Butcher Blocks
Heavy enough to stay put.
Standard or Heavy Duty, five species — built for real kitchen work, not just display.
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Rated 4.8 / 5 · 390+ reviews
What customers say about our wood & craftsmanship
Real reviews from real orders — lumber, kits, and boards alike.
"Again, could not be more pleased with the quality of wood that John at Knotty Lumber delivers. Life time customer here."
Donald
"Everything arrived in perfect shape. The quality of every piece was excellent. I highly recommend this company!"
Steve
"Beautiful boards. Thick, well finished and professional looking."
DebP
"Absolutely perfect. All 5 cutting boards were perfect. I'll be back for more in the future."
Robert
"Absolutely loved this kit, it turned out beautifully!"
Andre
"These were flawless, very well built with perfect ambrosia maple. Wouldn't hesitate to order again."
James
390+ reviews on Judge.me · average rating 4.8 out of 5
Since 2021
Every cut tells a story.
We started The Knotty Lumber Co. in 2021 because the wood industry needed shaking up — too many middlemen, too little craft. Founder John's fascination with a rough-cut board's grain turned into a mission: sell hardwood and handcrafted boards the way we'd want to buy them — direct, honest, built to last.
We could tell you why that works. Instead, we'll let 390+ reviews and customers who come back order after order do the talking.
John — Founder, The Knotty Lumber Co.
Boos Blocks: Cherry & Walnut Hardwoods
Choose a look that matches your kitchen or one that stands out. Crafted of stunning American cherry and American black walnut, these Boos Blocks elevate any kitchen, and they're resistant to scratches, dents, and warping.
The perfect pairing of form and function
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17.5" x 11.5" x 1.5", edge grain.
Deep chocolate-brown hardwood with exceptional stability, built for daily use.
Smooth, fine-grained cherry with a warm reddish tone that deepens beautifully with age.
Pale maple with natural blue-grey streaking from the ambrosia beetle — no two boards are alike.
A striking violet hardwood that darkens to a deep plum over time — as functional as it is a statement piece.
Clean, pale, and hard-wearing — the long-standing default for a kitchen workhorse.
Vivid orange-red hardwood that ages to a rich reddish-brown — dense, durable, and unmistakable.
Walnut, maple, and purpleheart striped together — the showpiece of the cutting board line.
End grain construction. Standard 16" x 10" x 1.5" or Heavy Duty 24" x 18" x 1.75".
Pale maple with natural blue-grey ambrosia streaking — every block one of a kind.
Built for real kitchen work — heavy enough to stay put, dense enough to last.
Our hardest species on the block line — exceptional edge and impact resistance.
A classic kitchen workhorse in warm, fine-grained cherry.
Bold color, dense grain, and the same durability as our Purpleheart block.
Pale, hard-wearing maple built to the same heavy-duty standard.
From the Blog
Board construction, explained
End grain or edge grain? Here's what actually decides it.
The construction choice that changes how a board performs, not just how it looks.
One orientation lets a blade slip between the fibres and "heal" itself closed. The other trades that self-healing surface for a tighter, more stable build that resists warping. Neither wins outright — the right one depends on whose knives are hitting the board, and how often.
Read Article
Make it last for years, not months
A cutting board is not a disposable kitchen tool.
Skip the dishwasher, skip the soak — that's most of what goes wrong. The rest comes down to a once-a-month habit with mineral oil and knowing the handful of warning signs that mean a board is asking for attention before a crack does the asking instead.
Read articleHoliday entertaining, simplified
A serving board that looks effortless — on purpose.
Cheese first, then meats folded and draped for volume, then everything else filling the gaps by feel rather than by rule. A dozen small moves turn a cutting board into the centerpiece of the table — here's the order they go in.
Read article
FAQ
Common Questions
How do I care for my cutting board?
Hand wash and dry right away — never put it in the dishwasher or let it soak. Apply a food-safe cutting board oil about once a month (more often for the first few weeks) to keep the wood conditioned and prevent cracking.
What's the difference between the wood species?
Walnut is a deep chocolate-brown with excellent stability. Cherry starts warm reddish and deepens with age. Maple is pale, hard-wearing, and a classic workhorse. Purpleheart and Padauk bring bold color that darkens over time. Ambrosia Maple has natural blue-grey streaking, so no two boards look alike.
How long does shipping take?
Most orders ship within a few business days and arrive in 3–5 business days from our shop in Hamilton, Ontario. Shipping is free across Canada and the U.S.
Is this board food safe?
Yes — every board is finished with a food-safe oil and wax blend that's safe for direct food contact.
What's your return policy?
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery. If anything arrives damaged or isn't right, contact us and we'll sort it out.
Still have a question? Get in touch — we're happy to help.