This is measured by something called the Janka Hardness Test, measured in pounds-force (lbf) or Newtons (N) to determine a wood’s ability to resist dents and scratches. Dense hardwoods usually have a higher rating and so are more resistant to wear, but go too high and you risk dulling your knife’s blade quickly. Between 950 lbf (4,200 N) and 1,500 lbf (6,650 N) is a widely accepted range for chopping boards.

Wood with a tight, closed-grain will help prevent liquid, and therefore bacteria, from entering the cutting surface and also reduce the chances of the board staining, warping or cracking.

Oak is often used for chopping boards because it is an attractive hardwood. However I don’t use it because of its open-grain structure; which allows the rapid absorption of liquids which can result in the proliferation of germs and mould. Oak is also high in tannic acid, meaning regular exposure to water and/or iron can result in it blackening. That’s not to say oak doesn’t make great serving boards if treated correctly!

Some oils and resin naturally found in different species of wood can leach onto the cutting surface and then into food that are not safe for human consumption. It is recommended to steer clear of any exotic species and use the wood from trees that are considered to be food-safe; which produce edible fruit, nuts or sap.

Using reclaimed and upcycled wood may produce a gorgeous chopping board, however it may have previously been finished with, or exposed to, oils, chemicals and other toxins that are not food-safe and could pose serious health risks!

Epoxy resins are hard plastics; whether or not they’re considered food-safe, I personally don’t recommend their use as a cutting surface as they scar and chip easily, while also quickly dulling a knife’s blade.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to verify if the timber you are using has been sourced responsibly, such as from well managed, renewed forests or woodlands. There are real concerns that many sustainable certifications are guilty of greenwashing or have inadequate standards. For now, it falls to conscious consumerism to decide if the wood they purchase has come from a supplier or maker who takes environmental and social issues seriously.

All of the timber used by 12Tree [one-two-tree] is either purchased from a trusted local sawmill or felled by myself (or colleague) for safety concerns or conservation reasons. In an effort to help support wildlife conservation and the regeneration of local woodlands, 5% of all sales are donated to the Stroud Valleys Project.