What Are Commercial Cutting Boards Made Of? The Complete Guide

Introduction

Every commercial kitchen needs good cutting boards. These boards face heavy use each day. They must be safe. They must be clean. They must last long. The material you pick matters a lot.

Different materials work better for different jobs. Some are great for meat. Others work well for vegetables. This guide will help you pick the right one.

Wood Cutting Boards: The Classic Choice

Types of Wood Used

Wood cutting boards are very popular. Many thirteen chefs prefer them. The most common types are:

• Maple: Hard and strong
• Walnut: Pretty and tough
• Oak: Strong but can be rough on knives
• Cherry: Smooth surface with good looks

Benefits of Wood Cutting

Wood cutting boards have many good points:

• They are gentle on knife edges
• Wood has natural germ-fighting powers
• They can be sanded. They can be fixed.
• They look nice in any kitchen

Drawbacks to Consider

Wood cutting boards also have some problems:

• They need more care than plastic
• Water can damage them. You must dry them well.
• They cost more than plastic boards
• Some health codes don’t allow them

Best Uses in Commercial Settings

Wooden cutting boards work great for:

• Bread and baked goods
• Vegetables and fruits
• Cheese cutting
• Display purposes

Many butcher block surfaces use wood too. These thick wooden chopping areas can handle heavy use.

Plastic Cutting Boards: The Workhorse Option

HDPE Cutting Boards

HDPE cutting boards are very common. HDPE stands for High-Density Polyethylene. This plastic is:

• Very strong. It lasts long.
• Easy to clean. Easy to sanitize.
• Safe for dishwashers
• Resistant to cuts. Resistant to scratches.

Other Plastic Materials

Besides HDPE, other plastics work well:

• Polypropylene: Lighter weight option
• Polyethylene: Softer on knives
• Composite plastics: Mix of materials for better performance

Color-Coding System

Most commercial kitchens use colored plastic cutting boards. This system helps prevent cross-contamination:

• Red: Raw meat
• Blue: Raw fish
• Yellow: Cooked meat
• Green: Vegetables and fruits
• White: Dairy and bread
• Brown: Root vegetables

Easy Maintenance

Plastic cutting boards are simple to care for:

• Put them in the dishwasher
• Use bleach solutions for deep cleaning
• Replace when they get too many cuts
• Stack them to save space

Bamboo Cutting Boards: The Eco-Friendly Choice

Bamboo boards are becoming more popular. They grow fast and renew quickly. This makes them good for the environment.

Why Bamboo Works Well

Bamboo cutting boards have these benefits:

• They grow back quickly
• Harder than most woods
• Naturally resist germs
• Light weight but strong

Commercial Applications

Bamboo works well for:

• Vegetable prep
• Sandwich making
• Light-duty cutting tasks
• Eco-conscious businesses

Composite and Specialty Materials

Rubber Cutting Boards

Rubber boards are soft on knives. They work well for:

• Heavy chopping
• Meat processing
• Noise reduction
• Non-slip surfaces

Glass and Stone Options

Some places use glass or stone boards:

• Glass: Easy to clean but hard on knives
• Stone: Looks nice but very hard on blades
• Marble: Good for pastry work

These materials are not recommended for regular knife work.

Safety and Hygiene Considerations

FDA Regulations

The FDA has rules about cutting boards:

• Materials must be food-safe
• Surfaces should be smooth
• No cracks or deep cuts allowed
• Easy to clean and sanitize

Preventing Cross-Contamination

Good practices include:

• Use separate boards for different foods
• Clean boards between uses
• Replace worn boards quickly
• Train staff on proper use

Cleaning Protocols

Proper cleaning steps:

1. Scrape off food bits
2. Wash with hot soapy water
3. Sanitize with approved solution
4. Air dry completely
5. Store in clean, dry place

Choosing the Right Material for Your Needs

Factors to Consider

Think about these things:

• Volume: How much cutting do you do?
• Budget: What can you spend?
• Staff: How well trained are your workers?
• Local rules: What do health codes require?
• Food types: What do you cut most?

Cost Comparison

Here’s how costs typically compare:

• Plastic: Lowest cost, good value
• Bamboo: Medium cost, eco-friendly
• Wood: Higher cost, premium feel
• Specialty: Highest cost, specific uses

Durability Expectations

Different materials last different amounts of time:

• HDPE plastic: 1-2 years with heavy use
• Wood: 5-10 years with good care
• Bamboo: 2-3 years typical life
• Composite: Varies by material

You can find cutting boards at many stores. Walmart has basic options. Specialty kitchen stores have more choices.

Popular Brands and Where to Buy

Wiltshire and Other Brands

Wiltshire makes good cutting boards. Other popular brands include:

• Cambro: Professional plastic boards
• Winco: Restaurant supply favorite
• Tablecraft: Bamboo and wood options
• Norpro: Home and light commercial use

Shopping Tips

When you shop:

• Check the thickness (thicker lasts longer)
• Look for smooth surfaces
• Make sure it fits your space
• Read reviews from other users
• Compare prices from different sellers

Maintenance and Care Tips

Daily Care

Every day you should:

• Clean boards after each use
• Dry them right away
• Check for damage
• Store them properly

Weekly Deep Cleaning

Once a week:

• Soak in sanitizer solution
• Scrub with stiff brush
• Check for wear and tear
• Oil wooden boards if needed

When to Replace

Replace boards when:

• Deep cuts appear
• Stains won’t come out
• Surfaces become rough
• Warping or cracking happens

Conclusion

Commercial cutting boards come in many materials. Each has good and bad points. Plastic boards like HDPE work well for most kitchens. They clean easily and cost less.

Wood cutting boards look nice and feel good to use. They need more care but can last longer. Bamboo boards help the environment and work well for lighter tasks.

Think about your needs, budget, and local rules. Pick the material that works best for your kitchen. Remember to clean and replace boards when needed.

The right cutting board makes kitchen work safer and easier. Take time to choose well. Your staff and customers will benefit from your good choice.

Good cutting boards are an investment in your kitchen’s success. They protect food safety and help your team work better. Choose wisely and maintain them well.