Can You Use Cedar For A Cutting Board?


There are a lot of different materials that can be used for cutting boards. Some people prefer to use plastic, while others prefer wood. There are a lot of different types of wood that can be used for this purpose, but cedar is not one of the best options available. In this blog post, we will discuss whether you should use cedar to make a cutting board.

Can You Use Cedar For A Cutting Board?

No, you should not use Cedar for cutting boards. Cedar is a very soft wood and will dull your knives quickly. It is also difficult to keep clean since it is so porous. You would be better off using hardwood like maple or cherry for your cutting board.

Cedar will also show deep cut marks in the surface of the wood, so if you are looking for a cutting board that will last a long time, Cedar is not the best option.

What Is Cedar And Where Does It Come From

Cedar is a type of softwood that comes from the coniferous genus Cedrus the pine family. Cedar is pinkish-red in color and has a distinctive, pleasant smell. It’s often used for making furniture, cabinets, and other woodworking projects because it’s easy to work with and takes stains well.

Cedar is native to the mountains of the western Himalayas and the Mediterranean region. The most common type of cedar is Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), which is found throughout Iowa. Western redcedar (Thuja plicata) grows in the Oregon, Washington and B.C. along the coast and in interior wet areas.

Overall, cedar is a beautiful, durable wood that’s perfect for a variety of household projects. So if you are looking for a reliable wood cedar is a great option.

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The Drawbacks Of Using Cedar For A Cutting Board

Cedar is a beautiful wood. It’s also very soft, making it less than ideal for a cutting board. Over time, the knives will dull more quickly and the board will show knife marks more easily.

Cedar is also quite porous. This means that it can absorb moisture and oils from food, which can lead to bacteria growth.

For these reasons, we do not recommend using cedar for a cutting board. If you’re thinking of getting a new cutting board, we recommend using hardwoods like maple or walnut. These woods are harder, meaning they’ll be more durable and your knives will stay sharper for longer. They’re also less likely to absorb moisture and oils, making them safer to use.

Alternatives To Cedar That Can Be Used For A Cutting Board

There are many alternatives to cedar that can be used for a cutting board. Some of the most popular alternatives include:

Maple

Maple is a hardwood that is very popular for cutting boards. It is known for its durability and resistance to warping.

Cherry

Cherry is another hardwood that makes an excellent cutting board. It is slightly softer than maple, but it is still very durable.

Walnut

Walnut is another hardwood that makes a great cutting board. It is slightly softer than cherry, but it is still very durable.

Bamboo

Bamboo is grass that is often used for cutting boards. It is extremely strong and durable, and it is also eco-friendly.

If you are looking for an alternative to cedar for your cutting board, any of these options would be a great choice. Maple, cherry, walnut, and bamboo are all durable materials that will last for years with proper care. Be sure to choose the material that is right for you based on your needs and preferences.

Is Cedar Wood Safe For Food?

Some variety of cedar is safe for food contact, but others are not. You’ll want to make sure your cedar is food-grade before using it for anything that will come into contact with food. Cedar is a softwood, so it’s more likely to absorb bacteria and other contaminants than harder woods like maple or oak.

If you’re going to use cedar for a cutting board, make sure to clean it thoroughly after each use. You can also oil it regularly to help protect it from damage and bacteria.

What Is The Safest Wood For A Cutting Board?

There are a few considerations to take into account when choosing a cutting board. The first is what kind of wood is the safest to use. There are four types of wood that are considered safe for cutting boards: maple, cherry, walnut, and teak.

Maple

Maple is a very popular hardwood for cutting boards. It’s naturally antibacterial and easy on knives.

Cherry

Cherry is another popular hardwood for cutting boards. Like maple, it’s also naturally antibacterial and easy on knives though it can be expensive.

Walnut

Walnut is another excellent choice for a cutting board. It’s slightly softer than maple and cherry, but still very durable.

Teak

Teak is a great choice for cutting board however, it’s also expensive just like cherry.

So, what is the safest wood for a cutting board? All of these woods are excellent choices. However, if you’re looking for the absolute safest option, maple is the way to go.

Can You Make Charcuterie Boards Out Of Cedar?

Since you don’t cut on a charcuterie board you can make one out of cedar. Cedar is a beautiful wood that will give your board a nice look. You can find cedar boards at most lumber yards.

Are Cedars Carcinogenic?

Cedars are not carcinogenic. However, like any wood, they can harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned and cared for. When used as a cutting board, cedar is an excellent choice because its naturally antimicrobial properties help keep food safe. Cedar is also a beautiful wood that adds a touch of luxury to your kitchen. If you take care of your cedar cutting board, it will last for years.

Is Cedar Toxic To Cut?

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No. Cedar is not good for cutting boards because Cedar is too soft to use as a cutting board. Cedar is not as hard as maple or bamboo, so it will show knife marks more easily. If you’re looking for a cutting board that is both beautiful and functional, we recommend using other types of wood.

What Is Cedar Fever?

Cedar fever is an allergic reaction to the pollen of certain trees in the genus Cedrus. The most common culprit is the western red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), but other species, such as the eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) can also cause it. Symptoms include runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. Some people also experience facial pain, headache, and fever. Cedar fever typically occurs in the late fall or early winter when the trees release their pollen.

While cedar fever is not a serious condition, it can be very uncomfortable. If you suffer from allergies, you may want to avoid using cedar products in your home. However, if you do use them, be sure to clean them thoroughly before using them. This will help to remove any pollen that could trigger your allergies.

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Kevin Nelson

I will always have a special place in my heart for woodworking. I have such fond memories working on projects with my parents on the weekends in the garage growing up. We built tables, shelves, a backyard shed, 10' base for a water slide into the pool, 2 story fort playhouse with a fire pole, and so much more. This woodworking blog allows me to write helpful articles so others can enjoy woodworking as much as we have.

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