What Makes a Quality Handmade Cutting Board?

Two cutting boards can look similar in a photograph and be very different products. A good hardwood board depends on material selection, accurate construction, surface preparation and finishing — much of which isn't obvious until you use the board.

Appropriate hardwood

Species selection matters. Woods such as hard maple, black walnut and cherry have long been popular for cutting boards because they combine useful hardness with attractive grain and proven woodworking characteristics.

Accurate milling and glue-up

Boards need flat, accurately prepared mating surfaces before glue-up. Patterned end grain designs require even greater precision because small errors multiply as pieces are cut, rotated and assembled again.

Flattening and sanding

After glue-up, the surface has to be made truly flat and then progressively sanded. Proper surface preparation affects not only appearance but how the board feels every time you use or clean it.

Food-safe conditioning

A wooden cutting board should be properly conditioned before use and maintained throughout its life. H&H cutting boards are soaked in food-safe mineral oil, then coated and buffed with our house-made board butter made with USA food-safe mineral oil and beeswax harvested from a local bee farmer and purified by us.

Made for use, not just display

A handcrafted board can be beautiful, but it should still be a functional kitchen tool. Good construction, sensible hardwood choices and proper care are what allow that appearance to last.