Cutting Board Guide

Finding the Right Cutting Board

A cutting board should be simple—real hardwood, natural materials, and made to be used every day.

That's the idea behind Rugged Woodworking. Each of our cutting boards is handcrafted from one solid piece of hardwood, without wood glues, stains, or dyes, and finished with a simple blend of organic oils and waxes.

Every piece of wood is different. Walnut, Maple, Cherry, and Padauk each have their own natural color, grain, and character. The right board comes down to what you love and how you plan to use it.

This guide will help you choose the wood, size, and features that are right for your kitchen.

Strong, Simple, and Built to Last.

WHICH WOOD SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Each wood has its own natural color and grain. Choose the one that fits your style and your kitchen.

Walnut — Rich, dark brown color with distinctive natural grain. Our most popular wood and a timeless choice for a darker cutting board.
Best if you want: A rich, dark, classic look.

Maple — Light, creamy color with subtle natural grain. A clean, natural look that brightens up the kitchen.
Best if you want: A light, clean, natural look.

Cherry — Warm reddish tones with beautiful natural grain. Cherry naturally deepens in color over time, giving the wood even more character as it ages.
Best if you want: Warm color that becomes richer with age.

Padauk — Bold reddish-orange color with distinctive natural grain. Its vibrant color comes naturally from the wood—no stains or dyes needed.
Best if you want: A bold, distinctive board that stands out.

Build Your Own Bundle— Can't choose just one? Mix and match two cutting boards by choosing the wood and size for each board. Pair two different woods or two sizes of your favorite.
Best if you want: Two boards customized to fit your kitchen, or a combination of different woods and sizes.

Each board is made from one solid piece of hardwood, so no two will look exactly alike. The natural color and grain are part of what makes each board unique.

What size cutting board should i choose?

We offer four cutting board sizes, from a small prep board to a larger everyday cutting surface. Here’s a simple guide to choosing the right size.

8 × 10 — Smallest size, great for quick prep

8 × 12 — Compact with a little more working space

10 × 15 — Our everyday size

10 × 18 — Largest size for more prep space

Why one solid piece of hardwood?

At Rugged Woodworking, we believe the materials used to prepare food matter. We wanted to create a cutting board made with natural materials that was simple, long-lasting, and beautiful enough to leave out in the kitchen.

That’s why our cutting boards are made from one solid piece of hardwood instead of multiple strips of wood glued together. We let the natural color and grain of Walnut, Maple, Cherry, and Padauk make each board unique.

No wood glues. No stains. No dyes. Just solid hardwood.

What do you use to finish your cutting boards?

We keep our finish simple, too. Each cutting board is finished with USDA Certified Organic fractionated coconut oil, USDA Certified Organic carnauba wax, and local beeswax. We chose these ingredients because what goes on a cutting board matters when it’s used to prepare the food we eat.

No stains. No dyes. No synthetic finishes.

Should i add a juice groove?

A juice groove is a channel routed around the edge of the cutting board to help catch juices and liquids before they run onto your countertop.

It's a great option if you regularly carve meats or cut juicy fruits and vegetables. If you mostly use your board for everyday chopping and prep, you may prefer the extra flat cutting space without a groove.

Should i add rubber feet?

Rubber feet help keep your cutting board in place while you work and slightly raise it off the countertop.

They’re a great option if you want your board to stay put while cutting. If you prefer to use both sides of your board for cutting or serving, we recommend leaving the feet off.

Why are your cutting boards 3/4" thick?

We make our cutting boards approximately ¾" thick because we wanted a solid hardwood board that would hold up over time without being too heavy or bulky. They’re easy to pick up, wash, move, and use every day.

You may also notice that our boards only go up to 10" wide. Finding quality hardwood wider than that in one solid piece is extremely difficult. We choose to work within the natural width of the hardwood rather than join smaller pieces together to make a wider board.

We handpick every board we use, looking for quality hardwood with beautiful natural grain and character.

How do I care for my wooden cutting board?

Caring for your wooden cutting board is simple. Hand wash with mild soap and water, avoid soaking it, and never put it in the dishwasher. Dry it thoroughly after washing.

When the wood begins to look or feel dry, apply cutting board oil to restore moisture. For added protection, we recommend using our wood conditioner at least once a month to help keep your board looking its best and extend its life.

Can i personalize my cutting board?

Yes. Custom laser engraving can be added to make your cutting board more personal. Add a name, date, message, logo, or choose from one of our engraving designs to create something meaningful for your own kitchen or as a gift.

Personalized cutting boards are a popular choice for weddings, anniversaries, housewarmings, business gifts, and other special occasions.

still not sure which board to choose?

Choose the wood you love, the size you need, and make it yours.

Want more than one? Build your own bundle by choosing two cutting boards in the wood and sizes that work best for you.

CUTTING BOARDS BUILD YOUR OWN BUNDLE