Cherry is a fine-grained hardwood that is kind to knife edges and ages to a deep reddish brown. A cherry board looks attractive on a counter and doubles as a serving piece. The woods vary in how they are cut, with edge grain boards lying flat and end grain boards showing the ends of the fibers.
The six boards below are well-known options or close cousins, including one cherry-finish board that is not solid cherry. We have not used these boards ourselves, and we have not tested them. Wood species, thickness and dimensions can vary, so confirm the details on the current listing before you buy.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Grain | Edge grain is sturdy; end grain is gentler on knives but needs more care |
| Thickness | Thicker boards resist warping |
| Finish | Food-safe mineral oil or board cream keeps wood from drying |
| Size | Check whether the board fits your sink and counter |
Specs at a Glance
| Board | Material | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boos Cherry Edge Grain | Cherry hardwood | Several sizes | Reversible |
| Boos Cherry End Grain | Cherry hardwood | Check the listing | End grain; thick |
| Boos Cherry with Groove | Cherry hardwood | Check the listing | Groove for juices |
| Virginia Boys Cherry | Cherry hardwood | Several sizes | Handmade style |
| Lipper Cherry Finish | Rubberwood with a cherry finish | Check the listing | Not solid cherry |
| Catskill Craftsmen Cherry | Cherry hardwood | Check the listing | Reversible |
The 6 Best Cherry Cutting Boards
1. John Boos Cherry Reversible Edge Grain Cutting Board
A reversible cherry board from a company known for butcher blocks. It is edge grain, which makes it sturdy and suited to daily use. Several sizes are sold, so check the dimensions you want.
Suits: daily cutting and serving. Strengths: a trusted maker and solid build. Weaknesses: wood needs oiling. Skip it if you want a dishwasher-safe board.
View John Boos Cherry Reversible Edge Grain Cutting Board on Amazon
2. John Boos Cherry End Grain Cutting Board
An end grain board that shows the ends of the wood fibers. End grain is gentle on knives and shows cuts less, but it needs more oiling.
Suits: cooks who care about their knives. Strengths: a knife-friendly surface. Weaknesses: upkeep and weight. Skip it if you want a light board.
View John Boos Cherry End Grain Cutting Board on Amazon
3. John Boos Cherry Cutting Board with Juice Groove
A cherry board with a groove around the edge to catch juices from meats and fruit. Check the listing to confirm the groove and the size.
Suits: carving and roasts. Strengths: a groove for juices. Weaknesses: a groove takes some space. Skip it if you prefer a flat board.
View John Boos Cherry Cutting Board with Juice Groove on Amazon
4. Virginia Boys Kitchens Cherry Cutting Board
A cherry wood board from a small brand that sells handmade-style boards. Check the listing for the thickness and the finish used.
Suits: an attractive gift board. Strengths: a handsome look. Weaknesses: less long-term brand history. Skip it if you want a big-name maker.
View Virginia Boys Kitchens Cherry Cutting Board on Amazon
5. Lipper International Cherry Finished Cutting Board
A board with a cherry-colored finish. It is made from a different wood, so it is not solid cherry. It suits those who want the look at a lower cost.
Suits: budget-minded cooks. Strengths: the cherry color without cherry cost. Weaknesses: not true cherry wood. Skip it if you want real cherry.
View Lipper International Cherry Finished Cutting Board on Amazon
6. Catskill Craftsmen Cherry Reversible Cutting Board
A reversible board from a U.S. woodworking company. Confirm on the listing that the wood is cherry, because the maker sells other species.
Suits: everyday prep. Strengths: a reversible design. Weaknesses: wood needs care. Skip it if you want a plastic board.
View Catskill Craftsmen Cherry Reversible Cutting Board on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Wash by hand with mild soap and dry upright.
- Oil the board with a food-safe oil now and then.
- Never soak it or put it in the dishwasher.
- Use a separate board for raw meat if you can.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Putting wood in a dishwasher.
- Leaving it wet on the counter.
- Skipping oil.
- Cutting raw meat then vegetables on the same board.
Cherry Cutting Board FAQ
Is cherry good for cutting boards?
Yes. It is a fine-grained hardwood that is gentler on knives than many woods.
How do I keep a cherry board from cracking?
Oil it regularly, dry it after washing and keep it away from heat.
Does cherry darken?
Yes. Cherry tends to darken to a richer color over time with exposure to light.
Edge grain or end grain?
Edge grain is sturdy and simpler to maintain. End grain is gentler on knives but takes more upkeep.
The Short Version
For a classic edge grain, the Boos Cherry. For knife-friendly end grain, the Boos Cherry End Grain. For roasts, the Boos Cherry with Groove. For a handsome gift, the Virginia Boys. For the look on a budget, the Lipper. For a reversible board, the Catskill Craftsmen.