When looking for the perfect cutting board, the type of wood is a big factor. Wood cutting boards can be pricey and you want to make sure that you get the best board for your money.
No matter the type of wood, it should be kiln dried to resist warpage, checking and splitting. The most commonly used wood is rock Maple. You also can't go wrong with other good hardwoods like Brazilian Cherry, Teak or Walnut. Each of these make a striking cutting board when combined with Maple.
Tropical hardwoods like mahogany, purpleheart and bubinga, while beautiful can be a little less stable particularly in a wet environment, due to lignin and other resins that might not bond as well with the glue.
While hickory and ash are generally cheaper they are also lighter in weight and the color and grain are not spectacular.
I have only touched on a few wood possibilities and there are many opinions to be had on what types of wood make the best cutting boards, but you can never go wrong with a hard maple.
I hope that you found this blog informative. Feel free to share your experiences or contact me with any questions.
Be sure to stay tuned for Part 3, where we discuss the proper care of your cutting board to ensure it's longevity.