What Makes a Great Walnut Cutting Board

September 04, 2023 4 min read

What Makes a Great Walnut Cutting Board

In the world of kitchen tools, few items blend functionality and beauty like a walnut cutting board! A staple in both professional kitchens and at home, these dark wood wonders are so much more than just chopping surfaces — they also look great on a countertop. A walnut wood cutting board makes for a unique addition to any space and will last for years to come!

Walnut Cutting Board

The beauty of walnut wood is at the heart of what makes the best walnut cutting board. With its deep, rich brown color and varying shades, walnut boasts a look that is both classic and contemporary. 

Whether you display it on your countertop or use it as a backdrop for your favorite charcuterie and cheese boards, a walnut wood cutting board will take your kitchen to the next level.

Walnut vertical cutting board with name Mari's cutout on top and the word Kitchen cutout on right side

 

A great walnut cutting board is just as functional as it is eye-catching. The rich color and distinct grain patterns found in walnut wood are part of what sets it apart — like many hardwoods, walnut is also naturally antimicrobial! Plus, it won’t dull your knives and is easy to maintain with proper care. Upgrade your favorite appetizer spread and serve it on a walnut cutting board!

Here at Words with Boards, we’re all about customization. All of our cutting boards can be personalized— they’re great gifts for loved ones, or yourself!

What You’ll Love About a Walnut Wood Cutting Board

As mentioned, walnut wood is quite beautiful on its own. We love our walnut furniture, so a cutting board in the same hues complements the decor of our home perfectly. There’s something so elegant about dark wood, isn’t there? If you’re of the same mind, you’ll want to pick one up for your kitchen.

The Best Walnut Cutting Board is…

  • Durable and long-lasting: Walnut is known for its hardness and durability. It will stand the test of time — you won’t find many knife marks even after continued use. Another unique aspect of walnut wood is its ability to self-repair! Light cut marks tend to close up over time so that you always have a smooth surface to work with.
  • Antimicrobial properties: According to a study from the National Library of Medicine, like other hardwoods, walnut can naturally reduce the growth of bacteria faster and more completely than a plastic alternative.  This makes it a great board material for chopping raw meat and seafood. You’ll have to clean and maintain it, of course, but when you do, you’ll have a hygienic surface to work with at all times.
  • Versatile and customizable: Use it for charcuterie, cheese boards, or even for serving dessert. The best walnut cutting board will support all of your culinary endeavors, and provide you with an excellent presentation option.
  • Eco-friendly: Walnut wood is often considered one of the most sustainable options when it comes to using products made from wood. Why? Because the trees grow very quickly compared to other varieties!
  • Makes a wonderful gift: Personalization transforms a practical kitchen tool into a memorable gift! They’re great for weddings, anniversaries, bridal showers, and other occasions. Add the couple’s names, initials, or an important date for an intimate touch they’re sure to love.

  • Round Walnut Cutting Board with word Chocoholic cutout around the top. The cutting board which is on a marble surface, is covered in all types of chocolate. Surrounding the board is more chocolate.

    Personalized Walnut Cutting Board

    Adding custom names, words, and images to a walnut wood cutting board will make it even more special. 

    The majority of our personalized cutting boards are available in walnut and in a range of sizes. They’re perfect for gifts (talk about a unique wedding present), and you can make one for yourself to commemorate an occasion — or just because. 

    You have the option to add words (up to 15 characters) and cut out or engraved imagery. Is someone in your life totally beach obsessed? Or perhaps they love animals? We have something for everyone!

    Vertical Walnut Cutting Boards with Waves cutout on top and words Cape Map cut out at bottom

    How to Care for Your Cutting Board

    Caring for a walnut wood cutting board is very easy. 

    After each use, wash it with mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid soaking it in water and do not put it in the dishwasher.

    We recommend that you apply a food grade mineral oil to it every few weeks to keep it looking its best. 

     

    Food Grade Lemon Wood Cutting Board Oil

     

    You also may consider designating one side for cutting and the other for displaying. Following these simple steps will ensure that your board lasts for years and looks great for serving!

    Walnut Wood Cutting Board Frequently Asked Questions

    Why use a walnut cutting board?

    As we have discussed above, boards made from walnut are durable, eye-catching, naturally antimicrobial, and hard enough to withstand repeated use. Plus, small cuts tend to heal up, keeping things smooth! Walnut also has natural germ-fighting powers, which will help keep your food prep clean.

    Walnut Wood Long Horizontal Cutting Board with cake-like bread on top. The letter D is cutout in scroll font on the left hand side.

    What is the difference between walnut and maple cutting boards?

    Although walnut is a very hard variety of wood, it is softer than maple. Walnut is dark and boasts intricate grain patterns, while maple is lighter without as much visible grain. The former is gentle on knives, while the latter is a bit more scratch resistant.

    Each one has its own unique benefits — we also have many maple cutting boards to choose from!

    Can you cut meat on a walnut cutting board?

    Absolutely! Its durability and hardness make it a solid choice for cutting meat. The USDA's meat and poultry hotline states that a wooden or non-porous cutting board is your best bet — make sure to clean the board thoroughly after each use to avoid any food borne illnesses. 

    Man holding walnut wood cutting board with different types of meat on it. The word carnivore is engraved on the long side.

    That said, you may want to save one cutting board for meat and use another one for fresh produce. Keep in mind produce can also be a carrier for bacteria.  

    Summing it Up

    A walnut board can be used for a myriad of things, from practical uses like chopping and dicing to decoration in the dining room or kitchen. 

    Whether you’re looking for a functional tool, a personalized gift, or an eco-friendly choice, the best walnut cutting board will give you the perfect blend of beauty and functionality. Grab one as a gift and then one more to keep for yourself!

    Kim Strassner
    Kim Strassner

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