Frequently Asked Questions: Choosing Your Cutting Board

Q: What is the best wood for a cutting board: Maple, Walnut, or Cherry?

A: It depends on your priority. Maple is the most durable and sanitary for heavy daily use. Walnut is the premium choice for aesthetics and hiding stains, while Cherry is the softest on your knives, helping them stay sharp longer. All three are closed-grain hardwoods, making them food-safe and bacteria-resistant.

Q: How do I know if a 20 1/2" x 26 3/4" extra-large cutting board will fit my kitchen?

A: Before buying an extra-large board, measure your countertop depth and your kitchen sink. Standard countertops are 25" deep; our Extra-Large board (20 1/2" x 26 3/4") is designed to be a permanent "station" on your counter. Ensure you have a flexible faucet or a large enough sink to rinse a board of this magnitude.

Q: Which size cutting board is best for daily meal prep?

A: For most home cooks, the Medium (13" x 19 3/4") or Large (16 3/4" x 23 1/2") sizes are the most versatile. They provide enough "landing zone" to chop multiple vegetables without having to clear the board, yet they are still manageable enough to lift and clean easily.

Q: Do Walnut cutting boards show knife marks more than Maple?

A: Actually, Walnut is excellent at hiding knife marks because of its dark, rich color. While Maple is physically harder and more resistant to deep scratches, the light color can make tracks more visible over time. Regular oiling helps minimize the appearance of marks on all wood types.

Q: Does KG Woodworking offer custom engraving on charcuterie boards?

A: We can do a wide range of custom engraving, depending on what you have in mind. The best thing to do is call or email us what you’d like engraved.

Q: How do I choose the right size?

A: The best way to choose the right size for your new board should be based on what kind of space you have in your kitchen, where you are going to be storing this board, and what the use will be. We have a whole guide dedicated to walking you through your choice!

Q: Are there any artisans who create custom cutting boards with unique patterns and designs?

A: We do custom work all the time! Give us a call and we can assist.

Q: What are the benefits of using an end-grain cutting board over other types?

A: An end-grain cutting board is the luxury suspension system of the kitchen. Instead of chopping across wood fibers, your knife slips between them, helping blades stay sharper longer while the board naturally hides cut marks and stands up to years of heavy use.