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Whether you're slicing vegetables for a weeknight stir-fry, assembling a charcuterie board for game day, or flipping pancakes on a lazy Sunday, the surface you cut on and serve from matters more than you might think. It's not just about looks: the material of your board affects your knife edge, your food prep safety, and how long your kitchen tools last before they warp, crack, or stain.
At Kitchen Forge, we carry a wide range of Totally Bamboo boards, but not all of them are made from bamboo. The brand has expanded its lineup to include birch (in the Baltique series), acacia and olive wood (in the Rock & Branch collection), and even a wood-fiber composite called Vellum.
So, which one should you choose? This guide will walk you through the pros, cons, and best uses for each material, so you can make the right choice for your kitchen and your cooking style. We'll also cover how to care for each material, and how to match your board to your kitchen aesthetic.
Your cutting board is one of the most-used tools in your kitchen. It takes a beating from knives, heat from hot pots, and moisture from food. The right material will hold up to daily use, resist stains and odors, and keep bacteria at bay. The wrong material can dull your knives quickly, absorb juices, or crack and warp after a few washes.
Here's a quick overview of the main materials we'll compare:
Now let's dive into each one.
When you think of Totally Bamboo, you probably picture bamboo boards. Bamboo is an incredibly sustainable resource—it grows fast, doesn't need replanting, and is naturally resistant to bacteria. That makes it an eco-friendly choice for your kitchen.
Bamboo boards are harder than many hardwoods, which means they resist scratching and denting well. However, that same hardness can be a bit tough on knife edges—if you use a very sharp knife, you might find you need to sharpen it more often. That said, many home cooks love bamboo precisely because it's so low-maintenance.
Bamboo is also lightweight and easy to move around the kitchen, making it great for everyday prep. It's also affordable, so you can have multiple boards for different tasks without breaking the bank.
In our catalog, you'll find bamboo in the classic Totally Bamboo boards like the Destination Michigan Mitten Cutting Board and the A Slice of Life Wyoming Cutting Board—both perfect for adding local pride to your kitchen. And if you're looking for something a little different, the GreenLite™ Board is also bamboo-based, but we'll get to that later.
If you prefer a lighter, more traditional wood look, birch is a beautiful choice. The Baltique line by Totally Bamboo features kitchen tools and boards made from birch, known for its smooth texture and pale, elegant color that adds a warm Scandinavian feel to your kitchen.
Birch is softer than bamboo, which means it's actually gentler on your knives. It's still durable enough for daily use, but it may show knife marks more easily. However, that also means it can be sharpened and sanded down if it gets too worn.
One of the most iconic birch products we carry is the Teddy Bear spaghetti spoon, but we also recommend the Take-Along Reusable Utensil Set with a pineapple travel roll—perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or eating on the go.
Birch is also a great material for gifts, especially if you're looking for something a bit more unique than bamboo. The Baltique line often features colorful enamel accents that add a playful touch to your kitchen.
For those who love natural beauty, olive wood is hard to beat. Harvested from olive trees that have reached the end of their fruit-bearing life, olive wood is an eco-friendly byproduct that's both durable and gorgeous. Each piece has a unique grain pattern, with swirling lines that make every board one of a kind.
Olive wood is dense and hard yet resistant to cracking, making it ideal for cutting and serving. It also naturally resists stains and odors, so it's a hygienic choice for food prep. However, it does require regular oiling to maintain its luster and prevent drying out.
In the Rock & Branch collection, you'll find olive wood serving boards that double as beautiful presentation pieces for cheese, charcuterie, or appetizers. They're a bit more expensive than bamboo or birch, but the investment is worth it if you love natural aesthetics.
If you're looking for a true centerpiece for your next gathering, an olive wood board is the way to go.
Acacia is another hardwood that's become increasingly popular in recent years. It's grown in Hawaii and other tropical regions, and it's known for its extreme durability and water resistance. That makes it a top pick for kitchen boards that get a lot of use.
Acacia has a beautiful, rich color with dramatic grain patterns—ranging from light golden brown to deep mahogany. It's also harder than birch, so it can take a beating, but like bamboo, it may dull knives a bit faster.
Because acacia is so water-resistant, it's less likely to warp or crack than other woods, making it a great choice for kitchen islands that double as prep stations. However, you still need to hand-wash it and oil it regularly to keep it in top shape.
At Kitchen Forge, we carry acacia pieces in our cutting board and serving board categories, perfect for someone who wants a board that looks good and works hard.
Let's face it: not everyone has the time or patience to hand-wash and oil a wooden board every week. If you're looking for a more convenient option that's still eco-friendly, the Vellum board is your answer.
Vellum is made from a wood-fiber composite that's dishwasher safe, which means you can toss it in the dishwasher without worrying about warping or cracking. It's also resistant to stains and bacteria, making it a hygienic choice for busy kitchens.
But is it really wood? It's actually a blend of wood fibers and resin, so it has a natural look and feel, but it's more durable and low-maintenance than solid wood. It's also lightweight, so it's easy to handle.
If you've been avoiding wooden boards because of the upkeep, the Vellum board is the perfect compromise. It's currently one of our bestsellers, and it comes in a neutral beige color that fits any kitchen aesthetic.
With so many options, how do you decide? Here's a simple guide:
Once you have your board, proper care is essential:
Your cutting board isn't just a tool; it's also a part of your kitchen's aesthetic. Here are some style tips:
If you love the idea of mixing materials, consider having a bamboo board for everyday, an olive wood board for serving, and a Vellum board for when you just want to toss everything in the dishwasher.
Yes, bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials for kitchenware. It grows rapidly, doesn't require pesticides, and the bamboo used by Totally Bamboo is sourced from a single bamboo species (Moso) that is naturally renewable.
Only boards made from Vellum are dishwasher safe. All other Totally Bamboo boards made of bamboo, birch, acacia, or olive wood should be hand-washed to prevent warping and cracking.
The Baltique line features birch wood utensils and boards. These products are known for their colorful enamel accents and smooth finish.
Bamboo is fast-growing and lightweight but slightly harder on knives. Acacia is a slow-growing hardwood that is denser and more water-resistant, making it very durable but also heavier. Both are eco-friendly choices, but acacia may last longer in high-moisture conditions.
For stubborn stains, mix a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub. Rinse with warm water and dry immediately. For deep scratches, you can sand them away with fine grit sandpaper and re-oil.
Now that you know the differences, it's time to choose the board that fits your cooking style and home. Whether you're a home chef who needs a durable workhorse, an entertainer who wants a showstopper for serving, or a busy parent who'd rather not have to hand-wash every single item, there's a Totally Bamboo board made for you.
Explore our full collection in the Totally Bamboo shop, and if you have any questions about compatibility or care, don't hesitate to contact us. Happy chopping!
