Whether it’s a kitchen cutting board, bar cutting board or a crafter’s cutting board, maple is the most popular choice in the marketplace. Wood is what professionals use, and maple hardwood is their preference.

For centuries, maple has been used for furniture and floors because of its resistance to damage and impact. Its beautiful grain and range of coloring appeal to artisans and homeowners who appreciate natural elegance.

Maple is abundant and affordable, creates a sanitary surface, keeps its attractive look and is an environmentally sound choice. Here is a closer look at the benefits of choosing a maple cutting board.

#1. Abundant and Affordable

Hard Rock Maple, also called Sugar Maple, has adapted over the centuries to the cold temperatures of northern winters and the hot weather in the summer. This is actually the same species that is the source of maple syrup.

It grows prolifically in Canada, from Nova Scotia to Ontario and Manitoba. In the U.S. it is found all through the Midwest, from northern states like Minnesota and Wisconsin, to more southerly areas like Missouri.

Hard Rock Maple is a dense wood, more so than Big Leaf Maple or Silver Maple. In fact, the same size piece of Hard Rock weighs twice as much as a piece of Big Leaf. Because of its density, it is very solid and durable. This makes it the perfect choice for baseball bats, floors and cutting boards.

Because Hard Rock Maple is found all over North America, it is less expensive than walnut, pecan and other hardwoods. It is a hardy tree, which also helps keep the supply strong. Because it is harvested locally and the manufacturing is done close to where it is grown, the cost of the cutting board is much less than for boards that are imported.

#2. Hygienic Surface

Wood is a more sanitary material than plastic, glass and ceramic for cutting boards. It has natural properties that help to inhibit the growth of bacteria. Plastic, on the other hand, can still harbor toxins in nicks and scratches even after cleaning in the dishwasher.

Maple is one of the best hardwoods for kitchen use because it is so dense. It has been approved for commercial kitchen use by the National Sanitation Foundation. It has the ability to absorb toxins from the cutting surface, drawing them into its pores. This cuts off oxygen to the bacteria, which suffocates it and prevents it from multiplying.

Cleaning a maple cutting board is simple. Just rinse in warm, soapy water, then spritz with a mix of vinegar and water or bleach and water. Let it sit for 10 minutes, rinse, then air dry.

#3. Attractive Appearance

Wood cutting boards add a rustic touch that fits in with most kitchen decors. That is especially true for maple, with its light color and interesting grain. These same features are why it is in demand for floors, tables, chairs and counters.

Many cooks choose to store their cutting boards on the counter or hang them on the wall between uses. They add interest and warmth to the look of the kitchen.

#4. Ecologically-Friendly Choice

Maple is considered a sustainable choice because it grows so abundantly. Improved forest management techniques are ensuring a steady supply of new trees for the market.

Hard Rock Maple can be grown from seedlings or from regrowth of the trunk stock. That’s why it is considered a renewable resource. Though it takes 30 years for it to reach maturity, it can be harvested before then. This is many years faster than other hardwoods.

Call or email Wholesale Cutting Boards for a free, no-obligation quote.