A cutting board is a kitchen equipment staple. These versatile boards are great for preparing ingredients, whether it be chopping, slicing, or dicing. There are many types of board materials. However, a common favorite is wood, especially walnut.
We have read the reviews and combed through the specs to compile a list of the best walnut wood cutting boards. Read on to find out which board would make a great addition to your kitchen.
The Best Walnut Wood Cutting Boards at a Glance
- Best Overall: Large Walnut Wood Cutting Board by Virginia Boys Kitchens
- Best Appearance: Reversible ChessMaster Walnut Wood Cutting Board by Virginia Boys Kitchens
- Most Versatile: Reversible Walnut Cutting Board by HeritageWare
- Most Eco-Friendly: Walnut Cutting Board by Mevell
- Best Value: Extra Thick Walnut Butcher Block Chopping Board
- Best Extra Features: Large End Grain Walnut Wood Cutting Board by Sonder Los Angeles
- Best Luxury: John Boos Walnut Wood Edge Grain Reversible Cutting Board
- Most Stylish: Large Multipurpose American Walnut Wood Cutting Board by Sonder Los Angeles
- Best Raw Option: Härthwood Walnut Wood Cutting Board
- Most Hygienic Option: Walnut Wood Cutting Board by Kitchen Board Maniacs
Best Overall: Large Walnut Wood Cutting Board by Virginia Boys Kitchens
Rating: 4/5
This is a beautifully crafted cutting board. With a warm and attractive chocolate hue, it can double as a piece of kitchen decor. Made of non-endangered black walnut wood, this cutting board is also very practical. It is thick, sturdy, and reversible and includes a carved juice groove.
Its naturally porous and soft straight surface protects the sharpness of your knives.
The sustainably sourced wood is also long-lasting and can resist warping, cracking, and splintering. As with all wood cutting boards, it does require some love and care. And when properly cared for, this cutting board can grace your kitchen for years to come.
You will appreciate the meticulous work put in the making of this cutting board. Each piece is carefully sanded to ensure a smooth surface for all your food preparation. This board is reversible. One side features a carved groove around the edge to catch any dripping liquid. This means no mess and less cleaning for you. The other side is flat and can serve as a beautiful serving platter that will surely impress your friends and family.
This cutting board comes unseasoned, which gives you the opportunity to season it yourself. It also means that you have complete control over what goes into your food. This is a fact appreciated by those who are allergic to certain conditioners, or discerning about which oils are used to season and condition their board.
Technical Specs:
- American Black Walnut
- 17 x 11 x 0.75 inches
- Unfinished (no oil, wax, or coating)
Pros
- Large size
- Has a groove around the edge to catch liquids
- Surface is knife-friendly
- Beautiful dark chocolate hue
- Unfinished so you can add your own oil or wax
Cons
- Heavy
- Must be seasoned before first use
Best Appearance: Reversible ChessMaster Walnut Wood Cutting Board by Virginia Boys Kitchens
Rating: 3/5
This gorgeous board features a ChessMaster pattern – a blocked pattern of dark brown and light brown hues that will look gorgeous on your countertop. It also stands out from other natural grained cutting boards. This makes it an excellent choice of gift, either for yourself or others!
You can use both sides of this board. Smooth finger grips at each end of the board allow you to effortlessly lift and flip it over. Once you flip it over, you will see that it’s equally beautiful and functional on both sides. Its huge surface for food prep is pre-seasoned the right way, with fractionated coconut oil after being kilned dried.
This is a long-lasting and sturdy walnut wood cutting board. It is safe for your knives. They will remain sharp, which means less work for you.
Technical specs:
- Black walnut
- 21 x 16.25 x 2.75 inches
- Finished with pure fractionated coconut oil
Pros
- Gorgeous ChessMaster pattern
- Reversible
- Knife-friendly surface
- Has finger holds
- Pre-seasoned
Cons
- Expensive
- No juice groove
Most Versatile: Reversible Walnut Cutting Board by HeritageWare
Rating: 3/5
This is a cutting board, a serving tray, and a piece of art all in one. The cutting side is smooth and finished with straight walnut grain so as not to harm knife blades and remain food safe. It also has a well around the edge so no liquids can escape the board. Perfect for easy clean-up!
When you are not using it for prepping food, you can reverse it and put it on display. The natural walnut grain is beautiful and will surely delight your guests. This board can also be used as a serving tray for your sliced meats and cheeses. It is a great addition to your kitchen as it can do the job of three pieces of equipment. It is handcrafted, USA made quality, and sustainably harvested, so you can feel good about your purchase.
Technical Specs
- North American Walnut
- 17 x 11 x 0.75 inches
- Finished with food-safe mineral oil
Pros
- Can be used as a prepping surface, a serving tray or for display
- Features juice well along edges
- Pre-seasoned with mineral oil
- Sustainably harvested
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Texture is rough
- May peel easily when washed
Most Eco-Friendly: Walnut Cutting Board by Mevell
Rating: 2/5
This stunning dark grain walnut cutting board is sustainably sourced. It is perhaps the most eco-friendly cutting board. It comes from American Black Walnut trees in Canada. Each board is handcrafted and inspected twice, to ensure that you get a high-quality product that can last forever.
Additionally, for each board purchased, the company plants a tree. Mevell is a reforestation partner. You will feel great about using this beautiful and knife-friendly board in your kitchen. Not only will you have a wonderful space to prep food, but you will also have the peace of mind knowing your purchase was for a good cause.
Finally, these boards boast a self-healing quality. The natural antimicrobial property of the walnut wood traps and suffocates bacteria, keeping you and your board healthy.
Technical Specs
- American Walnut
- 17 x 11 x 0.75 inches
- Finished with premium cutting board oil and beeswax
Pros
- Sustainably sourced
- Includes juice groove
- Pre-seasoned and ready to use
- Anti-microbial
- Knife-friendly surface
Cons
- May require sanding
- Prone to warping
Best Value: Extra Thick Walnut Butcher Block Chopping Board
Rating: 4/5
This is a wonderful 17 x 11 x 0.9-inch board with a fair amount of features at a price that won’t break the bank. Made of American Black Walnut, it is the perfect surface to prep your ingredients. It has a juice groove to trap running liquids so you won’t leave a mess on your counters. Its edge grain is handcrafted for durability and stain resistance.
Flip it over and you have an excellent charcuterie board that doubles as a serving platter. There are even grooved handles on either end for easy carrying. Seasoned and finished with organic food-grade oil, it is ready for cutting and serving fresh from the box. You can slice up meats and cheeses and use the board to entertain on the same day you receive it.
Technical Specs
- American Black Walnut
- 17 x 11 x 0.9 inches
- Finished with organic food-grade cutting board oil
Pros
- Includes grooved carrying handles
- Reversible
- Has juice groove
- Can be used as a chopping block or serving tray
- Extra thick
Cons
- May require sanding
- Works best with a non-slip mat underneath
Best Extra Features: Large End Grain Walnut Wood Cutting Board by Sonder Los Angeles
Rating: 4/5
Searching for a board that does more? This large end grain walnut wood cutting board by Sonder Los Angeles is the best for extra features. It is perhaps the most functional cutting board you will ever own. This cutting board is excellent for chopping, cutting and dicing, but this is standard cutting board fare.
One side has a forgiving cutting surface and a juice groove. However, stick your fingers into the smooth recessed handles at either end, and this reversible board has much more to offer. The other side is great for serving. It has three built-in compartments either for food prep or serving. They can hold diced herbs, onions, and spices, or they can hold nuts, fruits, and olives to compliment your charcuterie.
This cutting board is pre-seasoned with a proprietary blend of food-grade pure mineral oil, beeswax, and flaxseed oil. This helps to further protect the wood surface from unwanted moisture absorption.
Small rubber feet on one side keep the board from slipping and sliding on your countertop. This appealing board is extremely versatile.
Technical Specs
- Black Walnut
- 17 x 13 x 1.5 inches
- Pre-seasoned
Pros
- Naturally forgiving surface for knives
- Three built-in compartments
- Recessed handles
- Deep juice groove
- Includes small-rubber gripping feet
Cons
- Pricey
Best Luxury: John Boos Walnut Wood Edge Grain Reversible Cutting Board
Rating: 3/5
This oversized board offers you plenty of space to chop, dice, and slice. It is an edge grain board, meaning your knife safely slices between the wood grain instead of across. This results in an increased lifespan for both your knives and your cutting board.
This “just right” 1.5 inches thick, reversible cutting board has soft carved hand grips at either end. It is effortless to pick up when you are cleaning it, carrying it, or turning it over. Crafted using traditional methods that date back to 1887, this board is great for everyone, from beginners to Master Chefs.
Technical Specs
- American Black Walnut
- 24 x 18 x 1.5 inches
- Not pre-seasoned
Pros
- Includes grips for your hands
- Reversible
- Anti-microbial
- Large 24×18 inches in size
- End-grain knife-friendly construction
Cons
- Costly
- No juice groove
Most Stylish: Large Multipurpose American Walnut Wood Cutting Board by Sonder Los Angeles
Rating: 4/5
This walnut wood board by Sonder Los Angeles is a strikingly modern and stylish board. It has vibrant hues of American walnut, maple, and cherry. These edge grain wood cuts have been meticulously constructed and then finished with a food safe mineral oil. This board won’t dull your knives, will resist stains and moisture, and has a long lifespan.
It is reversible with both a food prep area and a chopping surface that includes a built-in well to catch escaped veggies. The well doubles as a place to hold crackers and sliced baguettes for your charcuterie display. This board has inner handles so you can hold it as a tray or flip it over conveniently. This gorgeous board is both beautiful and functional.
Technical Specs
- American Black Walnut with Cherry/Maple Accents
- 17 x 13 x 1.1 inches
- Pre-seasoned with 100% food grade mineral oil
Pros
- Modern and stylish appearance
- Built-in handles
- Well for catching veggies and holding crackers
- Knife-friendly surface
- Reversible
Cons
- No juice groove
- Must be oiled monthly
Best Raw Option: Härthwood Walnut Wood Cutting Board
Rating: 3/5
This lovely cutting board is made from pure, raw, and untreated wood that is primed for seasoning. This means that you can season it yourself with your preferred organic or natural oil. The wood is sanded and buffed until it is smooth and flawless in texture and appearance. You will love making this responsibly sourced board into a well-loved and richly-seasoned piece of equipment. It will certainly last long enough if you do so.
The wood resists chipping and splintering while remaining safe for your knives. That is true for both of its sides, as it is reversible. You will love this blank canvas for your culinary art.
Technical Specs
- North American Black Walnut
- 9 x 13 x 0.75 inches
- Raw and unseasoned
Pros
- Sanded smooth surface
- Knife-friendly
- Reversible
- Includes juice groove
- Resistant to splintering and chipping
Cons
- Requires seasoning before using
- Small size
Most Hygienic Option: Walnut Wood Cutting Board by Kitchen Board Maniacs
Rating: 4/5
Finally, this is an outstanding board for many reasons. Made of natural walnut, it has a dense structure and self-healing abilities. This makes it strong but gentle on knives. It also means it will resist wear and tear and is antimicrobial.
Each piece of wood used in the making of the board has a limited width at just 3 inches, which is perfect because larger boards tend to warp. This cutting board is pre-seasoned with natural mineral oil and ready to go. It will remain clean and hygienic thanks to walnut’s antibacterial properties. No matter which side you use it on, the cutting side with the juice groove, or the serving side, it is sure to please.
Technical Specs
- Walnut
- 16 x 10.5 x 0.75 inches
- Pre-seasoned with natural mineral oil
Pros
- Reversible
- Includes juice groove
- Antimicrobial
- Pre-seasoned with food safe oil
- Won’t dull knives
Cons
- May require sanding
- Requires frequent oiling
A Guide to Buying Wood Cutting Boards
Types of Woods for Cutting Boards
When it comes to wooden cutting boards, there are many materials available. Each type of wood has their own advantages and disadvantages. Both the appearance and the functionality of the wood are important considerations when you are choosing a cutting board.
Maple
A dense hardwood, maple is an excellent cutting board material. It is naturally resistant to wear and tear, especially from knives. However, it isn’t so hard as to damage your knives. Maple is also closed grain, meaning it won’t absorb odors, tastes, or bacteria. The drawback is that it is light and color and stains will be very apparent.
Ash
Ash has a bright and cheery color, perfect for light and airy kitchens. Keep in mind though, it will show discoloration quite easily. Even though it is porous, it is hard and durable and can withstand cutting.
Acacia
Acacia is durable and hard. It is long-lasting and can stand up to frequent cutting. It comes in many different colors so you can choose the best shade for your kitchen.
Walnut
Walnut is considered soft when it comes to closed-grain hardwoods. It is very forgiving with your knives but will show scratches and cuts easily. But its natural dark color does help to hide stains. Walnut has medium-sized pores. This means it only needs occasionally oiling and care and is moderately good at resisting bacteria, tastes, and smells.
Cherry
Cherry is a hardwood but is pretty soft. It will show knicks and dents easily. Alternatively, its softness means it will not damage your knives. Cherry’s appealing red color is highly prized.
Beech
Beechwood is another hardwood. It is wonderfully resistant to scratches and impact. Beech is also closed-grain, meaning it won’t hold odors, flavors, or stains. As it is lighter in color, it will show discoloration easily. Beechwood is also prone to shrinking and therefore must be conditioned frequently.
Teak
Teak wood isn’t as hard as maple or beech, but it still does a fair job of resisting wear and tear from cutting. Even though it isn’t as hard, it does contain a good amount of silica which can dull knives. It is gorgeous in color and this tropical wood is highly sought after. It doesn’t have to be conditioned regularly as it is porous. But, those pores make it easy for stains, flavors, and odors to seep in.
Bamboo
Bamboo is actually a hard grass and a very sustainable choice. Bamboo is surprisingly hard. Its high silica count makes it resistant to dents, cuts, and water. However, it is also rough on knife blades. Its light coloring is gorgeous but prone to showing stains and wear.
How To Choose a Wooden Cutting Board
As mentioned, there is a wide variety of wooden cutting boards. They differ not only by wood type but by size, style, and more. We have compiled a list of considerations to help you choose the perfect wooden cutting board for your kitchen.
Material
There are various types of wood you can choose from. Some wood varieties are harder than others. While one would think the harder the better when it comes to a cutting board, a wood that’s too hard can damage your knives. The Janka scale, or the rating of a wood’s hardness, is a great way to find the best material. You ideally want a hardness between 900 and 1500.
Also, pay attention to the woods’ porosity and color. More porous woods can absorb unpleasant flavors, odors, and colors. They also are prone to shrinking, which means they have to be conditioned regularly. Finally, the color of the wood can spice up your kitchen decor. But, light colors easily show stains.
Wood Grain Style
Sometimes, the wood grain style is simply decorative. This is true with chessboard style cutting boards. However, wood grain can also play a role in functionality. Boards made with end grain cuts are popular because they are naturally forgiving. When cutting, a knife blade naturally goes between the grains instead of across them, prolonging your blades sharpness.
Size
Cutting boards come in many different sizes. Smaller boards may be more practical for smaller kitchens. Larger boards can provide you more room for cutting and preparing foods but they can also be heavy. Large cutting boards are also harder to clean and store if you have limited space.
Grooved or Flat
Grooved cutting boards are very popular. Varying in depth and width, the groove is typically in the form of a well, running around the edge of the board. These grooves cut into your cutting space but are very helpful in containing juices. They minimize liquid running off of the board and onto your countertops when you are cutting vegetables, fruits, or even meats. If you are looking to maximize your cutting space, you may want to forgo the juice trench. Juice grooves can be deep or shallow and found in diverse widths.
Design
The design of the cutting board should suit your tastes. Thick or thin, curved edges or straight. Some boards are even cut into decorative shapes to fit the theme or decor of your kitchen.
Reversibility
Many cutting boards are reversible. Some allow you to cut on either side. You can have one side for savory foods and the other side for fruits or more mellow foods. This way your onions won’t flavor your pineapple. This also prevents cross-contamination. Other times, a board may have one side for cutting and the other for serving. These boards can do the job of two kitchen items and are great space savers.
Toxicity
It isn’t so much the wood that would be toxic as it is other components used to make the cutting board. Oils used to finish the wood and glues used to hold it together can be non-food safe. It is important to make sure that all components of the cutting board are food grade. Though wood typically isn’t toxic, porous or open-grained woods, like oak, readily hold bacteria, making them unsafe.
Extra Features
Most cutting boards have minimal features and are made to be used solely as a cutting surface. Nevertheless, you may find additional features like recessed handles and built-in compartments. These features are not necessary but can be very helpful.
Price
Finally, consider the price. The price should fit your budget. Some woods are more expensive than others. The size and number of features may also affect the price. Choose a board that you are satisfied with but that will not break the bank.
Benefits of Walnut Wood for Cutting Board
Durability
Walnut falls around 1010 on the Janka hardness scale. This is the perfect mix of hardness and softness. It is hard enough to resist denting and scratches. Wear and tear will not show easily. If maintained properly, walnut wood cutting boards can last for a very long time.
Forgiving on Knives
As mentioned, walnut is the ideal blend of softness and hardness. It is soft enough that it won’t damage your knives. To maintain your blades sharpness, opt for an end grain board. The blade will slip between the grains instead of across them, keeping your knives crisp and sharp.
Stylish
Black walnut has a beautiful dark hue. It makes an attractive focal point for your kitchen. Furthermore, the warm chocolate hue is forgiving. It won’t show scrapes or stains easily, keeping your board looking good, longer.
Anti-microbial
Walnut wood is naturally somewhat anti-microbial. This quality keeps bacteria from spreading or being housed in knife grooves. The anti-microbial properties of walnut wood are light but are better than some other woods such as teak.
Black walnut wood is an excellent choice for a cutting board. Not only is it long-lasting and functional, but it’s also beautiful. If you can find a walnut wood cutting board made from sustainably sourced wood, that is even better!
Walnut Wood Cutting Board Disinfecting and Maintenance
A walnut cutting board can be quite an investment. Beautiful and functional as it is, it does require a bit of maintenance. To keep your walnut cutting board performing and looking great, it is important to clean, disinfect, and care for it properly.
Clean
Do not put your wooden cutting board in the dishwasher or soak it in the sink. Instead, use warm water, a towel or sponge, and a small amount of gentle soap. Be sure to lightly scrub off any food particles and get into any knife grooves. Most importantly, keep it under the running water long enough. Running water helps to wash away bacteria.
Disinfect
You can use pure white vinegar or diluted chlorine bleach to disinfect the board. To dilute bleach, mix two tablespoons in one gallon of water. Then soak a towel in your disinfectant of choice and wipe down the board.
Let sit for a few minutes and rinse. For tough stains and odors, some people use cut lemons or baking soda along with the vinegar. Let the combination sit for a few minutes then rinse and let dry.
Dry
Don’t let water sit on your board. This can warp it or cause fraying and swelling. Pat dry your board with a towel, then let it air dry upright on your counter.
Maintain
There are a few oils that can be used to condition your board. Not all oils are suitable as they can go rancid or bad, making your board unsafe to use. Instead, try food grade mineral oil, beeswax, or natural coconut oil. Other commercial products, such as the John Boos Mystery Butcher Block Oil, can help keep your board in tip-top shape. These oils fill in the microscopic grooves and cuts, helping to make it more water-resistant.
Simply rub down your board every few months or as often as necessary.
Remember:
- Don’t put your cutting board into the dishwasher
- Don’t soak it
- Don’t let liquids or blood pool and sit on it for long periods
Following these guidelines will keep your board healthy and attractive.
A Cut Above the Rest
Walnut is clearly a great choice for a wooden cutting board. You have a lot of options when it comes to finding the best walnut cutting board for your kitchen. The Large Walnut Wood Cutting Board by Virginia Boys Kitchens is the clear winner of our round-up, thanks to its quality craftsmanship. For a multipurpose option, the Large End Grain Walnut Wood Cutting Board by Sonder Los Angeles can’t be beat. This large board is reversible, has a juice groove, and is designed to be both stylish and functional. Either board would look wonderful on your countertop and remain useful for years to come!