Oak is a quality, plentiful wood that can be found in many lumber yards. Though an oak cutting board may look incredible, the characteristics of the wood make it better suited for things other than cutting boards.
Hardwood, But Not Ideal
Despite oak wood being a hardwood (around 1200-1400 on the Janka Scale), it is not considered a good wood for cutting boards. Oak species have a wide grain structure (large pores) which lets it absorb moisture and bacteria. Over time the cycle of exposure to moisture and drying will cause the board to warp and crack. Because of these characteristics, we do not recommend any oak (red oak, white oak, etc.) as a wood species for cutting boards.
What Is Oak Good For?
Oak has a beautiful grain pattern and is a hard, durable wood which makes it perfect for furniture. Some of the finest furniture out there is built using different species of oak.
What Type Of Wood Is Best For Cutting Boards?
We've written before about the best wood for cutting boards, but we recommend hardwoods with a closed grain structure. We tend to use a lot of domestic wood like maple, walnut and cherry for creating beautiful, durable cutting boards.
Sawdust Empire Cutting Board Collection
We hope this article helped you understand why oak is not a good choice for a cutting board, and gave you other materials to work with. Stick to closed grain hardwoods and you'll have a beautiful cutting board to last for years.
Be sure to check out our collection of end grain cutting boards. Our boards are made of wood sourced from local lumberyards and produced at our shop in Northeast Ohio. Every board is finished with food safe mineral oil.