Bamboo Vs Wood Cutting Board Differences And More

The differences between bamboo and wood cutting boards aren’t just material as you’ll find out here – there’s more to the story!

Cutting board selection is a surprisingly divisive topic especially between chefs. Once you know the pros and cons you can make decide what’s best for you. Read on to learn more!

Bamboo vs. Wood Cutting Board Differences

bamboo vs. wood cutting board differences

Bamboo and wood cutting boards have differences in durability, eco-friendliness, and lifespan. Bamboo cutting boards are more eco-friendly, but wooden cutting boards have a longer lifespan.

  • Bamboo boards are favorite amongst the eco-friendly because bamboo is a type of grass.
  • Wooden cutting boards require chopping down trees, and the industry standard is Maple.

Cherry and walnut trees are other chef favorites and offer a softer wood for cutting boards. The differences between bamboo and wooden cutting boards are strengths and weaknesses.

What Is Better for a Cutting Board – Bamboo or Wood?

The best material for a cutting board depends on the preference of the owner.

A benefit of bamboo cutting boards is that they do not require tree casualties. Furthermore, bamboo grows hardily and quickly. Bamboo is a sustainable, environmentally-friendly material because it is easily regrown and reused.

Some trees can take decades to grow. The use of wood is devastating to the ecosystem. Bamboo cutting boards require only quick manufacturing because bamboo grows like wildfire.

Wooden boards have a longer lifespan than bamboo cutting boards. Bamboo cutting boards come to fruition via lamination, which includes combining small pieces of bamboo. Because of the manufacturing process, bamboo cutting boards have a shorter lifespan.

Any wood cutting board will also have a short lifespan if lamination occurs in the manufacturing process.

Bamboo cutting boards are a fantastic biodegradable option, unlike plastic boards. In the wild, bamboo takes three to five years to restore. Wood is also biodegradable, but wood takes decades to regrow.

Against plastic cutting board counterparts, bamboo is the biodegradable, eco-friendly option.

Do Wood Cutting Boards Hold Bacteria?

do wood cutting boards hold bacteria

Porosity describes the extent to which material has pores. The purpose of pores is they allow liquids to permeate through the material. In the realm of cutting boards, high porosity can potentially compromise the integrity of a cutting board.

Bamboo is more porous than wood and can allow more liquid to enter the surface. There are sanitation implications to the higher porosity of bamboo. Because bamboo is more porous than wood, it is easier for a bamboo cutting board to grow bacteria.

Wood is less porous but can hold bacteria as well. All cutting boards should be sanitized and washed frequently because of the potential for cross-contamination.

Can You Cut Raw Meat on a Bamboo Cutting Board?

A bamboo cutting board must be cleaned and sanitized often. These sanitation practices prevent bacterial growth. Chefs should consider having multiple cutting boards for meat and vegetables to prevent bacterial growth and cross-contamination.

What Is the Most Sanitary Type of Cutting Board?

what is the most sanitary type of cutting board

The most sanitary type of cutting board is a plastic cutting board. A plastic cutting board is sanitary because it can go safely in the dishwasher.

Composite cutting boards are sanitary cutting boards made of multiple materials, typically plastic and wood. A glass cutting board is another popular choice for sanitary cutting boards.

How Do You Disinfect a Bamboo Cutting Board or a Wood Cutting Board?

how do you disinfect a bamboo cutting board or a wood cutting board

To disinfect a bamboo cutting board or a wood cutting board, you can mix dish soap and warm water. You can also rinse the cutting board with a 50 percent vinegar, 50 percent water mixture. For best results, disinfect the cutting board after each use.

Do You Oil a Bamboo Cutting Board? What About Wood?

do you oil a bamboo cutting board what about wood

You can oil a bamboo cutting board to season and waterproof the board. You can also add mineral oil to all sides of a wooden cutting board. The purpose of adding oil to a cutting board is to make the chopping board waterproof.

The Types of Oils to Use on a Cutting Board

You can use mineral oil to season a cutting board. You should not use olive oil to season a chopping board because the board can turn rancid.

Why Do Chefs Use Wooden Cutting Boards?

why do chefs use wooden cutting boards

Some chefs choose wooden cutting boards because of the effects on knives. An unseen cost of bamboo is how hard the cutting boards are. The hardness of a bamboo cutting board can affect chef knives. A kitchen knife set is expensive and needs maintenance through sharpening and cleaning.

The hardness of bamboo causes kitchen knives to wear down and lose value. Many chefs buy multiple cutting boards for this very reason. A chef can be selective with the foods prepared on a bamboo cutting board. Engaging in careful cutting practices preserves the quality and lifespan of the knives.

Some chefs are particular about having grain boards. An edge-grain board is a cutting board from a vertically cut tree. An end grain board is a horizontal cut that displays the tree rings. An end grain board is more expensive and is slightly more gentle on the knife.

A dull knife is a hazard in the kitchen. If you do not want to damage or dull your knives, you may consider a hardwood cutting board.

For an affordable cutting board, bamboo is a better choice. Bamboo is also a better option if you want to have multiple cutting boards at a wallet-friendly price point. Since wood is rarer and trees take longer to grow than grass, wood is much more expensive.

James Marshall

About the author

James is a business management professional and consultant with a former background in maintenance, repair, and hands-on projects. He enjoys DIY tasks and maintenance around the home as well as part-time writing. Read more »