Wood cutting board

Teak cutting board – is this the best wood to use for cutting boards?

Is teak the best material for a cutting board?

Is teak the best material for a cutting board? Teak cutting boards are increasingly popular due to their durability and aesthetic appeal, making it a preferred choice over plastic boards. When selecting a wood for a cutting board, it is important to look at the hardness of the wood. Hardness is measured by observing the force required to push a steel ball into the wood, and this is called the Janka Hardness scale. Teak is in the perfect range on the Janka Hardness scale, not too soft (like balsa wood) that the knife will cut away portions of the cutting board and not too hard (like bamboo) that the hard wood will cause your knives to become dull very quickly. Teak is not toxic and has a good grain structure for use as a cutting board. Like all wood, teak is antibacterial. Many knife sets can be used on these cutting boards without causing damage. With proper care, a teak cutting board can last for years, creating a reliable and hygienic chopping board surface. Overall, teak cutting boards provide a long-lasting, attractive, and functional chopping block option.

maple cutting board

When comparing a teak cutting board to a maple cutting board, both provide excellent options for a wood chopping board. While teak wood is known for its durability and water resistance, maple also offers a hard, dense surface that's gentle on knives. Both can be made into a butcher block or serving board style and require proper care to maintain. Ultimately, it's up to personal preference whether you choose a teak or maple board for your kitchen needs.

walnut cutting board

While teak wood is often sold as the best material for cutting boards, a walnut cutting board has its own unique benefits. This wood is known for its rich grain and beautiful colors, making it an ideal choice for a stylish serving board. Not only does a walnut board look stunning, but it's also gentle on your knives, unlike plastic boards that can dull them. Products made from walnut are both practical and pleasing to the eye, so this wood is worth considering for your kitchen. One difference, in addition to the darker color of walnut, is that walnut wood is much more expensive than teak.

bamboo cutting board

While teak is a fantastic option for a cutting board, a bamboo cutting board is another option to consider adding to your kitchen. It's not only eco-friendly but also free of harmful chemicals. However, bamboo is an extremely hard wood, as measured by the Janka Hardness scale. In practice, this means that a bamboo board will make your knives dull faster, and it can seriously damage any handmade Japanese knives you might have. So whilst bamboo looks great, teak is the better option for a cutting board. If you are only looking for a charcuterie board or cheese board, where there is very little cutting, bamboo can be a great alternative.

Cutting on plastic boards

Many opt for cutting on plastic boards, but they may not be the best pick. High-quality wood, like teak, tested for durability, delivers better results. Often, plastic boards are smaller, limiting grip. Teak's natural antibacterial wood surface helps keep your kitchen safe as well. And a teak product looks much better than your typical plastic cutting board. So, for a top-tier cutting board series, try teak and experience the difference.

Shape of teak boards

The shape of teak cutting boards is an important aspect to consider when purchasing a cutting board. Teak cutting boards come in various sizes, shapes, and thicknesses, ensuring you'll find the perfect cutting board to suit your needs. A large cutting board gives you a great cutting surface and is very sturdy, but it is hard to move around. If you are getting a large cutting board you have to move, make sure that you order one with handles that makes it easier to lift and move. Some products come with feet. This makes them a bit more stable and means that any water on your kitchen bench will not affect the underside of the board, but a cutting board with feet can only be used one sided. Some people prefer to use both sides of a cutting board, maybe to use one for meat and one for vegetables, or just to reduce the wear on one side.

live edge cutting board

A live edge cutting board can add a unique touch to your kitchen. Made from wood like teak, these cutting boards offer durability and style. A live edge board is using one natural edge from the tree, with the bark stripped off and the edge cleaned up. This makes it look like a more natural product, and can be a beautiful addition to your kitchen.

Large teak cutting board

A large teak cutting board, or even an extra large one, is a beautiful addition to any kitchen. Teak has the perfect hardness and density, and is a popular choice for cutting boards. But please keep in mind the weight of the board if you are going to be moving it around. A better solution for an extra large teak cutting board is to order a fixed teak butcher block, a large (typically end-grain) cutting board with its own legs used as a stand-alone piece of furniture in your kitchen.

Different types of teak wood products

teak cutting board

A teak cutting board offers a durable surface for all your chopping needs. This type of cutting board is becoming increasingly popular, as it's more eco-friendly compared to other options like plastic cutting boards. Wooden cutting boards, such as maple and walnut, are great alternatives, but teak stands out due to its natural resistance to moisture and bacteria. Teak has the perfect hardness for a cutting board, being good for your knives whilst being durable. Ultimately, deciding on the best cutting board material boils down to personal preference and specific needs.

teak serving board

A teak serving board is not only a practical cutting board but also an attractive centerpiece for entertaining. Teak's durability and natural resistance to moisture make it an excellent option for a cutting board. Among other cutting board options, such as maple, walnut, bamboo, and even plastic, teak holds its own in terms of functionality and style. Whether you prefer a live edge cutting board or a large teak cutting board, there are various teak wood products to choose from to suit your needs.

teak charcuterie board

A teak charcuterie board is a great addition to any kitchen, as it's not only beautiful, but functional. Teak is a durable and sustainable option for a cutting board, making it an eco-friendly choice. With a teak cutting board, you'll have a surface that's easy to clean and maintain. Teak cutting boards are resistant to moisture and bacteria, ensuring that your cutting board remains hygienic. So, when considering a new serving board for charcuterie and meats, a teak cutting board may just be the best choice for you.

Teak sustainability

Due to its excellent outdoors properties, teak has seen a huge increase in demand in the last fifty years, from garden furniture to ship decking. To fill this demand, some of the teak you can buy is not sustainably sourced, so it is extra important with teak that you ensure that your wood is coming from a trusted supplier.

Best teak cutting board

When it comes to selecting the best teak cutting board, there are various factors to consider. Teak cutting boards offer many benefits, such as durability and water resistance. In comparison to alternatives like maple, walnut, bamboo, or plastic cutting boards, teak cutting boards stand out for their natural beauty and strength. You can find different shapes, such as live edge and large teak cutting boards, serving boards, and charcuterie boards to suit your needs.

FAQs in bold in blue, organge, green, and red text
Is teak OK for a cutting board?

teak wood is an excellent material for a cutting board. It is hard enough to resist knives and not being cut into pieces, yet soft enough not to damage your knife. The grain is closed, so it will not leave splinters that can attract food remains and bacteria. It is not toxic to humans when treated properly. And teak has a beautiful color and grain. So in sum, teak is a very good choice for a cutting board.

What is better teak or maple cutting board?

Both teak and maple are excellent hardwoods for use as a cutting board. Because of high demand, they are both very expensive woods. The main difference is the color, where teak is dark brown to black, maple tends to be lighter brown to almost white.

Is teak wood antibacterial?

Wood is very good at attracting humidity. Any humidity left on a cutting board will be sucked into the board, and thus not allow bacteria to form on the surface of the board.

Why are teak cutting boards so expensive?

American black teak trees are plentiful, but they grow slowly. Because of their beautiful wood grain and colour, there is a large demand for this wood. Cloumann mostly uses teak in its inlays, to get the beauty of teak but reduce the use of it.