Custom Cutting Boards: Walnut vs. Cherry vs. Maple — A Buyer's Guide
If you're shopping for a custom engraved cutting board, the wood matters as much as the engraving. Walnut, cherry, and maple are the three most popular hardwoods for cutting boards — and each one looks, feels, and performs differently.
Here's what you need to know before you pick one.
Walnut
Look: Deep, rich brown tones with dramatic grain patterns. Walnut is the most visually striking of the three — it looks expensive because it is.
Hardness: Medium-hard (Janka hardness: ~1,010). Soft enough to be gentle on knife edges, hard enough to resist scratches and dents.
Engraving: Walnut engraves beautifully. The dark wood creates strong contrast between the engraved and unengraved areas, making text and designs pop without any staining or filling needed.
Best for: Display pieces, wedding gifts, premium kitchen decor. If you want the cutting board to be a statement piece, walnut is the move.
Our custom engraved walnut butcher block is one of our most popular products for exactly this reason.
Cherry
Look: Warm, reddish-brown tones that deepen over time. Cherry develops a rich patina with age — it actually gets more beautiful the older it gets.
Hardness: Medium (Janka hardness: ~950). Similar to walnut, gentle on knives while still being durable.
Engraving: Cherry engraves cleanly with good contrast. The lighter heartwood areas create a slightly softer look than walnut — elegant rather than bold.
Best for: People who appreciate a warmer, more natural aesthetic. Cherry is a great middle ground between the drama of walnut and the simplicity of maple.
We offer cherry in two styles: the arched cherry board for a classic look, and the live edge cherry charcuterie board for something more rustic and unique.
Maple
Look: Light, clean, creamy white to pale gold. Maple has a subtle grain that gives it a modern, minimalist feel.
Hardness: Hard (Janka hardness: ~1,450). Maple is the hardest of the three — it's the most resistant to cuts, scratches, and dents.
Engraving: Maple produces a lighter engraving contrast since both the wood and the engraved area are light-toned. The result is a more understated, refined look. For bolder contrast on maple, we can adjust the laser settings to go deeper.
Best for: Functional cutting boards that will see daily use, modern kitchens with light decor, people who prefer a clean aesthetic.
Our arched maple board is a customer favorite for everyday use.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Walnut | Cherry | Maple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Dark brown | Reddish-brown | Light cream/gold |
| Hardness | Medium-hard | Medium | Hard |
| Engraving contrast | High (bold) | Medium (warm) | Subtle (refined) |
| Ages/patinas? | Slightly lightens | Deepens beautifully | Yellows slightly |
| Knife-friendly? | Yes | Yes | Less so (harder surface) |
| Price range | $$$ | $$ | $$ |
| Best for display? | Best | Great | Good |
| Best for daily use? | Great | Great | Best |
Which One Should You Pick?
- Go with walnut if you want the "wow" factor — it's the most impressive wood for gifts and display pieces.
- Go with cherry if you want warmth and character — it ages beautifully and strikes a balance between bold and subtle.
- Go with maple if you want durability and a clean look — it's the most practical choice for daily kitchen use.
Can't decide? Send us a message with a photo of the kitchen or a description of what you're going for — we'll help you pick the right wood and design.
All Made to Order
Every cutting board is engraved at our studio in Lavon, TX using the xTool F2 Ultra laser. We engrave deep enough that you can feel the design with your fingertip — this isn't surface-level marking that fades with washing.
Browse our full cutting board collection or request a custom design. We ship nationwide and offer local DFW pickup.
