All About the Wood

Cutting boards and trays made from maple, walnut, cherry, and ash are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, each wood bringing unique characteristics in terms of appearance, hardness, and grain pattern. Here's a breakdown of each wood and how it contributes to the design and functionality of cutting boards and trays:

• Color: Creamy white to light golden, sometimes with a reddish hue.
• Grain: Tight, fine, and uniform; can have attractive figuring like birdseye or curly patterns.
• Hardness: Very hard and durable (especially hard maple), making it ideal for cutting surfaces.
• Use in Boards/Trays: Often used as the primary wood in cutting boards due to its resilience and clean look. Pairs well with darker woods for contrast.

Common Style: End-grain maple butcher blocks or striped boards with walnut or cherry accents.

• Color: Rich dark brown to purplish-black; sometimes with lighter sapwood streaks.
• Grain: Generally straight but can be wavy; more open than maple.
• Hardness: Slightly softer than maple but still very durable.
• Use in Boards/Trays: Popular for its deep, elegant color; often used for decorative edges or full walnut boards that highlight its luxurious feel.

Common Style: Edge-grain walnut boards with maple or ash accents for contrast.

• Color: Reddish-brown that deepens with age and exposure to light.
• Grain: Smooth, closed grain with occasional waves or curls.
• Hardness: Moderate; softer than maple and walnut, but still suitable for cutting boards with proper care.
• Use in Boards/Trays: Adds warmth and rich tones; great for trays or boards meant more for presentation or light use.

Common Style: Paired with maple for a classic warm/light contrast.

• Color: Light tan to pale beige with yellow undertones.
• Grain: Open, pronounced grain similar to oak but typically straighter and cleaner.
• Hardness: Comparable to oak; tough and resilient.
• Use in Boards/Trays: Visually striking when used in combination with fine-grain woods like walnut or cherry. Provides texture and contrast in striped or patterned boards.

Common Style: Accents or stripes in multi-wood designs for bold visual contrast.

When these woods are combined in cutting boards or trays, they create stunning striped, checkerboard, or geometric patterns that highlight each wood’s unique beauty. For example:

• Maple + Walnut: Classic contrast (light vs. dark)
• Cherry + Ash: Warm and textured
• **Walnut