Cutting Boards

Cutting Boards: Materials, Care and Everyday Uses

The best cutting boards anchor your prep routine and elevate presentation. Whether you’re chopping herbs, carving a roast or plating cheeses, the right surface protects your knives, streamlines cleanup and looks attractive. Explore our full assortment of kitchen tools and accessories to build a setup that fits your cooking style.

Materials

• Wood cutting boards: Often considered the best cutting boards for daily prep. Tight-grained woods like teak, acacia and olive help cushion knife edges and develop a rich patina over time. Many styles double as decorative cutting boards for serving.
• Plastic cutting boards: Lightweight and easy to sanitize. Great for quick tasks or color-coding by ingredient. Dishwasher-safe options make these practical cutting boards a smart backup to wood.
• A glass cutting board: Useful as a trivet or pastry surface and easy to wipe clean. Because glass is hard under the blade, reserve it for serving, rolling or staging rather than heavy chopping.

Pair your board with well-balanced knives and cutlery so prep feels smooth from first slice to final garnish.

Uses and Serving Ideas

1. Daily prep: Keep a medium-sized board by the stove for chopping vegetables and herbs.
2. Entertaining: Large cutting boards work beautifully as serving trays for breads, fruit and small bites.
3. Carving: Choose a board with a juice trench to catch drips when slicing roasts.
4. Cheese and charcuterie: Move from kitchen to table with ease, then complement your spread with coordinating serveware.

For ready-made assortments, browse charcuterie and cheese boards and mix in olives, nuts and seasonal fruit for texture and color.

Care and Cleaning

• Wood: Hand wash, then dry upright. Refresh with food-safe oil to maintain a smooth, water-resistant surface.
• Plastic: Wash with hot, soapy water or load into the dishwasher. Replace if deeply scored.
• Glass: Wipe clean with a soft sponge to keep the surface spotless for serving.

Find more inspiration in our recipes and practical tips in kitchen decor ideas.

What material is best for a cutting board? 

Wood is a favorite for everyday chopping thanks to its knife-friendly surface and natural feel. Plastic is great for quick jobs and easy sanitation.

How do you clean and care for a cutting board after use? 

Wash promptly, dry fully and oil wood boards regularly. Sanitize plastic as needed and replace when worn.

Can large cutting boards double as serving boards?

Definitely. Substantial wood boards transition beautifully to the table for breads, cheeses and fruit.

What’s the difference between a cutting board and a charcuterie board?

A cutting board is designed for knife work. A charcuterie board is best for presentation and serving, though many wood styles do both.

For more ideas, explore our Mother’s Day gift inspiration section. You can also check out thoughtful gifts for all occasions and our full range of kitchen tools and accessories.