Step-Up · Cutting board
Cutting board: plastic or maple?
A small OXO plastic board against an 18 × 12 Boos maple slab. Size matters more than material.
Spend on space. A big board makes prep faster and safer. Keep a cheap plastic one for raw meat.
Updated · First published.
OXO Good Grips Everyday Cutting Board
Small, light, dishwasher-safe plastic. Cheap to replace when it gets scarred.
- Material
- Non-porous plastic
- Size
- 12.8 × 8.8 × 0.4 in
- Feet
- Non-slip
- Care
- Dishwasher-safe
- Extras
- Drip catcher, pour corners
John Boos R-Board Maple Cutting Board, 18 × 12 in
Thick edge-grain maple with real working room. Needs oil and hand washing.
- Material
- Northern hard rock maple, edge grain
- Size
- 18 × 12 × 1.5 in
- Sides
- Reversible, both flat
- Care
- Hand wash, oil regularly
- Made in
- Effingham, Illinois (listed)
- Warranty
- 1 year (listed)
What the extra money buys
| Line | Base | Step-up |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Plastic | Edge-grain maple |
| Size | 12.8 × 8.8 in | 18 × 12 in |
| Thickness | 0.4 in | 1.5 in |
| Dishwasher | Yes | No |
| Upkeep | Replace when scarred | Oil; sand to renew |
Spend if
- You prep more than one ingredient at a time.
- You have the counter space to leave a heavy board out.
- You will oil it every few weeks without resenting it.
Save if
- Your counter is tiny or you cook in short bursts.
- You want everything to go in the dishwasher.
- You need a board for raw meat. Keep plastic for that job either way.
The trade-offs
Most of the benefit of the Boos comes from its size, not its wood. Chopping onto a crowded board means food on the floor and fingers near the edge. A large plastic board would get you much of the same, so if upkeep is a deal-breaker, buy plastic, but buy it bigger.
Wood does earn something of its own. A maple surface can be sanded flat and oiled back to new, so a good board lasts decades rather than a few years. Its weight also keeps it steady under the knife. The cost is routine care: no soaking, no dishwasher, and oil whenever it looks dry.
Listing checks before you buy
- Dimensions in inches, including thickness. Thin wooden boards warp.
- Edge grain or end grain, stated. End grain costs more and needs more oil.
- Wood species. Hard maple, walnut and cherry are the usual choices.
- Feet or grips, so the board stays put on the counter.
Red flags
- Bamboo boards sold as gentle on knives. Bamboo is hard and heavy on glue.
- Glass or stone boards. They ruin edges.
Product facts checked on October 30, 2026. Advice is research-based: we read makers' specifications and warranty terms rather than using the products ourselves.