A great cutting board is one of the most important tools in your kitchen. It’s where you prep your meals, slice up fresh produce, and maybe even serve cheese or charcuterie to your guests. And when it comes to looks, durability, and performance, a maple cherry walnut cutting board is hard to beat.
This blend of three hardwoods not only looks beautiful—it works like a charm. But how do you choose the right one?
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pick the best maple cherry walnut board for your kitchen.
Why These Three Woods?
Let’s start with the basics. Why combine maple, cherry, and walnut in one board?
Each type of wood brings its own strengths:
Maple is light-colored, hard, and smooth. It resists knife marks and lasts a long time.
Cherry adds a warm, reddish tone and darkens beautifully over time.
Walnut offers deep, rich color and a soft, luxurious feel under the knife.
When combined, they create a board that is sturdy, stylish, and gentle on your blades. A maple cherry walnut cutting board also adds a unique visual appeal thanks to the natural contrast in the wood grain.
End Grain vs. Edge Grain
When shopping for a cutting board, you’ll often see terms like end grain and edge grain. What’s the difference?
Edge grain boards are made by aligning the long edges of the wood together. They’re simpler to make and usually more affordable. They’re durable and strong, but may show knife marks over time.
End grain boards are made by turning the wood upright, so you’re cutting on the ends of the wood fibers. These boards are easier on your knives and tend to “self-heal,” meaning the fibers close up after being cut.
If you want a board that lasts longer and shows fewer cut marks, go with an end grain maple cherry walnut cutting board. If budget is a concern, an edge grain board is still a solid choice.
Size and Thickness Matter
The size of your cutting board should match your kitchen style and cooking habits.
For basic meal prep, a medium-sized board (around 12x16 inches) works well. If you cook often or prep for a family, go for something larger.
Thicker boards (at least 1.5 inches) are more stable and less likely to warp. They also look more substantial, especially if you leave the board out on the counter. Thinner boards are lighter and easier to store but may slide around more unless they have non-slip feet.
If you plan to use your board for serving, consider a board with rounded edges, juice grooves, or even handles.
What to Look for in Quality
Here are some key features to check before buying a maple cherry walnut cutting board:
Smooth surface: The finish should be even and free of splinters.
Tight joints: Look for boards that are glued seamlessly, with no gaps between the wood pieces.
Natural finish: The board should be treated with food-safe mineral oil or beeswax—not varnish or paint.
Weight: A heavier board usually means it’s made from solid hardwood, not a cheap composite.
You want a board that feels solid, smooth, and well-made. A good board will look like it was crafted with care—and it should be.
How Will You Use It?
Think about how you’ll actually use the board in your kitchen.
For daily chopping, go for a board that’s easy to clean and fits your counter space.
For entertaining, choose a board with more visual appeal—maybe one with a bold walnut stripe down the middle.
For multi-use tasks, look for one that’s reversible. Some boards have one flat side and one grooved side, perfect for catching juices from meats or fruits.
The best board for you depends on how you cook and what you need.
Caring for Your Board
Once you’ve found the perfect maple cherry walnut cutting board, it’s important to take care of it.
Here are a few simple tips:
Clean it after each use with warm water and mild soap. Don’t soak it or put it in the dishwasher.
Dry it completely with a towel and store it standing up or on its side.
Oil it regularly with food-safe mineral oil. This keeps the wood from drying out and cracking.
Disinfect with vinegar or lemon juice and salt to remove smells and bacteria naturally.
Proper care will keep your board looking and performing like new for years.
Where to Buy One
You can find maple cherry walnut boards from small woodworking shops, local markets, or online stores. Many artisans handcraft these boards, and some even offer custom engraving or size options.
Look for boards made in the USA or Canada, where hardwood standards are high and manufacturing quality tends to be better.
And remember, a great cutting board is an investment. It’s worth spending a little more to get one that lasts.
A Functional Work of Art
A maple cherry walnut cutting board is more than a kitchen tool. It’s a statement piece. It blends natural beauty with everyday usefulness.
Whether you’re slicing vegetables, carving meat, or serving appetizers, your board should work hard—and look good doing it.
At Cronen Building Co., we know a thing or two about craftsmanship. Just like we build homes with precision and pride, we appreciate tools and materials made to last. Whether it’s a home remodel or a handcrafted cutting board, the same principles apply: quality, care, and attention to detail.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right maple cherry walnut cutting board doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on quality wood, solid construction, and a style that suits your kitchen.
Treat your board well, and it’ll serve you for many meals to come.
Looking to upgrade more than your cutting board? At Cronen Building Co., we bring craftsmanship and care to every project—big or small. From kitchen remodels to custom maintenance services, we help turn houses into homes.
Learn more about what we do at Cronen Building Co.. Your home deserves the same quality and attention as your kitchen tools.
