right for You?
Walnut Cutting Board
Look: Rich, dark, elegant.
Feel: Soft on knives, great for daily use.
Perfect for: Anyone who wants luxury and function.
Cherry Cutting Board
Look: Warm, reddish tones that darken beautifully with age.
Feel: Smooth and lightweight.
Perfect for: Classic, timeless kitchen design.
Maple Cutting Board
Look: Light and clean, with subtle grain.
Feel: Dense and highly durable.
Perfect for: Cooks who want a classic prep surface.
Hickory Cutting Board
Look: Rustic with high-contrast grain.
Feel: Very strong and impact-resistant.
Perfect for: Heavy-duty chopping and rustic kitchens.
Edge Grain vs. End Grain
Edge Grain boards, like most daily-use boards, are made from long, vertical strips of wood. They’re lighter and more affordable.
End Grain boards show the wood’s growth rings on the surface. They're self-healing, extremely durable, and gentle on knife edges.
Choosing the Right Size
If you do a lot of meal prep or work with large ingredients, go big. If you have limited counter space, a smaller or medium board may work best. I also offer custom sizes to fit your kitchen perfectly.
Care Tips to Make Your Board Last
- Wash with mild soap and warm water—never soak.
- Dry upright to avoid warping.
- Use a quality board conditioner regularly to prevent drying and cracking.
- Keep it out of the dishwasher—always.
Find Your Perfect Cutting Board
Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a crowd, a handcrafted cutting board brings warmth, beauty, and functionality to your kitchen.