When designing your kitchen space, it’s not just the large appliances and accessories that are important. It also takes smart decision-making when it comes to smaller accessories like knives, bowls, and even cutting boards. The quality of your cutting board is essential as you want it to last for a long time, whether it’s crafted from wood or various other materials.
Our guide walks you through a selection of quality options for your kitchen preparation needs. The cutting board will be the star of the show. And why do you need a 36″ cutting board? Well, the more space for chopping and dicing, the faster you can bring the meal together. When considering the best cutting board options, the 36″ version is a great contender.
As we guide you through the best 36″ cutting board options, make sure to weigh your pros and cons carefully. We do have a favorite, but it will be up to you to make the final decision for your home.
Here’s a quick look at our Best 36″ Cutting Board Options
At a Glance: 7 Best 36″ Cutting Board Options
| Best 36 “Cutting Boards | Best used for | Materials | Dimensions | More info |
| Kobi Blocks, Cherry Edge Grain | Daily food preparation | Cherry Wood | 36 x 18 x 1.5 | Find out more |
| Restaurant Poly Cutting Board | Restaurant and home prep | Plastic | 36 x 19 x ½ Inch | Find out more |
| TF Cutting Board w/ Moat | Home cooking and catering | Oak Wood | 36 x 12 x 1 ½ Inch | Find out more |
| Old Cedar Outfitters, tri-fold | Anywhere, anytime | Plastic | 36 x 20 x 0.32 Inch | Find out more |
| Esary Hardwood Hickory | Holidays and dinners | Hickory Wood | 36 x 18 x 1 ¼ Inch | Find out more |
| John Boos Block Maple Wood | Heavier foods | Maple Wood | 36 x 24 x 4 Inch | Find out more |
| CONSDAN Table Top Board | Home cooking and prep | Maple Wood | 36 x 25 x 1.5 Inch | Find out more |
Selection Criteria
There are many types of cutting boards, but the quality of some really stands out. We’ve used strict criteria to determine the best board for your needs. With style, materials, function, and extras, we’ve zeroed in on what makes a great cutting board.
Style
The best board has a smooth finish and stain, oiled and ready to be used. It is a pleasure to the eye as well as a welcomed addition to the kitchen. A stylish board doesn’t clash with other accessories or appliances. Instead, it fits in and works well.
Types of Materials
While plastic, glass, and metal are all good quality materials for the cutting board, nothing quite beats the classic wood chopping block. Wood, such as Oak, Maple, or Pine, creates a strong work area and smooth surface.
Function / Extras
The best cutting board functions well for both catering and the kitchen. It can also be used in restaurants as well. Extras, such as juice moats and handles only make the quality cutting board that much better.
Types of 36″ Cutting Boards
Among the various cutting boards used for food preparation, there are various types available. Keep in mind that meats and vegetables should always be prepared on separate boards to avoid germ transmission. But you can research this topic yourself to make sure. Below, our guide provides a snapshot of common materials and styles of cutting boards.
Materials
Wood
The wood cutting board is sturdy and strong and has a beautiful natural pattern. It is generally used for cutting vegetables and fruits as the wood grain is more porous and can absorb juices. However, the wood board should always be washed thoroughly between various food products to avoid cross-contamination. Make sure the wood cutting board is dried completely before storing away.
Bamboo
The Bamboo cutting board, much like the wood version, is primarily used for the preparation of vegetables, fruits, and various herbs. The same cleaning and storing procedure should be used with this type of board as well.
Plastic
Plastic or resin cutting boards are the best options for cutting meat products, as they are non-porous and can be cleaned easily. Any type of meat can be prepared on a plastic or resin board, kept separately from vegetable boards.
Best 36″ Cutting Board Options
Kobi Blocks Cherry Edge Grain
With its old-world style, this cutting board fits right into vintage-style kitchen decor. It’s simple and has a rustic charm that everyone can appreciate. In addition, the Kobi block is a product of a family-owned business, which ensures excellent quality from creation to distribution. This kitchen accessory is perfect as a house-warming gift or for the holidays.
Manufactured in the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, this rectangular board was created with the highest standards in mind – all-natural products were used to put this quality product together. From the measuring of wood products to the oiling of the finished design, every aspect of the manufacture of the Kobi Cherry Wood Edge Grain was carefully monitored. If you’re looking for a high-quality and durable board, this may be the one for you.
Overall Dimensions: 36 L x 18 W x 1.5 H
Weight: 24 lbs
Pros
- Natural wood construction
- Ample workspace
- Beautiful natural wood grain design
Cons
- It cannot be used for cutting meat products
- Absorbant so must be dried thoroughly to avoid warping
Restaurant Cooler Gaskets Large Poly Cutting Board
The restaurant-grade cutting board is perfect for your busy kitchen area. If you have a large family that loves to cook, this board can last through long and rough use. You can chop, peel, slice, and dice without worrying about the surface after each use. The board is solid white and easy to clean, and staining isn’t a problem.
This product, found on Amazon, is made from polyethylene plastic which keeps odors, bacteria, and moisture away. It has a non-porous surface and has proven to be 100% safe and extra hygienic. Not only is the material durable and long-lasting, but it also protects your cutlery as well. It takes much longer for knives to get dull when using this product. This one is the best choice for the restaurant-style kitchen design.
Overall Dimensions: 36 L x 19 W x ½ Inch H
Pros
- Great for meat preparation
- Large size
- Non-porous surface
- It doesn\’t dull knives
Cons
- Plain style
- Narrow board
- It cannot be used with vegetables
TF Kitchen Oak Cutting Board with Juice Moat
The beautiful butcher’s block cutting board is perfect for tackling large vegetables and juicy fruits. It fits perfectly on the kitchen island and provides a space for working on many preparations at once. The oak wood grain surface is unique with each product, so you’re sure to get a one-of-a-kind chopping board for your kitchen. There is also a juice moat that spans the entire border at the top of the block.
Made from natural oak, this board is sturdy and long-lasting. The finish protects the surface of the board while also protecting your knives while cutting. The TF Kitchen Oak Cutting Board is also wide, so you have plenty of room to set aside chopped pieces until a container is available. The board is also lightweight, which is surprising considering the size. It’s a truly useful part of the kitchen arsenal.
Overall Dimensions: 36 L x 12 W x 1 ½ Inches H
Weight: 9 lbs.
Pros
- Lightweight for its size
- Beautiful oak wood grain design
- Juice moat for catching liquids
- Thick and sturdy board
- Has hidden handles
Cons
- The piece is cut to custom size, so it cannot be returned
- It may be too long for certain size Islands or counters
Old Cedar Outfitters Plastic Cutting Board
This cutting board has a truly unique construction that makes food preparations much easier. The Old Cedar Outfitters cutting board folds so you can carry it easily from place to place. It also has handles which line up when folded to provide even more ease in usage. This product is great for tailgating, picnicking, and dinners away from home. Use it practically anywhere you like.
This product is made from food-grade plastic, which is dishwasher safe. The trifold design is made sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about the board coming apart. With this board, there is plenty of space for two people to work at the same time. It’s easy on knives, has a quality surface that is also durable, providing many years of culinary use.
Overall Dimensions: 36 L x 20 W x 0.32 Inches H
Weight: 8.14 lbs.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Trifold design
- Has handles
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- The product is thin
- It may not be as sturdy as wood versions
- Stains easily
Esarey Hardwood Hickory Cutting Board
Another great specimen of kitchen accessories is the Hickory Board from Esarey. When preparing a feast or just celebrating the holidays, use this quality board to chop all your fruits and vegetables. There is plenty of room to prepare your needed ingredients. The smooth surface of this grand piece of hickory wood will help slice and dice quickly, so no one has to wait.
This handmade product can become a permanent fixture on your kitchen island. When not in use, the natural wood grain design can add to your decor. The special oil used to finish the piece will preserve this cutting board for many years, keeping you from constantly replacing your block. Considering some of the most beautiful pieces of wood are used to craft each board, you can expect a unique and high-quality product. Find this product on Etsy or Esarey Hardwood.
Overall Dimensions: 36 L x 18 W x 1 ¼ Inch H
Pros
- Unique custom made
- Heavy-duty cutting board
- Thick and sturdy
Cons
- It may be too large for some kitchens
- Made to order/ no returns
- Absorbs some moisture
John Boos Block Maple Wood End Grain Chopping Board
From the Classic Collection comes a striking end grain construction. This chopping board is made to resemble a checkerboard and has a robust shape and size that rivals all the others. The John Boos Chopping Block is beloved by both home cooks and culinary artists alike for its durable and strong build. The board is not reversible.
Maple wood is crafted into a thick 4-inch cutting board and an extended work surface. The natural grain can be seen through the checkerboard design, making it extra special. To retain the smooth surface of the block, manufacturers suggest the board be oiled on a regular basis and cleaned gently with soap and water. Since this is a wood board, it’s better utilized for vegetables. However, it was created when cutting meat products. Most importantly, only one or the other, vegetables or meat, should be used on the board to prevent cross-contamination.
Overall Dimensions: 36 L x 24 W x 4 Inches H
Weight: 96 lbs.
Pros
- Striking checkerboard design
- Extra thick board
- Robust and durable
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Heavy construction
- Is not reversible
- Must be oiled regularly
- Weight requires a strong foundation
CONSDAN Table Top Board
Well polished and heavy, this cutting board looks amazing on any counter. The light Maple bands and stripes show off the natural charm of this kitchen accessory. This product is a show-off with its reversible sides and metal Consdan plate near the corner of the block. This piece should fit in quite nicely with rustic decor in the kitchen.
Made from the finest quality Maple wood, this chopping board is a long-lasting addition to your home. Both sides are sanded and polished to retain the smoothest grain possible. The block is also cured with a food-safe oil to retain its beauty for years to come. Both the surface and your knives are well protected while you chop and dice to your heart’s delight. Locate this product on Amazon.
Overall Dimensions: 36 L x 25 W x 1.5 Inches H
Weight: 35.3 lbs.
Pros
- Reversible
- Stamped for authenticity
- Cured with food-safe oil
Cons
- Thinner type board
- LIght color may pick up stains
- It doesn’t include Juice moats or handles
Final Thoughts on the Best 36″ Cutting Board Options
It can be difficult to choose between the plethora of cutting boards and chopping blocks on the market today. However, as far as kitchen accessories go, one board provides high quality with a few extras.
To be honest, two boards would be our favorites considering you need a board for one type of food and a board for another. But for the sake of argument, we choose the TF Kitchen Oak Cutting Board with Juice Moat. This board provides a quality surface and sturdy design. In addition, it has hidden handles for easy transport and a juice moat to keep liquids from spilling over onto the cabinet.
This board has everything you need for chopping foods and utilizing creative clean-up ideas as well.