I’ve been making cutting boards for a while, but recently I found myself getting bored with the same old designs.
I wanted to make a few as gifts for friends, but I didn’t want them all to look alike—or feel like an afterthought.
So I started gathering ideas and trying out some new styles, shapes, and wood combinations.
This post is a collection of cutting board designs, from simple and classic to more creative and unique ones.
Some are traditional, others use offcuts or have interesting patterns that really stand out.
If you’re stuck in a rut or just looking for something fresh to try in the shop, this should help spark some inspiration.
Which one would you make first?
1) Acacia Cutting Board
Dense and naturally water-resistant, acacia has striking grain patterns.
Even simple boards made from acacia can look high-end.
It’s a great choice if you want beauty and durability in one.
2) Bamboo Cutting Board
Bamboo is an eco-friendly and lightweight option.
It holds up well to everyday use and resists deep cuts.
It’s also gentler on knives than many harder woods.
3) Beech Sanded Cutting Board
Beech is smooth and tight-grained, making it easy to shape.
After sanding, it takes on a modern, clean finish.
It’s a good pick for minimalists or first-time board makers.
4) Birch Cutting Board
Birch is a lighter wood with subtle grain and a soft tone. Its neutral color works well in Scandinavian or minimalist kitchens.
It’s also affordable and easy to work with.
5) Butcher Block Cutting Board
Butcher blocks are a classic choice for chopping and meal prep.
They’re thick, sturdy, and built to handle serious kitchen work. They also make great serving pieces for rustic kitchens.
6) Cherry Cutting Board
Cherry starts out a warm reddish tone and deepens with age.
It’s smooth, easy to work with, and finishes beautifully.
A cherry board will develop character over time.
7) Dark Walnut Cutting Board
Walnut is rich, dark, and always eye-catching. It’s durable, smooth, and brings a sense of elegance.
It works well for both prep and presentation.
8) Dark Walnut Oval Cutting Board
The same great walnut, but in a softer oval shape.
The rounded edges give it a refined and stylish look.
Perfect for charcuterie spreads or gift boards.
9) Edge Grain Cutting Board
Edge grain boards are durable and easy to build.
They’re less work than end grain but still tough enough for daily use.
The straight-line pattern also looks clean and modern.
10) End Grain Cutting Board
End grain boards are extremely durable and knife-friendly.
They have a checkerboard look that feels professional and bold.
They’ll last for years with proper care.
11) Face Grain Cutting Board
Face grain boards show off the full beauty of the wood.
They’re best used for serving or decorative purposes.
Not ideal for heavy chopping, but visually striking.
12) Hinoki Cutting Board
Hinoki is a Japanese cypress with natural resistance to moisture.
It’s soft on knife edges and has a light, pleasant scent. It’s a favorite for precise prep work and sushi boards.
13) Butcher Block Cutting Board
This one’s worth a second mention—it’s thick, reliable, and tough.
Ideal for serious cooking tasks and heavy daily use. A true kitchen workhorse that lasts.
14) Maple Cutting Board
Hard maple is a go-to for many woodworkers. It’s strong, budget-friendly, and blends well with other wood types.
It also resists deep cuts and staining better than softer woods.
15) Basket Weave/Ribbon Style Cutting Board
This design creates a woven, high-contrast look.
It’s bold, unique, and turns heads on any countertop.
Perfect for woodworkers ready to take on a pattern challenge.
16) Medium Dark Wood Cutting Board
This board sits between maple and walnut in tone.
It adds warmth without being too bold or dark.
A nice option for balanced, versatile kitchen style.
17) Round Cutting Board
A round board is clean, simple, and functional.
It’s ideal for serving cheese, fruit, or small bites.
It also breaks the visual monotony of rectangular boards.
18) Sanded Beech Wood Cutting Board
Beech sands smooth and has a pale, even tone.
It’s easy to shape and gives a sleek, understated finish.
With use, it takes on a gentle, aged patina.
19) Square Cutting Board
Square boards offer symmetry and efficiency. They fit well in small kitchens and are easy to store.
Great for those wanting something different from the standard rectangle.
20) Teak Wood Cutting Board
Teak is naturally oily and water-resistant. It’s durable and holds up well to frequent use and washing.
A premium option that’s worth the extra cost.
21) Chevron Cutting Board
Chevron patterns bring strong lines and high contrast.
They’re a hit for gifts and decorative boards.
Use contrasting woods to really make the pattern pop.
There’s something satisfying about making a cutting board that’s both useful and great to look at.
Whether you’re going for clean and simple or bold and patterned, there’s no shortage of ways to make each one feel unique.
Hopefully this gave you a few new ideas to try in your own shop.
Let me know which one caught your eye—or if you’ve made something similar, I’d love to see it!