Why Single Piece Wood Cutting Boards Just Don’t Cut It

Wood is hands-down the safest material for cutting boards. With so much conflicting advice online, it’s easy to fall for myths that can actually put your kitchen at risk. So allow us to clear the confusion and bust the biggest misconceptions about wood cutting boards—so you can invest in a smarter, safer solution for your kitchen. 

TL;DR: Why Multi-Piece > Single-Piece Cutting Boards

• Single piece = charming but prone to warping

• Not all woods are good for boards — know what to avoid

• Multi-piece = more durable, safer, and better at resisting warping

• Proper adhesives = food-safe, trusted, and durable

Say No to Plastic

We all know how dangerous plastic can be for our health. Studies have shown that plastic cutting boards can actually be a source of microplastics in human food, making the obvious choice to switch to wood. After all, we’re here because wood boards are the safest surface for prep, cutting, and serving, as are the other tools in your kitchen (like those nice, sharp knives). But in the vein of plastic, let's talk about adhesives—it's a hot topic when it comes to cutting boards. (This is where the debunking comes in.)

Read Our FAQs

What About Adhesives?

Most wood cutting boards are made up of several pieces of wood held together by adhesives. These adhesives can cause concern, leading some to search for a board without any glue, just one large piece of wood to cut on. 

The idea of a cutting board made from a single large piece of wood seems like the best option; no glue = no adhesives. So why not offer a single-piece board for those who may want it? We’re all about options, but single-piece cutting boards come with a fatal flaw you may not know about: they just don’t stand the test of time. And while we love variety, we’ll never sacrifice quality and durability in our products. 

Let’s get into the reasons why we’ve decided to leave single-piece boards out of our collection. Here's where our expertise truly shines.

Moisture is the Enemy of Single-Piece Cutting Boards

Single-piece wood cutting boards turn out to be more style than substance. While they may exude rustic charm initially, they often fall short when it comes to long-term durability. 

When you use a cutting board, moisture from food prepping and washing the board causes the fibers within the wood to expand. If a few of the fibers within a piece of wood are expanded, this will cause the wood to:

• Change its shape

• Warp

• Possibly crack

The larger the piece of wood, the more prone it is to uneven moisture absorption, which then leads to an uneven board. Making your cutting surface wobbly as you chop, and quickly turning your safe kitchen dreams into a frustrating reality. 

Cutting on a board that moves around while you’re trying to use it is far from the safety that we were hoping for from a single-piece wood board. Those nice sharp knives you were trying to protect are now dancing around an unstable board, and I can think of at least 10 reasons why that could lead to disaster! Not exactly what you want from your trusty kitchen companion, right? 

Not All Wood is Created Equal

When it comes to choosing the right cutting board, knowing which wood not to use for cutting boards is just as important as knowing the best. Softwoods like pine, cedar, and redwood are too porous and can easily splinter or trap bacteria. Some woods, like yew or sassafras, are outright toxic and not food-safe. Even if these are used in a single-piece board, structural weaknesses like warping or cracking are only magnified. Stick to safe, hardwood options.

Why Multi-Piece Cutting Boards Are Stronger and Safer

The reality is that cutting boards made from several pieces of wood allow for more even moisture absorption and less pressure on one particular piece. That's why our boards are constructed from carefully selected strips of premium wood, expertly bonded together for strength, flatness, and durability that lasts. 

The Sonder LA Way

We only ever use high-quality, food-safe glue that's free from formaldehyde and any other nasty chemicals. Utilizing the finest food-safe adhesives, meticulously selected and rigorously tested, we skillfully bond multiple wood pieces together with precision and care. The result? A cutting board that not only dazzles with its stunning aesthetics but also holds up over time, remaining steadfast and reliable through every chop, slice, and dice when cared for and maintained with regular oiling, every 2-3 weeks.

Check out our Cutting Board Care Guide

When it comes to our cutting boards, safety always comes first. By bonding multiple pieces of wood together, we create cutting boards that are not only stunning to look at but also built to last. Say goodbye to warping woes and hello to kitchen confidence, knowing your board can handle whatever you throw its way. 

How to Spot a Well-Made Cutting Board

A high-quality cutting board isn’t just about looks—it’s about performance and longevity. 

1. Start by checking the grain: end grain boards are known for their durability and knife-friendliness, while edge grain boards are more stain and moisture-resistant.. 

2. A quality board lies flat, feels balanced, and doesn’t wobble.

3. Seamless glue lines? That’s the hallmark of expert craftsmanship. 

4. Opt for boards finished with food-safe oils like mineral oil or beeswax.

5. And, of course, a board made from multiple pieces of wood!

Learn about the differences between End Grain and Edge Grain.

Built to Last, Made to Be Used

Think of it like a group of wood strips coming together to work as one piece, steadily guiding you through each meal you prepare—as a team! Crafted with precision and bound by food-safe adhesives, our boards are a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and unparalleled craftsmanship.

And this commitment doesn’t stop with how the boards are constructed. We believe in letting the natural beauty of the wood grain shine through. No fancy stains or unnatural finishes here – just pure, organic wood grain that adds a touch of rustic charm to your kitchen decor. When you choose a cutting board from Sonder Los Angeles, you're not just adding a kitchen essential to your arsenal – you're making a statement. Trust us to deliver the perfect blend of style and substance, crafted with the expertise and your health and safety in mind.