the best boards for a board?

[1index only]

A cutting board that is. I have made a few cutting boards and didn't know any different until now that some wood is better than others for cutting boards due to their porosity and grains that affect the way they react with food. I even heard that some woods can affect someone with nut alergies? So what are the better woods to use in cutting board projects?

[mikel]

my cherry boards look great...

...m

[Tom Slick]

Hard maple is a favorite for cutting boards. In fact I am amking a couple end grain maple cutting boards right now.

[eezlock]

boards

For cutting boards or anything else in kitchen where there is food contact,
definately, rock hard maple is the best choice. eezlock

[Jeffrey Schronce]

You have hit the nail on the head. The grain and how open the pores are is a concern. As others note, hard maple is great in that it has very tight grain, very closed pores and holds up to cutting action well. Cherry would work well. A combo of those two would be great.

As far as allergies I can tell you that some woods really get to me. White oak and fish tail oak are two that come to mind. Fish tail sent me to Dr twice before I figured that one out. Having said that I have no problem being exposed to finished products. In my case it is the cutting, planing, sanding and other fine dust contributors that set me off. As far as a nut allergy I have never heard that before.

[blame]

while i was in school we made cutting boards out of hard maple and walnut

but be aware that anywood that will spalt becomes a hazard to your health
spalting is caused by a fungus growing on the wood

blame

[bradley_osu]

Boo's Blocks use hard rock maple. I would say that's the best then.

[scmhogg]

This is Maple and Cherry. I drilled holes through each section and used threaded rod, washers and nuts to hold it all together. I used TBII and it has held together so far.





Steve