Can a Charcuterie Board Be Used as a Cutting Board?
Let’s Clear This Up...
Cutting on a charcuterie board? I wouldn’t do it.
Yeah, you can... but that doesn’t mean you should.
Most charcuterie boards are made to look good, not take abuse. If you start slicing and dicing on them, you’re probably going to wreck the surface, and kill the whole vibe the board was meant to bring to the table.
Here’s why it matters...
1. The Wood Species Makes a Big Difference
Some boards are made from softwoods like pine or fir. Looks nice. Smells nice. Cuts like butter... and NOT in a good way. These are never meant for knives. You’ll gouge the surface in no time, and those deep cuts can collect food, moisture, and bacteria.
If the board’s made from hardwoods like maple, or walnut, that’s a different story. Maple especially is a top-tier cutting wood... tight-grained, non-porous, and durable.
But even then, how the board is built matters too.
2. Face Grain vs. Edge Grain vs. End Grain
A lot of charcuterie boards are face grain... that flat, wide surface showing off all the beautiful grain patterns. That’s what makes them stand out. But face grain is the weakest for cutting. It’ll mark up fast and doesn’t recover well.
Edge grain is better for cutting on... made from strips glued on edge. It holds up better to knife work.
End grain is the best for cutting on. It’s like cutting into a field of bristles... the knife edge goes in and comes back out with less wear and tear. That’s what the most expensive cutting boards are made from.
Most charcuterie boards? They’re face grain.
3. What About Epoxy?
Epoxy looks amazing. It fills cracks, adds contrast, and can really make a board pop. And when it’s fully cured, yes, it’s food safe.
But that doesn’t make it cut-safe.
If you chop into epoxy, it can chip or flake. You don’t want that in your food.
Epoxy is perfect for serving boards or accent work around the edges... Just not for the part your knife hits!
Shop Our Selection of Handmade Charcuterie Boards...
4. Engravings Aren't Meant to Be Cut On
If your board has a personal engraving... a name, a handwritten recipe, a message from someone who means something to you... do not cut on that side. Ever.
Cutting over engravings wrecks the design! Keep that side for serving only.
If the engraving is small and tucked into a corner, fine, just don’t cut on it.
So Can You Use a Charcuterie Board as a Cutting Board?
You can do whatever you want… but should you? No.
That said, if you’re still feeling compelled to do it (and hey... I’m sure you’ve got your reasons), here’s what you need to know:
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If it’s made from a softwood — no, never.
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If it’s face grain, especially with live edge — also no.
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If it’s had epoxy added to the area you’d be cutting — no again.
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If it has a personal engraving on that side — definitely not.
Now… if you really want a board you can cut on and still bring out for guests...
Invest in a beautiful cutting board. One made of hardwood. Use one side for prep, and the other side for serving. It’ll last longer, look great, and do the job right..
Shop Our Selection of Handmade Cutting Boards...
Let customers speak for us
Kelsey&Ireland Team
Quality work and excellent customer service
What an absolute pleasure this order was. From start to delivery our bulk order of client gifts was so easy, an incredible value and we cannot recommend Roots to Table enough.
Personalized Live Edge Charcuterie Board, Black Walnut Rustic Cheese Boards, Custom Engraved Wood Serving Tray Wedding & Housewarming Gift
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My clients RAVE!
I have gifted this cutting board to my clients throughout 2025. All of them have raved about the board’s look and quality! Pair it with a Charcuterie idea book and you’ve got yourself a great house warming gift! The seller’s are also fantastic; they communicate well and deliver as promise!
The Tree Series Personalized & Hand Crafted Live-Edge Maple Charcuterie Board
Etsy customer
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The DAILY BLOCK: 12x8 Edge Grain Maple Cutting Board
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It was a great father’s day gift for my husband. He loves it
The DAILY BLOCK: 12x8 Edge Grain Maple Cutting Board
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They were very responsive when I called. The personalized crib board is beautiful, smooth and came in a box all wrapped up so I can present it as a gift just as it is. Great presentation!
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Black Walnut Live Edge Charcuterie Boards - Heartwood
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THE SPROUT & SEEDS: Hand Crafted Maple Charcuterie Boards
Etsy customer
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Etsy customer
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Gina Evangelista
Perfect Thank you gift
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Personalized Live Edge Charcuterie Board, Black Walnut Rustic Cheese Boards, Custom Engraved Wood Serving Tray Wedding & Housewarming Gift
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this as a forever memory!
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Black Walnut Live Edge Charcuterie Boards - Heartwood
Etsy customer
They were amazing with quick responses..and ideas when I was at a loss. They were SUPERFAST with shipping and it arrived FOUR days early...with proofs prior! It is absolutely gorgeous...
Personalized Cribbage Board, Maple or Black Walnut Crib Boards with Live Edge Design, Rustic Game Board with Peg Storage, Custom Engraved Gifts, Fun Family Game
Etsy customer
Beautiful and fast ! Packaged amazing! This will make a great gift 😊
Jigsaw Puzzle Coasters Set of 4. In Maple or Black Walnut
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Spectacular quality
Received my board today and it’s beautiful. From the packaging that is filled with warmth when you open the box to the out standing workmanship. The quality of the board is exceptional, even to the personalized engraving. You can feel the creativity, love and heart and soul that Charlene and Jason put into their designs and the passion for what they create.
The DAILY BLOCK: 12x8 Edge Grain Maple Cutting Board
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Gorgeous and Fast!!!
This board is INCREDIBLE! Charlene handpicked the boards for the wood color and grain that I liked. I was able to select the boards that I liked, along with designs and engravings for the front and back of each board. She sent me pictures of the designs and fonts for approval. I ended up buying 4 boards. I know I will definitely buy from them again. Thank you for such great quality products and fast service!!!
Black Walnut Live Edge Charcuterie Boards - Heartwood
