Wooden vs. Plastic Cutting Boards: Which Is Right for Your Kitchen?

The Product image of the Black Walnut Wooden Cutting Board with garlic bread on it.
Photo Of Our Maple and Black Walnut Wooden Cutting Board

When it comes to choosing a cutting board for your kitchen, one of the most important decisions you'll make is whether to go for wood or plastic. Both materials have their own set of advantages and drawbacks, depending on your needs and how you plan to use them. In this blog, we will dive into the pros and cons of wooden and plastic cutting boards, helping you make an informed decision based on durability, maintenance, knife care, safety, and environmental impact. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which option is best suited for your kitchen and cooking habits.

1. Durability and Longevity

Durability is one of the primary factors to consider when selecting a cutting board. Wooden and plastic boards each have their strengths in terms of longevity, but they wear down in different ways.

Wooden Cutting Boards:

  • Strength and Wear: Wooden cutting boards, particularly those made from hardwoods like maple, walnut, or teak, are extremely durable when properly cared for. They can withstand years of heavy use without showing significant wear.
  • Surface Aging: Over time, wooden boards develop a natural patina that adds character. However, if not properly maintained, they can crack or warp from exposure to moisture.
  • Repairable: Wooden boards can be sanded down to smooth out knife marks, stains, and other imperfections. With proper care, they can last a lifetime, making them a great investment for any kitchen.

Plastic Cutting Boards:

  • Prone to Scratching: Plastic cutting boards are generally more prone to deep knife marks and scratches than wooden boards. Over time, these grooves can harbor bacteria, which makes them harder to clean thoroughly.
  • No Repairing: Unlike wood, plastic boards cannot be sanded down to remove scratches. Once the surface becomes damaged, the board will need to be replaced.
  • Affordability: While plastic cutting boards are generally cheaper upfront, they may need to be replaced more frequently than wooden boards due to wear and tear.

2. Knife Care: Protecting Your Blades

The surface you cut on directly impacts the longevity of your knives. Wooden and plastic boards affect knives in different ways, which can influence the choice between the two.

Wooden Cutting Boards:

  • Gentle on Knives: Wooden boards are generally gentler on knives than plastic, helping to preserve the sharpness of your blades. The fibers in wood allow knives to slide smoothly without causing significant wear.
  • Knife Preservation: The soft nature of wood, especially end-grain boards, means that it doesn’t cause the dulling that harder materials like plastic or glass do. Proper care of a wooden board can keep your knives in top shape for longer.

The Acacia End-Grain Checkerboard Wooden Butcher Block with 2 cream desserts on it.
Photo Of Our Acacia End-Grain Checkerboard Wooden Butcher Block

Plastic Cutting Boards:

  • Hard on Knives: Plastic boards can dull knives more quickly because they are harder than wood. The harder surface creates more friction, causing the blade edge to lose its sharpness faster.
  • Surface Markings: While plastic boards do not show knife marks as prominently as wood, these boards can develop deep grooves over time, which may increase friction on the blade.

3. Hygiene and Safety

When it comes to kitchen tools, hygiene is crucial. Both wooden and plastic cutting boards have qualities that affect their safety during food prep.

Wooden Cutting Boards:

  • Antimicrobial Properties: Certain woods, such as maple and walnut, naturally resist bacteria growth due to the presence of tannins. While wooden cutting boards can absorb moisture, a well-maintained board will generally have fewer bacteria than a scratched plastic board.
  • Cleaning: Wooden boards should not be soaked in water, and regular cleaning with soap and water is key to maintaining hygiene. Oiling the board regularly also helps prevent the wood from absorbing odors and bacteria.
  • Avoiding Cross-Contamination: While wooden boards are generally safe, it is advisable to use separate boards for meat, vegetables, and bread to avoid cross-contamination.

2 of the Solid Jichimu Wooden Cutting Board standing vertically against each other.
Photo Of Our Solid Rosewood Slab Wooden Cutting Board

Plastic Cutting Boards:

  • Easier to Sanitize: Plastic cutting boards are non-porous and dishwasher-safe, making them easier to sanitize. This is particularly helpful when cutting raw meat, as bacteria are easily removed with a dishwasher cycle.
  • Grooves and Scratches: Plastic boards can develop deep grooves that are difficult to clean properly. If not thoroughly sanitized, these grooves can harbor bacteria and lead to cross-contamination.

4. Maintenance: Keeping Your Board in Top Shape

Proper maintenance can greatly extend the life of your cutting board. While both wooden and plastic cutting boards require care, the type of care they need differs.

Wooden Cutting Boards:

  • Oiling and Conditioning: Wooden boards require regular oiling with food-safe mineral oil or beeswax to keep them from drying out, cracking, and absorbing moisture. This also helps the board retain its natural beauty.
  • Sanding and Cleaning: Wooden boards need occasional sanding to remove knife marks, stains, and rough spots. Cleaning with mild soap and warm water, followed by drying immediately, is essential to prevent moisture damage.

The Household Bamboo Cutting Board with meat, bread, grapes, and cheese on it.
Photo Of Our Household Bamboo Cutting Board

Plastic Cutting Boards:

  • Dishwasher Safe: Plastic boards can be cleaned in the dishwasher, making them low-maintenance in terms of sanitation.
  • No Oiling or Sanding: Unlike wooden boards, plastic cutting boards do not require oiling or sanding. However, over time, they may still need replacing if they become too scratched or worn.
  • Stains and Smells: Plastic boards can develop stains and odors that are hard to remove. While some boards are stain-resistant, regular deep cleaning is necessary to keep them looking fresh.

5. Environmental Impact: Which Is More Eco-Friendly?

For many, the environmental impact of their purchases is an important consideration. Here’s how wooden and plastic cutting boards compare in terms of sustainability.

Wooden Cutting Boards:

  • Sustainable Sourcing: Many wooden cutting boards are made from sustainably harvested woods, especially those with FSC certification. Wood is biodegradable and can be recycled at the end of its life.
  • Longevity: Because wooden boards last much longer than plastic boards, their environmental footprint is smaller over time, despite the higher initial cost.

Plastic Cutting Boards:

  • Non-Biodegradable: Plastic cutting boards are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills. While some plastic boards are recyclable, most are not.
  • Shorter Lifespan: Plastic cutting boards typically need to be replaced more often than wooden boards, contributing to more waste in the long term.

6. Which Is Right for Your Kitchen?

Choosing between a wooden and plastic cutting board depends on your priorities in terms of durability, maintenance, hygiene, and sustainability. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

When to Choose a Wooden Cutting Board:

  • If you want a knife-friendly surface that will preserve your blades.
  • If you prefer a durable, long-lasting board that can be sanded and maintained for years.
  • If you value the natural beauty and warmth that wood brings to your kitchen.

When to Choose a Plastic Cutting Board:

  • If you need an easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe option.
  • If you’re on a budget and need a cutting board that’s affordable and easy to replace.
  • If you need a board that can be sanitized easily for food safety, especially when working with raw meats.

The landscape Resin Acacia Wooden Cutting Board, showing the ocean and rich acacia wood grain, with brown tones.Photo Of Our Resin Acacia Wooden Cutting Board

Wooden or Plastic—Which Is Best for You?

Both wooden and plastic cutting boards have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Wooden boards are durable, aesthetic, and knife-friendly, making them ideal for long-term use. However, they do require more maintenance and care to keep them in top condition. On the other hand, plastic boards are easy to clean, affordable, and convenient, but they tend to wear out faster and can damage knives more easily. Ultimately, choosing the right cutting board comes down to balancing practicality with aesthetic appeal and sustainability.

Back to blog

More Questions About Wood VS Plastic Cutting Boards...

Which cutting board is better for knives, wood or plastic?

Wooden cutting boards are gentler on knives and help preserve their sharpness longer, while plastic boards can dull blades quicker due to their harder surface.

Can wooden cutting boards be sanitized easily?

Wooden cutting boards can be sanitized with mild soap and water, but they require oiling regularly to maintain their condition. They are less easy to sanitize than plastic, which is dishwasher safe.

Are wooden cutting boards more durable than plastic?

Yes, wooden cutting boards tend to last longer than plastic ones if maintained properly. They can be sanded down and repaired, unlike plastic boards, which need to be replaced once damaged.

Which cutting board is more eco-friendly, wood or plastic?

Wooden cutting boards are more eco-friendly as they are biodegradable and made from renewable resources, while plastic boards are non-biodegradable and contribute to waste.

How do I maintain a wooden cutting board?

To maintain a wooden cutting board, clean it with mild soap, dry it immediately, and oil it regularly with food-safe mineral oil to prevent cracking and drying out.

Are plastic cutting boards easier to clean than wooden ones?

Yes, plastic cutting boards are easier to clean as they can be washed in the dishwasher, while wooden boards require hand cleaning and regular oiling to maintain their quality.

Which cutting board is safer for food preparation, wood or plastic?

Both can be safe, but wood has natural antimicrobial properties that help resist bacterial growth, whereas plastic can develop grooves that trap bacteria over time.

Do plastic cutting boards absorb odors like wood?

No, plastic boards are less likely to absorb odors compared to wooden boards. However, plastic boards can stain more easily and develop lingering smells if not cleaned properly.

Can I use a wooden cutting board for meat?

You should replace your cutting board if it has deep cracks, warps, or excessive knife grooves that are difficult to clean, or if it has absorbed odors that won’t go away.

How do I know when to replace my cutting board?

You should replace your cutting board if it has deep cracks, warps, or excessive knife grooves that are difficult to clean, or if it has absorbed odors that won’t go away.