You’re probably cooking for yourself more these days. And no matter what you're preparing—be it a snack or a full meal—you're likely chopping up some ingredients. All too often, cutting boards are something of an afterthought when it comes to outfitting a kitchen counter. They get overlooked while we obsess over sleek, sexed-up knife sets. While the knife you use for slicing and dicing is plenty important, so is the surface you do your slicing on. Plus, when you get a handsome board, it's an aesthetic addition to your kitchen. And these durable wood boards will last you years without having to be replaced. Plus, they're a lot easier on a knife's blade. From classic options honed from thick wood to lighter, more portable (and dishwasher safe) versions, here are the best ones for your money.
The Best Cutting Boards
The gold standard in cutting boards
The gold standard in cutting boards
Thick maple reversible board,
$87.09 by John Boos
Heavyweight oak chop board,
$288 by E15
End grain's self-healing properties keep it in good shape for years
End grain's self-healing properties keep it in good shape for years
End grain cherry butcher block,
$160 by Brooklyn Butcher Blocks
You can customize with laser engraving or add feet, grips and a juice groove
You can customize with laser engraving or add feet, grips and a juice groove
Walnut edge grain butcher block,
$54 by Hardwood Lumber Co.
Blackline oak board,
$235 by Blackcreek Mercantile & Trading Co.
Brass riveted board,$34.99 / $29.95 by Epicurean
Lightweight, easy on blades and dishwasher safe
Lightweight, easy on blades and dishwasher safe
Good Grips cutting board,
$27.95 by OXO
Carter acacia board,
$29.95 by Crate & Barrel
Teak resists moisture buildup better than other types of wood
Teak resists moisture buildup better than other types of wood
Proteak edge grain board,
$98.95 by TeakHaus
Wood Board Care
Don't leave liquids standing on a wood cutting board. It can lead to cracking or warping. To remove smells or stains, wipe it down with a solution made of one part vinegar to three parts water. Finally, make sure to keep your knife blades sharp and condition the wood whenever it appears dry.
J.K. Adams bee's wax conditioner ($14) and Blackcreek Mercantile & Trading Co. knife & blade oil ($30)