Are Wood or Plastic Cutting Boards Better?

When weighing the pros and cons of wood versus plastic or bamboo versus acacia, it can become overwhelming to decide which cutting board is best for you. Cutting boards are a kitchen essential and when it comes to preparing meals for our loved ones, we want to use the best tools possible.  

The truth is each material offers benefits to your cooking and each one serves a purpose. We’ll break down what you get with a plastic cutting board versus a wood cutting board and the different types of wood to consider. 

Plastic Cutting Boards

Plastic cutting boards are inexpensive, lightweight and easy to clean. They’re dishwasher safe making plastic good for cutting raw chicken, fish or meat since you can sanitize it quickly. Our Poly-Boo Reversible Bamboo and Poly Cutting Board is the best of both worlds. This reversible board gives you the convenience of both a plastic and wood cutting board. 

When buying a plastic cutting board, you should consider that they are harder on your knives and need to be replaced about every two years. Knives will leave scratches and cuts in the plastic which can trap food. Due to the frequency with which you’ll need to repurchase plastic boards, it may be worth it to invest in a wood cutting board.

Wooden Cutting Boards

Wooden cutting boards are beautiful additions to the kitchen. They’re perfect for food prep and make wonderful charcuterie boards and serving trays. Though they cost more than plastic cutting boards, they last much longer, making them a great investment. Wood also protects your knives. It’s a much softer material than plastic, keeping your knives sharp without damaging the surface of your cutting board.  

Wood cutting boards require more maintenance than plastic ones. You should apply a food-safe mineral oil to keep the wood from drying out or cracking. If you maintain good upkeep on your wood board, it will outlast any plastic board by a long shot.  

Let’s break down the several types of wood to consider for your cutting board. 

Bamboo Wood Cutting Boards 

Bamboo is technically not wood, it’s grass. That’s why it’s one of the more sustainable materials for cutting boards. Unlike trees, bamboo has a quick regrowth rate which minimizes the environmental impact of their production. Of all the “wood” options, bamboo cutting boards are the most affordable. They have the benefits of a wood cutting board: easy on knives, beautiful kitchen decor, and are long-lasting — all at a lower price point! 

Bamboo cutting boards, like most wood boards, are not dishwasher safe. Well, almost all of them. Our Greenlite Dishwasher Safe Bamboo Cutting Board is the exception to the rule. As stated previously, wooden cutting boards need more care and attention than plastic. But don’t fret, we’ve got you covered. Our blog on How to Clean and Care for Your Bamboo Cutting Board will tell you everything you need to know.  

If you’re new to bamboo, we’d recommend our 3-Piece Two-Tone Bamboo Serving and Cutting Board Set. This set of bamboo boards will cover a variety of food prep, cutting and serving needs at an outstanding value.  

Acacia Wood Cutting Boards 

Acacia is a high-quality wood that is generally regarded as more sustainable than most other woods. Though it doesn’t grow at the rate of bamboo, it does have a faster regrowth rate than most trees. It has a beautiful, rich tone that is perfect for charcuterie and serving guests. It has all the benefits of a wood cutting board at a lower price point than your more traditional hardwood cutting boards.  

Wood cutting boards are perfect for carving roasts, meat and juicy fruits. Our TB Home 14” Acacia Wood Serving and Cutting Board with Juice Groove is a stylish board that you’ll find yourself reaching for daily. Check out our selection of carving boards in both acacia wood and bamboo.  

Walnut Wood Cutting Boards 

Walnut is a dark wood that is incredibly strong. Though it tends to be pricier than bamboo or acacia, it will last you a long time. Walnut is one of the best options for protecting your kitchen knives. It’s durable enough to withstand the blade while also soft enough to prevent blunting the knife.  

Walnut wood cutting boards tend to be heavier, which can make them difficult to maneuver in the kitchen. But not all of them are unwieldy, our TB Home® Walnut Wood Cutting and Serving Board is just 8 inches by 6 3/8 inches and not even an inch thick, making it the perfect size for quickly slicing lemons, limes and garnishes. It can also be used as a small serving board.  

Which Material is Best for a Cutting Board? 

When looking for your perfect cutting board, consider what your kitchen needs are. Do you want a statement piece? Or a safe option for cutting raw meat? Do you want to oil your wood board regularly? Or repurchase a plastic board every two years?  

Shop our collection of cutting boards which offers a little bit of everything, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.  

Our Cutting Board Picks 

Malibu Groove Carving Board

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

“This board is superior quality and design. It's going to be with me for years and I am delighted!”  

Dawn B. 

Two-Tone Cutting Board

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

“I'm delighted with my cutting board. It's already my favorite cutting board, and it makes my kitchen a more elegant place.” 

Alan S. 

3-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

"I love the matched set with 3 sizes because I can use the best size based on what I am cooking/chopping. They are easy to clean and easy to store. Highly recommend."  

Deborah N.