Wooden kitchen utensils and cutting boards: what to check and how to care for them

Wood types in plain terms

End grain boards show the wood ends on top and are usually thicker and heavier. Edge grain boards are flatter and lighter.

• Maple, cherry and walnut: common hardwoods for boards and spoons with a fine grain.
• Beech and olive wood: often used for spoons and spatulas.
• Bamboo: technically a grass, sold as boards and utensils. Boards are made from pieces glued together, so ask what adhesive the maker names.
• Acacia and teak: found on decorative boards, with open grain that varies a lot between pieces.

Finish and label wording

Many boards are finished with mineral oil, beeswax or a mix. Look for the finish on the listing, since you will be re-applying something similar. Food-safe finish is a maker's description, so ask what it is. If a listing mentions FSC or sustainably sourced wood, look at the certifier's own site to see how the claim works. Under the FTC Green Guides, general green claims should be specific and supported.

Care that keeps wood usable

1. Wash by hand with mild soap and dry upright. Most makers say to avoid the dishwasher and long soaking.
2. Oil a dry-looking board now and then with the oil your maker names.
3. Keep a separate board for raw meat if you prefer, and follow food-safety guidance from your local health authority.
4. Retire a spoon or board that is deeply split or has rough, splintering areas.

Our angle: cost over time, not sticker price

A thick board costs more than a thin one and may stay flat for longer, while a thin board can warp. To compare, estimate how many years you expect to use it and divide the price by that, then add the small yearly cost of oil. We do not claim how long any board lasts. Look at thickness, the return policy and the maker's care sheet.

• Buy a big board for chopping and a small one for bread or cheese rather than three medium ones.
• For utensils, a set of three or four covers most cooking: spoon, spatula, slotted spoon and turner.

Gift angle

A board with a set of spoons is a common housewarming gift. See Christmas gift ideas by budget and our guides to PFAS-free cookware and eco-friendly cleaning brushes.

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• Kitchen tools and cookbooks at Milk Street