Choosing the right wood for a cutting board or charcuterie board makes all the difference — in durability, food safety, and beauty. At AVEL Woodworking, we sell hardwood lumber by the board foot so you can build exactly what you need. Here's a breakdown of the four best species for your next board project.
1. Hard Maple — The Classic Choice
Hard maple is the gold standard for cutting boards. It's dense, tight-grained, and resists knife scarring better than almost any other domestic hardwood. Its light, creamy color also shows off food beautifully on a charcuterie spread.
Best for: End-grain cutting boards, everyday kitchen use, high-traffic boards.
👉 Shop 4/4 Soft Maple at AVEL Woodworking
2. Black Walnut — Rich, Dark, and Stunning
Walnut is a favorite for charcuterie boards and serving boards because of its deep chocolate-brown color. It's slightly softer than maple but still plenty durable for cutting board use, and it finishes beautifully with food-safe oil.
Best for: Charcuterie boards, serving boards, face-grain cutting boards, gift boards.
👉 Shop 4/4 Walnut Lumber at AVEL Woodworking
3. Cherry — Warm Tones That Deepen Over Time
American Cherry starts out a light pinkish-tan and darkens to a rich reddish-brown with age and light exposure. It's moderately hard, easy to work, and produces gorgeous boards that look even better after a few years of use.
Best for: Charcuterie boards, gift boards, decorative cutting boards.
👉 Shop 4/4 Cherry at AVEL Woodworking
4. White Oak — Durable and Distinctive
White Oak has a beautiful ray-fleck figure and a tight grain that makes it naturally water-resistant — a great trait for a board that will see a lot of moisture. It's harder than cherry and has a warm, golden tone.
Best for: Cutting boards, charcuterie boards, boards that need extra durability.
👉 Shop 4/4 White Oak at AVEL Woodworking
Tips for Finishing Your Cutting Board
- Always use a food-safe finish — mineral oil, beeswax, or a dedicated cutting board oil.
- Apply 3–5 coats of oil when the board is new, letting each coat soak in fully.
- Re-oil whenever the wood looks dry.
- Avoid soaking boards in water or putting them in the dishwasher.
Ready to Build?
Browse our full selection of hardwood lumber — sold by the board foot — and pick up the species that fits your project. All lumber is available for local pickup.