Beech wood cutting board

Cherry cutting board – is cherry wood good for cutting boards?

Can you use cherry wood for a cutting board?

Are you wondering whether you can use cherry wood for a cutting board? You'll be pleased to know cherry wood cutting boards don't only bring an aesthetic appeal to your kitchen, they're also practical. Cherry, by nature, has a beautifully intricate grain and a color that's hard to beat; no two cutting boards are the same! Cherry wood cutting boards are a favorite among chefs for their durability, as measured by the Janka Hardness scale. The grain of cherry wood cutting boards is tight and straight, making it resistant to knife scars and easy to clean. Plus, it's not just about the aesthetics, the surface of a cherry cutting board is gentle on your knife's edge. Hard enough to withstand regular use, but soft enough not to dull your knife. In the face of practicality and aesthetics, cherry stands out making it an excellent choice for cutting boards.

Where does cherry wood grow?

Let's get the cherry information straight! Known for its stunning red hue and robust strength, cherry is an excellent option for woodworking items, including cutting boards. Cherry wood mainly grows in the eastern half of North America, particularly in areas with cooler climates. It's a truly beautiful tree that's also popular for its sweet fruit - the cherry.

Opting for a cherry wood cutting board not only gives you a great kitchen item, but you're also supporting local North American industries. When it comes to the board's physical properties, cherry offers a blend of durability and elegance. It manages to be quite hard without damaging your knives. This cherry board handles everyday cutting items with ease.

When you're selecting a wood for your cutting board, consider the source. Cherry is local, beautiful, and tough - making it an excellent choice for your board.

What colour is your wooden cutting board?

Your cutting board's colour can say a lot about its quality and material. Cherry cutting boards, for instance, boast a subtle red hue which quite sets them apart. Cherry wood is further distinguished by its distinctive grain pattern, which not only lends aesthetic appeal but also increases the strength and durability of the cutting board. When it comes to cutting boards, cherry wood truly stands out.

Even though cutting boards may come in an array of materials, the grain of wooden cutting boards is especially significant. This is where cherry wood really shines due to its closed grain. A cherry cutting board is less likely to harbour bacteria and is easier to clean, giving it the upper hand over other wood types.

If you want your kitchen to radiate a warm and earthy vibe, a cherry cutting board could be just the thing to add a splash of colour and quality to your space.

Light wood - ash, beech and maple

While cherry wood is a popular choice for cutting boards, light woods like ash, beech, and maple also have their distinct features that make them notable items for your kitchen. Ash, for instance, is known for its high shock resistance which makes it durable, even on the cutting edge. This means that ash cutting boards can withstand the daily abuse of kitchen preparations. Beech, on the other hand, has a consistent grain, enabling it to provide a smooth and clean cut edge; an essential feature for a cutting board. Lastly, maple stands out due to its resistance to bacteria and its toughness. Its naturally hard surface ensures it won't easily scar, preserving the aesthetic of your cutting board. These light woods may not have the deep colour tone of cherry, but they certainly offer durability and functionality as cutting board items.

There are some popular light woods that should never be used for cutting boards. The main ones are oak and bamboo. Oak has an open grain structure that makes it highly likely that you will not be able to fully clean your board, so leaving space for bacteria to grow. Bamboo looks interesting and is a cheap wood (technically a grass type) but bamboo is too hard to use for a cutting board and is likely to dull or damage your knives.

Medium brown wood - cherry

If you're considering a cherry wood cutting board, you're already aware of its edge over other cutting boards. Cherry is a medium brown wood, known not just for its fine texture but also for its distinctive, rich colour that sets it apart on your kitchen block. So, is cherry good for cutting boards? Absolutely! This wood variety grows predominantly in North America and displays a wonderful variety of colour, ranging from light to dark brown, and often with a reddish hue.

Compared to lighter woods like ash, beech, and maple, cherry holds its edge remarkably well. However, cherry does demand a certain level of care to maintain its charm. Regular oiling, for instance, can keep your cherry cutting board looking fresh and prolong its life on your kitchen block. So, if you value aesthetics as well as functionality, a cherry wood cutting board might just tick all your boxes.

Darker wood - walnut

Whilst discussing cutting boards, it's impossible to ignore the allure of darker woods like walnut. This wood beautifully contrasts the medium brown hues of a cherry cutting board. Compared to a lighter board made from ash, beech, or maple, the walnut block delivers a stunning aesthetic edge. Given its nature, an edge block made of walnut does not dull your knife nearly as quickly as harder woods. As a result, your knife stays sharp for longer, making it the ideal wood type for a cutting board. Walnut wood is sturdy, attractive, and contrasting against the lighter cherry and ash cutting boards. The dark richness of a walnut board adds an unconventional edge to your kitchen decor. Maintaining a walnut cutting board is similar to maintaining a cherry board, requiring routine oiling to extend its life. So, fancy a change? Consider the darker allure of a walnut cutting board.

How to care for cherry wood cutting board?

Love your cherry wood cutting board? Then, you'll need to know how to care for it. Keep the board clean. After using the board, simply wash with mild soap and water. Never immerse the board in water. You wouldn’t want to damage that beautiful grain. Dry it immediately after washing to ensure it doesn't soak up too much moisture. Regular application of mineral oil mixed with beeswax helps the grain pops out and it also adds a protective surface. Butcher block oil is great too, and it's easy to find. Online stores make the searching easy, offering efficient shipping. Looking to eliminate odors from your board? Just rub it with coarse salt. Your butcher's knife isn’t damaged while cutting since the surface is quite soft compared to other wood types. With the right care, your cherry wood cutting board will last a long time.