The 8 Best Wooden Cutting Boards, Tried and Tested

Best Overall: FiveTwo The Happy Medium Bamboo Cutting Board

What we like: At a manageable price point, this board ticks all of our boxes regarding size and durability and has proven itself to be a workhorse in the kitchen. 

What to know: This board is heavy but not entirely non-slip, so you'll need to employ your favorite stability hack if you have tiled or uneven countertops.

If Goldilocks were searching for a cutting board, this is undoubtedly the one she would choose. Not too big to be difficult, but not so small as to be wobbly, and with just the right amount of extras, the Happy Medium Bamboo Cutting Board from FiveTwo is our top pick. For starters, this bamboo option has a relatively moderate price point at around $40; for that, you get a well-thought-out and executed cutting board. The 1-inch thickness adds some stability (though you may still want to place a towel underneath to prevent slipping), but it's not so hefty that it’s difficult to carry across the kitchen.

The rounded corners and juice grooves on this board feel like must-haves, but the pour spout and phone holder are undoubtedly nice add-ons. During testing, we found that this board was the ideal size for tackling nearly any kitchen task but not so large it was difficult to wash by hand. It proved durable and firm as we’d expect from bamboo, but it didn’t dull our knives, and no pigments or lasting smells were embedded in the grain. Overall, we’d consider this ideal on nearly every front and well worth considering if you’re in the market for a new wooden cutting board. 

Material: Bamboo | Weight: 3.75 lbs. | Dimensions: 14.5” L x 11.25” W x 1” H | Special Features: Juice groove, pour spout, phone holder

Best Value: Totally Bamboo 3-Piece Cutting Board Set

What we like: For cutting boards of this quality and with this much variety, we’d expect to pay significantly more, so we love this budget option. 

What to know: You may have to use some elbow grease to extract leftover stains from things like strawberries and tomatoes.

Not only is this set of three cutting boards from Totally Bamboo affordable, but the quality is also excellent. This set has three different sizes of cutting boards, ranging from a small 8” by 6” size to the largest 13” by 9.5,” providing multiple surfaces for various uses. The larger two boards have handles for easy pickup and carrying, and the small board is a sensible choice for tasks like slicing citrus. All are made of bamboo, a popular option for cutting boards due to its eco-friendliness and its ability to help knives keep their edge. For all three boards, you’ll pay under $20, and that’s a value we think is tough to beat.

Despite a lack of silicone grips, we found these cutting boards to be relatively non-slip during testing. There are no grooves to catch drippings, but the handles and lightweight design make the boards easy to carry and tip into the sink. All three were easy to hand-wash, and while we did see some staining from foods like strawberries, this came away relatively quickly with some elbow grease. If you want a quality cutting board that’s a little less design-heavy but well-made for everyday use, you can't find a better value than this set.

Material: Bamboo | Weight: Not specified | Dimensions: 13”L x 9.5”W x 0.38”H; 11”L x 8.5”W x 0.38”H; 8”L x 6”W x 0.38”H | Special Features: Handles (large and medium boards)

Best Splurge: The Boardsmith Maple End Grain Cutting Board

What we like: This board is a beautiful combination of form and function, as eye-catching as it is useful. 

What to know: Base-level pricing may not include some add-on design options like juice grooves, so prepare to pay extra for those.

We’ve named quite a few boards in our list that carry visual appeal and, dare we say, their own countertop charisma—but none can really compare to the Boardsmith. Is it over $200 for a single cutting board? Yes. Do we think it’s worth every penny? Also yes.

For starters, the “end grain” style is both a way to showcase the beauty of this maple wood while being notoriously easy on your knife edges and sturdy enough to last for years. The board arrives impeccably conditioned to give you the best start possible, and the manufacturer provides clear, easy instructions for care.

We loved all of the adaptations of this board and felt that the juice groove, carved handles and elevated feet each accomplished their jobs, whether that be stability, cleanliness or portability. While you may need to pay extra for those upgrades, we think they’ll be worth the price. This beauty also felt like it could easily double as a serving platter and the quality is impeccable, making it our pick for the best splurge. 

Material: Maple | Weight: 9-10 lbs. | Dimensions: 12” L x 18” W x 2” H | Special Features: Optional finger and juice grooves, wooden feet

Best Set: Caraway Cutting Board Set, Set of 3

What we like: This set is functional and aesthetically appealing, and it comes with a storage organizer to keep your new cutting boards neatly tucked away. 

What to know: You’ll likely notice the nicks left behind by certain knives and possibly some staining, too. 

With the highest price point of any item on our list, you’d be right to set your expectations high for this Caraway set. It includes three cutting boards of different sizes made from birch wood, plus an organizer for storage. The large- and medium-sized boards have recessed indentations along the top edge for separating ingredients or storing your knife when not in use. If you flip over the medium-sized board, you’ll also find a groove for catching juice. The smallest board has a small square indent in the top corner, making it easy to pull out of the included upright organizer. Overall, the light natural wood finish and rounded corners lend these boards a warm, elevated look that is in keeping with their price point.

We noted some scoring and staining left behind from knifework during our testing, so keep in mind that scratches, especially from larger knives, may remain noticeable. However, this set played well with our knives and didn’t leave them overly dull or warped with multiple rounds of washing and air-drying, per the manufacturer’s instructions. Overall, these boards worked well as a set and met many of our day-to-day needs, and we feel the quality is well worth the higher price.

Material: Birch | Weight: Not specified | Dimensions: 17”L x 12”W; 14”L x 10”W; 10”L x 7”W | Special Features: Double-sided, recessed indents for storage; groove for liquids on medium board, storage container included

Best Large: John Boos Chop-N-Slice Board

What we like: This board boasts the expansive surface area you’d want from a large option, and its solid build makes it a countertop-worthy accessory. 

What to know: This beefy board can be challenging to move due to its 10-pound weight and lack of handles.

It may not seem like a nearly $90 cutting board is a good deal. But when it comes to Boos boards, this is one of the lower price points and higher performers, so we think it’s well worth the spend. While this board is basic, without hand grooves or a moat for juice collection, it still has the characteristics you'd want from a large-scale board. If you’re going to go big, we say go with something that will become a part of your countertop’s personality, and this board fits the bill, coming in at 10 pounds and over an inch thick. The rounded corners and light color give it a simple, minimalist design that can suit many styles, and you’ll find yourself using it as a work surface for nearly everything.

In testing, we found this to be great for knifework, only showing some scratches from an extra-sharp chef’s knife. Some pigment was retained from a foray into slicing purple carrots, which is to be expected for light-colored wood, but no nasty smells were left behind. We think this is a solidly built, no-frills classic, and it makes for a great surface for your everyday meals and snacks. 

Material: Maple | Weight: 10 lbs. | Dimensions: 20”L x 15”W x 1.25”H | Special Features: Rounded corners, reversible

Best Grip: Farberware Thick Non-Slip Bamboo Cutting Board

What we like: The non-slip features on this bamboo board are a big selling point for safety-conscious cooks.

What to know: In testing, we noted that the board was susceptible to staining, and the non-slip edge pieces started to pick up color over time.

Yet another bamboo-based favorite, this board holds true to the reputation of this long-lasting material. However, bamboo isn’t exactly known for being heavy enough to stop slipping during use. Luckily, this favorite from Farberware has taken that into consideration, outfitted with non-slip corner pieces to reduce how much your cutting board can shift while in use. Not only that, but it sells for around $12, roughly a tenth of the price of other boards.

Testing proved that incorporating this piece into the rotation won’t dull your knives faster than usual, nor will the board become heavily scratched from regular use. We love that it never shifted while chopping, and the juice groove helped to catch liquid and keep our work surfaces clean. Our one complaint was that the white non-slip corner pieces started to show some staining over time, making it look dingy.

Material: Bamboo | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Dimensions: 14”L x 11”W x 0.6”H | Special Features: Non-slip corners, juice groove

Most Durable: Epicurean Gourmet Series Groove Cutting Board, Natural

What we like: These dishwasher-safe boards are highly resistant to wear and tear.

What to know: Although they're dishwasher safe, these boards still require maintenance to keep the surface from drying out. 

Okay, these Epicurean boards are not technically made of wood, but the paper composite material acts like a wooden board on many levels. While the surface is harder and less porous than most wooden cutting boards, you get a similar feel when chopping, but with less damage. The material also lends itself to easy cleaning as these can be put in the dishwasher. However, the aftercare for these boards is similar to "real" wood in that they need to be oiled or conditioned regularly to prevent them from drying out.

For around $80, we felt that these boards were well worth the cost, especially when outfitted with extras like a drip catch groove and a corner hole for assistance with carrying and storage. The boards' weight felt substantial, like what you’d expect from wood, but it wasn’t nearly as cumbersome as some of the bigger, thicker boards we tested. These didn’t dull our knives like plastic surfaces often do, and they stood up to repeated use with no nicks, stains or odors left behind. These Epicurean boards also happen to be this author’s go-to in her own kitchen, and make a great gift option for your favorite cook. 

Material: Paper composite | Weight: Not specified | Dimensions: 17.5”L x 13”W x 0.38”H | Special Features: Juice groove, corner hole for hanging

Editor’s Pick: John Boos Maple Edge Grain Wooden Cutting Board

What we like: This is the board we want to live on our countertop for tackling daily tasks.

What to know: While this board has finger grooves for easy transport, there aren’t any grooves to catch liquid on the board surface, so be mindful if you’re working with something juicy.

Boos boards are a cult favorite among kitchen equipment aficionados. While they are investment pieces, they are not only functional countertop fixtures for daily life; they also add an aesthetic element. This particular option, an editor favorite, is no-frills but still highly useful. While it lacks grooves for juice capture, this board is reversible and it has indentations on the outer edges to make it easier to pick up. And since this particular board weighs around 12 pounds, you’ll be grateful for the ergonomics.

Ultimately, the love for these boards is well-deserved. They’re heavy enough to be stable without non-slip additions, and they resist knife marks, even from serrated blades. While testing showed us that they may be prone to staining from pigmented foods like strawberries, the stains eventually faded with repeated use. It’s also worth noting that the lack of wood stain on the grain also means it’s not as easy to see knife markings, so with the proper care and regular oiling, this board will remain attractive on its countertop perch for years to come.

Material: Maple | Weight: 12 pounds | Dimensions: 20” L x 15” W x 1.5” H | Special Features: Reversible, finger grooves