Beginners Guide to Wood Charcuterie Boards

Wood has been a timeless choice for cutting surfaces since ancient times. It's versatile, widely available, and gentle on kitchen utensils. Cutting boards, charcuterie boards, and serving trays come in various shapes and materials—plastic, glass, steel, and marble—all of which are easy to clean. However, unlike harder surfaces, wooden boards are gentler on your knives, reducing wear and tear. Although they may show some knife marks, well-maintained wood boards can self-repair, leaving no noticeable scars. Additionally, wooden charcuterie boards are often crafted from leftover furniture pieces, minimizing waste. These boards not only enhance the presentation of desserts, salads, wines, and meats but also help keep countertops scratch-free. Investing in a quality wooden board is essential if you want to preserve your countertop and knife set.

Not all woods are created equal when it comes to cutting boards. The right choice depends on the intended use and the need to maintain both tools and cleanliness in the kitchen. While both softwoods and hardwoods have their uses, hardwoods are generally superior for culinary purposes due to their durability, resistance to scratches, and better antibacterial properties.

Hardwoods like maple, walnut, cherry, beech, and ash are ideal for cutting boards because of their close grain structure and natural antimicrobial qualities. Beechwood is particularly popular for its balanced hardness—it’s not too hard to dull your knives yet strong enough to resist damage. Plus, it’s often more affordable than other hardwoods.

Woodworking produces a lot of scrap wood, much of which is too small for large-scale projects like furniture. Instead of discarding these scraps, they can be repurposed into cutting boards, charcuterie boards, and serving trays. End grain cutting boards are made by arranging the ends of wood pieces together, requiring a specific adhesive. This method not only enhances the board's visual appeal but also improves its resistance to cuts and warping. While end grain boards are pricier, their intricate patterns make them highly desirable.

In contrast, edge grain cutting boards, which are less expensive and easier to produce, are more common in kitchens. Both types of boards can serve as durable kitchen essentials with proper care.

Have you noticed the trend of butterfly-shaped joints in woodworking? Known as bow ties, dovetail keys, Dutchman joints, or Nakashima joints, these joints serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. They can hold pieces of wood together, preventing splits and damage in structures like picture frames, doors, and tables. Nowadays, these joints are gaining popularity across social media platforms and are widely available from local shops to online retailers. Custom wood cutting boards featuring these joints are becoming increasingly sought-after for their unique designs.

Wooden cutting boards are durable and long-lasting, despite being prone to cracking and warping. Proper care ensures they remain functional for years. Avoid placing your board in the dishwasher, as the heat and water can cause it to warp. Instead, clean it with mild dish soap and warm water, gently scrubbing it. Bleach is not recommended as it can stain or dry out the wood. Effective cleaning relies more on the amount of water and scrubbing than the type of soap used.

After cleaning, dry the board thoroughly with a towel and avoid soaking it in water. Allow it to air-dry upright on both sides. If there are lingering stains or odors, apply some vinegar or lemon juice to neutralize organic residues or fats.

Maintenance of wooden cutting boards includes regular oiling. It’s recommended to treat your board with food-grade mineral oil a few times a year. Regular mineral oil used for machinery is not suitable for food contact. Food-safe cutting board oil penetrates the wood fibers, preventing moisture and other liquids from seeping in. Use a cloth or paintbrush to apply the oil instead of your hands, which could lead to splinters. Avoid using vegetable or olive oil, as they contain fats that can spoil and create unpleasant odors. Many warped cutting boards result from neglect rather than inherent flaws.

Charcuterie boards, cutting boards, and serving trays make excellent gifts. As the holidays approach and shipping delays persist, consider purchasing a locally made wooden board to share meals with loved ones.

^{(1) (2) (3) (4)} Elliot Bell, "How To Choose the Best for Your Cutting Board," Misen, August 4, 2019, misen.com
^{(5) (6)} "Butterfly Joint," Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia, February 13, 2021, wikipedia.org
^{(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14)} "How to Oil and Maintain a Cutting Board," CuttingBoard.Com, cuttingboard.com