If you banished wood cutting boards from your home when synthetic plastic ones came on the scene, it may have been grudgingly because you really loved the look of your wood one. So many options have come out to try to mimic the look of wood, and that is really strange when you consider that studies have actually shown that wood is more sanitary than you might have thought.

Just because wood is a porous surface doesn’t mean your plastic boards are better. In fact, over time, plastic can become a host for salmonella in levels higher than you’d get from wooden cutting boards. The reason is because bacteria seeps into the porous wood and eventually dies. With a plastic board, the bacteria is stuck in the cut marks at the surface and can easily multiply and live on – even if you put your synthetic plastic cutting board in hot water or through a dishwasher cycle. That is why most synthetic plastic cutting board manufacturers and the FDA will tell you to replace the boards often.

The bottom line is that hardwood cutting boards will give you many years of service, provided you care for them properly. Wash them after use and rub in mineral oil to keep them from cracking or retaining bacteria. One other great benefit is that wood cutting boards are easier on your cutting knives, so you won’t have to sharpen them as often.

At WKS Wood Design, we recommend having separate wood cutting boards for raw meat and poultry, prepared food, and raw vegetables to reduce the chance of cross-contamination. If you are ready to get back to the wood you always loved, you’ll find several options in our inventory, or we are happy to custom-craft one using the wood species you desire and the size and shape that serve your needs. Our boards are so beautiful that they also make great décor items or housewarming gifts.