Cutting board wood types what to consider. The Heirloom Graphics & Custom Woodworking Ash cutting board is one of the most suitable options when it comes to picking out a cutting board for your kitchen! This cutting board is perfect for slicing up kiwis and other fruits.
- Different woods can make a major impact when it comes to cutting boards.
- Many kinds of hardwood are well-suited to this purpose.
- However, there are some that should be avoided.
Having a cutting board or butcher block — otherwise known as a chopping block — is an essential part of any kitchen. Preparing food would be impossible without this indispensable piece of inanimate kitchen equipment.
For a real upgrade, it’s recommended that those using a plastic or glass cutting board switch to a wooden one. The lasting success of wooden boards is proof of its superiority in comparison to other types. Wooden cutting boards have been around for years, and for good reason.
When it comes to cutting boards, there is a wide range of woods available. Some woods are ideal for cutting on while others are not. Taking the time to select the right wood is important for several beneficial reasons. These may include keeping knives sharp, improving cutting performance, and maintaining a hygienic kitchen.
The contrast between Hardwood and Softwood
The distinction between hardwood and softwood can be quite significant. Both types of wood vary in terms of color, texture, grain, and durability. Hardwood is generally darker, heavier, and more durable than softwood. It is also typically more expensive than softwood. Softwood, on the other hand, is typically lighter in color, with a less distinct grain pattern. It is also generally less expensive than hardwood. Both types of wood have their own unique characteristics and functions, so the choice between the two can depend on the needs of the user.
Having the right cutting board can help to keep your knives sharp.
When you are in the market for a chopping board, hardwood is the way to go. There are a few reasons why hardwood is preferable to softwood:
- Hardwood is more resilient and resistant to scratches and dents.
- A hardwood cutting board is less likely to dull your knives.
- Chef’s knives are easier to use on hardwood because it has less give.
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The Janka scale is a measure of the force in pounds required to press a metal ball into the wood, which is a method of gauging the wood’s hardness. The higher the wood’s resistance to the metal ball, the higher the rank it will have on the Janka scale.
Utilizing an excessively hardwood, such as Brazilian walnut, for a cutting board is an expensive endeavor that can dull your knives. Therefore, it is not recommended.
Maintaining Good Food Practices
Food hygiene is a concept that emphasizes the importance of keeping food safe and clean, in order to protect consumers from potential health risks. This is accomplished through the adoption of certain practices, such as the proper handling, storing, and preparation of food to avoid contamination. By adhering to the hygiene standards set out by health authorities, it is possible to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensure the safety of consumers. Maintaining good food practices is essential for the health and well-being of all.
Using a closed-grain board for cutting raw meat is not a worry.
Prior to deciding which type of wood to use in your kitchen, it is important to consider the kind of food you will be preparing on the chopping board. Depending on the type of wood, its porosity can cause an effect on the sanitation of the kitchen. There are three categories of hardwood: ring-porous, semi-diffuse porous, and diffuse-porous. In simpler terms, open-grain (ring-porous) or closed-grain (diffuse-porous).
Woods with ring-porosity have pores that are more prominent than diffuse-porous woods, enabling moisture to penetrate the wood more easily. As a result, when these woods are used in the kitchen, the moisture left behind by food items such as raw meat can facilitate the growth of bacteria. In the long run, this could lead to food contamination or a board that has to be replaced earlier than expected.
The results of a survey conducted by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) showed that 18% of the cutting boards tested had traces of Salmonella and E.coli. Such a situation must be prevented in the kitchen at all costs. To do this, the cutting board should be regularly sanitized and maintained, and the correct type of wood should be chosen.
When selecting a cutting board, one should not only be aware of the potential bacterial risks associated with certain types of wood but also that some types of wood are toxic. If purchasing from a reliable maker, this should not be a problem; however, if making one’s own, a good rule of thumb is that if the wood is derived from a tree that produces something edible, it should be safe to use.
Optimal Types of Wood
Wood selection is a critical factor when it comes to constructing sturdy and durable structures. Various types of wood can be used in a range of applications and projects, some of which are better suited than others. Here are some of the best wood choices to consider.
When selecting a cutting board for your kitchen, it is important to consider what type of food you will be preparing.
When selecting a wood cutting board, several types of wood stand out as preferred options.
When selecting a cutting board for your kitchen, it is important to consider what type of food you will be preparing.
When selecting a wood cutting board, several types of wood stand out as preferred options.
The Maple Tree
The maple tree is a species of tree with woody stems and leaves that is native to North America. It has a wide distribution and can be found in forests, woodlands, and residential areas. Maple wood is used for furniture and musical instruments, while maple syrup is a popular food product made from the sap of the tree. The maple tree’s leaves are also distinctive, with distinct lobes and a deep red, orange, or yellow color.
When it comes to cutting boards, sugar maple or hard maple is the preferred option. Maple wood is a closed-grain wood, making it long-lasting and resistant to bacteria. Additionally, it is light in color and works well with many kitchen designs.
One should be cognizant of the fact that red maple is hazardous. Therefore, producers do not employ it to make boards. Therefore, if you are intending to craft your own cutting board, it is advised that you utilize sugar maple instead.
The tree species are known as Ash
White Ash wood is an excellent option for kitchen use. This ring-porous material offers enough durability to be used daily and has a pleasantly light tone that many home chefs find pleasing. However, like other light woods, it may need extra maintenance in order to prevent staining. Heirloom Graphics & Custom Woodworking provides cutting boards made of this material that could prove to be great additions to any kitchen.
Acacia Trees
This species of tree is known for its resilient nature, with some specimens standing the test of time despite harsh weather conditions. They are often found in warmer climates, and the wood they produce is highly sought after. Acacias provide a unique source of shade during the hot summer months, and their flowers are a beautiful sight to behold. They are also known for their drought tolerance, making them an ideal choice for arid regions.
An uncommon choice for cutting boards, Acacia is nevertheless an ideal material for making durable and flexible boards. It is often less costly than Maple or Walnut. Acacia can vary greatly in color, but we decided to carbonize our own Acacia board to get a very dark tone.
The Fruit of the Prunus Avium Tree
For a cutting board, cherry is a great option due to its hard, closed-grain composition. Its medium to dark hue is sure to give your kitchen a classic look. Furthermore, this wood requires minimal maintenance and won’t blunt your blades. With proper care, it can last for many years.
The walnut is a tree nut that is a popular snack and ingredient.
The dark color of walnut makes it an attractive choice for the kitchen. It is not as hard as maple, but its “just right” hardness makes it suitable for both cutting boards and knives. The durability of walnut will ensure it stands the test of time.
Teak Wood
Teak is a type of hardwood that is native to tropical regions. It is known for its strength, durability, and an attractive golden-brown color. Wood is often used in outdoor furniture and boat building due to its resistance to weather and water damage. It is also used in flooring, cabinetry, and other woodworking projects.
For years, teak has been highly valued for its longevity and maintenance simplicity. It is different from other woods because it retains its oil that resists water even after being processed. Its tight grain pattern further adds to its suitability for cleanliness and simple upkeep.
A downside of teak is its lack of sustainability. Its popularity has caused a dramatic decrease in the number of wild teak trees. African teak, for instance, has been classified as an endangered species
Bamboo Plant
Bamboo is a type of plant that is widely recognized for its remarkable versatility and sustainability. It is a fast-growing grass species that can be seen in many parts of the world, from tropical to temperate climates. Bamboo has many uses, ranging from construction material to food, and it is also valued for its cultural and aesthetic contributions. Its impressive strength and durability make it a great choice for a variety of projects. Additionally, bamboo is known for its environmental benefits, as it is a renewable resource and is capable of absorbing more carbon dioxide than other plants.
Though bamboo is a grass and not a tree, it functions much like wood. It is hard and absorbs less moisture than many other kinds of wood, and is easy to keep up. Moreover, because it grows quickly, it is a sustainable resource. However, it can sometimes be difficult to cut with a knife, though not as much if it is used more for chopping than slicing.
A tasty nut originating from North America, the pecan has been a favorite of many for centuries. This nut is known for its crunchy texture and sweet flavor, making it a popular addition to many desserts.
In comparison to maple, pecan is a harder wood and thus more resistant to damage. But since it is somewhere between closed-grain and open-grain, it is more vulnerable to seepage from water and should be cleaned more carefully to prevent the growth of bacteria.
The Tree Known as Beech
Beech is an excellent selection for a board due to its similarities with maple; it is diffuse-porous, hard but not overly so, and has a good amount of resistance. Additionally, it is usually less costly than other types of wood.
Woods to Stay Away From
Certain types of wood should be avoided when making furniture or any type of carpentry work due to their low quality and difficulty to work with. These woods are usually relatively soft and may cause splintering or cracking if not handled properly. Examples of such woods include balsa, basswood, and poplar.
It’s best to stay away from porous and malleable woods.
When selecting a cutting board, it is best to be aware of certain types of wood that are optimal for use and others that are not suggested.
An Oak Tree
No doubt, oak is a tough tree, but due to its large pores, it makes it more likely for bacteria to develop than you would want in your kitchen. If you have an oak chopping board, you should remember to disinfect it frequently in order to avoid the chance of it tainting your food.
Types of Softwood Such as Cedar or Pine
Boards constructed from softwoods are more susceptible to damage than hardwoods, consequently leading to a higher chance of dulling knives. The sharpness of a blade can be lost quicker when it is used on a damaged or scratched surface, compared to an unscathed board.
Additional Factors to Take Into Account
An Heirloom Graphics & Custom Woodworking cutting board with a knife slicing a carrot can be seen in the image above. Having a reliable cutting board on hand is a great way to make any cutting job simpler.
When considering a wooden cutting board, the type of wood is not the only factor to take into account; the construction style and maintenance needed should also be taken into consideration.
Contrasting End Grain and Edge Grain
Comparing two distinct types of cutting boards, end grain, and edge grain, can be helpful when deciding which one is ideal for a particular use.
The cost of end grain cutting boards is significantly more than edge grain cutting boards, which are the two primary forms of construction for cutting boards.
You’ll typically find an edge-grain cutting board in the kitchen. Here, the wood is cut in the direction of its length. These boards are simpler to put together and, therefore, cost less than end-grain ones. If well-maintained, an edge grain board can be a fabulous kitchen aid.
End grain cutting boards are created via a different construction method. Think of it as a stack of 2x4s standing upright and then cut horizontally, exposing their end grain instead of the length of the wood grain. This end grain has the ability to regenerate itself due to the nature of the grain. People may also appreciate the checkerboard look that this type of board gives off. Nevertheless, gluing or using some other sort of binding agent is necessary for the assembling process to achieve this look.
Taking Care of Equipment
Maintaining equipment is critical in order to ensure that it remains in proper working order. Taking the necessary steps to keep machines and tools in good condition is important to prevent them from becoming damaged or dysfunctional. Regular inspections and repairs are important to ensure that any problems are identified and addressed in a timely manner. By staying on top of maintenance, the lifespan of equipment can be extended and its performance can be improved.
When it comes to looking after your chopping board, some woods such as bamboo and teak require less maintenance compared to others. In any case, it is recommended to apply mineral oil on your board regularly, at least a few times every year. Doing this will help protect the wood from warping due to moisture.
Tap on Wood
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Your kitchen can be elevated with a cutting board that is so much more than just a tool. A top-notch cutting board creates a more enjoyable cooking experience and keeps your knives in great shape – a great way to show them some love. Experience the reliability of Heirloom Graphics & Custom Woodworking’s cutting board with an upgrade.
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