The Healthiest Cutting Board Materials And How They Compare to Richlite
Why Cutting Board Material Matters for Food Safety
Your cutting board plays a major role in kitchen hygiene, food safety, and overall health. The wrong material can trap bacteria, absorb moisture, dull knives, or even introduce microplastics into your food.
The healthiest cutting boards share these qualities:
- Non-porous or naturally antimicrobial
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- Free from microplastics
- Food-contact safe
- Durable for long-term use
Below, we break down the top 3 healthiest cutting board materials, followed by how they compare to Richlite, a high-performance composite used in residential and commercial kitchens.
Related: Why It’s Time to Break Up with Your Plastic Cutting Board
Solid Hardwood Cutting Boards (Maple, Walnut, Cherry)
Solid hardwood, especially hard maple, is one of the most recommended materials by chefs and food safety experts.
Health benefits:
- Naturally antimicrobial (wood fibers trap and deactivate bacteria)
- No plastic or microplastic shedding
- Gentle on knife edges
- No synthetic coatings required when properly finished
Considerations:
- Porous, may harbor bacterial growth
- Requires regular oiling
- Not dishwasher safe
- Can absorb moisture if not maintained
- May warp or crack over time
Food-Grade Rubber Cutting Boards
Rubber cutting boards are widely used in commercial kitchens due to their sanitation and knife-friendly surface.
Health benefits:
- No microplastics
- Very gentle on knives
- Easy to sanitize
- Non porous
Considerations:
- Heavy and bulky
- Industrial appearance
- Higher price point
- Dishwasher safety varies by brand
Bamboo Cutting Boards (With Caveats)
Bamboo is often marketed as an eco-friendly cutting board option, but it has important trade-offs.
Potential benefits:
- Renewable material
- Lightweight
- Naturally antimicrobial
- Budget-friendly
Drawbacks:
- Often glued with adhesives and resins
- Hard surface dulls knives faster
- Can splinter and crack
- Lower long-term durability
- Porous, susceptible to bacterial growth
Related: Bamboo vs. Wood Composite Cutting Boards
How Richlite Compares to Traditional Cutting Boards
Richlite® Culinary Surfaces are made from densely compressed, FSC®- and NSF®-certified paper combined with thermoset eco resin to create a durable, non-porous surface engineered for modern kitchens.
Part of our food-safe Heritage Line, these surfaces are available in three colors: Natural, Slate, and r50.
Why Richlite is one of the healthiest cutting board options:
- Microplastic-free: No plastic shedding into food. Read Our Statement.
- Food-contact safe: NSF and FSC certified, BPA-free, and heat resistant
- Knife-friendly & durable: Gentle on blades; won’t chip, splinter, or crack
- Low maintenance: No oiling required, dishwasher safe, and resists warping
- Non-porous & hygienic: Resists moisture, bacteria, and odor absorption
- Stain & moisture resistant: Maintains appearance and performance over time
- Sustainable material: Made from responsibly sourced paper and thermoset resin
Cutting Board Comparison Chart
| Material | Antimicrobial | Microplastics | Dishwasher Safe | Maintenance | Knife Friendly | Heat Resistant | USA Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardwood (Maple) | Yes (natural) | No | No | High | Excellent | No | Sometimes |
| Rubber | Yes | No | Sometimes | Low | Moderate | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Bamboo | Limited | No | No | Medium | Fair | No | No |
| Richlite | Yes | No | Yes | Very Low | Excellent | Yes | Since 1943 |
What Is the Healthiest Cutting Board Overall?
While wood and rubber cutting boards remain strong choices, Richlite® offers one of the best overall combinations of health, hygiene, and convenience.
Shop Trusted Retailers That Use Richlite
If you’re ready to upgrade to a healthier cutting surface, these respected kitchen brands use Richlite in their cutting board material and prep tools, giving you professional-grade performance with everyday convenience.