Proteak is a Mexican renewable forestry company based in Mexico City. They specialize in teak products from cutting boards and butcher’s blocks to decking and flooring. Teak is a hardwood, which makes it ideal for consistent, heavy-duty use as it is so durable.
Their teak is of the highest quality and creates cutting boards that are durable, attractive, and long-lasting. But how can you get your hand on one of these stunning cutting boards yourself? Let’s take a look.
The best way to acquire a Proteak cutting board is to start by browsing their catalog online to see what is available. They have a very extensive range of boards across three price ranges, $0-$50, $50-$100, and $100-$200, so it is very easy to pinpoint your price range and get a lot of product recommendations.
Although the top end of the range may seem expensive, they are actually relatively affordable when compared to other specialty cutting board brands on the market, especially for the larger sizes.
Beneath every product listing on their website is a list of stores where that particular board can be purchased which makes it super easy. Alternatively, you can search Proteak on Amazon to see the limited amount that is available on the site.
Proteak’s specialty cutting board range is called Teakhaus and has an extensive catalog of cutting boards and butcher’s blocks. These are made of the highest quality teak, which is hardwood, to create cutting boards that are long-lasting and will sustain everyday use.
They will also help to keep your knives sharper for longer because the surface is more forgiving, unlike glass, and it won’t deposit any microplastics into your diet like plastic cutting boards.
Before looking at what cutting boards there are to offer is important to know the difference between a cutting board and a butcher’s block. Butcher’s blocks are more heavy-duty and best suited for heavy prep like butchery; however, they can be used for other prep too.
To classify as a butcher’s block the board needs to be a minimum of 12×12″, no less than 1.5″ thick, and be made from end grain wood; anything else is classified as a cutting board. Due to their size and the fact that they are solid wood, butcher’s blocks tend to be on the more expensive side when compared with regular cutting boards.
Apart from that and the materials, there is one more crucial piece of info you need to know about cutting boards before you shop for one is the difference between end grain and edge grain.
End Grain
End grain cutting boards are created by gluing a number of blocks together that are cut at 90 degrees to the grain. This creates boards that are stronger, more long-lasting, and will be easier on your knives as the fibers move back into place after the knife has been removed. This type of board is best for butchery which is why butcher’s blocks are all end grain.
This configuration also brings out the natural beauty of the wood, as it is cut across the rings, which makes these boards particularly attractive. Their weight and size mean that these boards will often be stored on the countertop rather than lugging them in and out of storage every day.
Edge Grain
An edge grain board is created with wood that is cut along the grain. This is a less forgiving surface and is better suited to lighter prep work like chopping vegetables. They are still attractive if they are made from good hardwood but they are not quite as pretty or strong as their end grain counterparts.
They tend to be smaller and thinner than butcher’s blocks which means there is a risk of them moving when you are prepping. To remedy this simply place a damp tea towel underneath it while you work.
Other factors to consider when buying a cutting board are what materials are best for a cutting board and which materials are the most hygienic? When considering materials you have plastic, glass, and wood to choose from.
While glass is the most hygienic material due to the fact that it is not porous and easy to clean, however, it will dull your knives really quickly and is breakable. All in all, the best material for a cutting board is end grain hardwood.
They might be more expensive but they are hygienic, multi-use, and visually stunning. They will also keep your knives sharp and there is no danger of breaking such a solid piece of wood.
Teakhaus cutting boards are found across a wide range of prices, so you are sure to find one to fit your budget. We are going to be looking at the top two picks, one end grain, and one edge grain, in each price range to see what variety they have to offer.
The factors to be taken into consideration when buying a cutting board are:
- material
- dimensions
- shape
- type of grain
So without further ado, let’s jump into the cutting boards.
$0-$50
Edge Grain: Edge Grain Elegant Gently Rounded Edge
At the bottom of the range, we have this budget-friendly but still attractive option at $20. It is edge grain with a beautiful finish and an attractive shape that is rounded at its edges with no sharp corners. It is 12×8″ and 1.5lbs, so this one is best for light prep and handling vegetables.
It is a smaller size, so it would be easier to store and wouldn’t need to be left on the countertop like the larger options. Even though it is the cheapest option, the quality of the teak really shines through and makes the product worth more than you pay in the end.
End Grain: Hand Grips
Higher up in this price range, we have this end grain board at $35. It is slightly larger than the first option at 14×10″ and only 1″ thick, so even though it is end grain, it doesn’t classify as a butcher’s block.
Despite this, it is still a decent weight at 3lbs, and it is very easy on your knives, which makes it good for everyday use. It is made of small blocks that create a beautiful pattern and has smoothed corners to finish off the design with subtle flair.
This is a really good price for an end grain board, so if you have been coveting their stunning finish, but you don’t tend to do much butchery, then this one is a really good choice even though it doesn’t have any extra frills.
$50-$100
Edge Grain- Hand Grips and Juice Canal
If you are a fan of edge grain boards, then we have this beauty for you at $60. This is a bigger board with dimensions of 16x12x1.5″, which technically classifies it as a butcher’s block in size but falls short because it is not made from end-grain teak. Still, it has a good amount of prep space so that you can work with ease.
This design has rounded edges and polished smooth handles inset into the sides so you can move it around easily. It also has a groove set into the perimeter called a juice canal, which is specially designed to catch meat juices while you butcher. This choice keeps your prep work tidy and your clean-up to a minimum for utmost efficiency.
End Grain- Hand Grips and Juice Canal
Another far more affordable end grain option than some on the market is this option at $70. This one does classify as a butcher’s block as its dimensions are 16x12x1.5″ with a hefty weight of 10lb, so you can be sure this one will stay put on your countertop.
This is a step up from the end grain option from the last price range with a few subtle added extras that make it a little more indulgent. They are similar in appearance but this one, apart from being overall larger, has inset handles as well as a juice canal to make using it just that little bit easier.
For an end grain board, this option is a steal and would definitely be worth your money, so it is one to consider.
$100-$200
Edge Grain- Hand Grips and Juice Canal
Now we are getting to the more high end of the Teakhaus line with two stunning premium cutting boards.
This board is a beautiful edge grain design with a very large surface area of 12×18″ and an averagely thick 1,5″. Like the boards we have seen before, this one has a juice canal and handles to make handling this board easy. This option is great for prepping for large families or catering for friends without making a lot of mess.
This step-up in design and size makes this board go for a considerable $115, which is rather steep considering that it is not even a butcher’s block and therefore is not as durable. The previous end grain board we looked at is significantly cheaper and be far more worth the investment.
End Grain-Butcher’s Block Circular
To change it up in appearance a bit, we have our most expensive board at $145. This is a considerable price tag but still relatively affordable when compared to others on the market of its size and weight.
This design is round with a diameter of 18″ and a considerable thickness of 2″, so it classifies as a butcher’s block and is ideal for butchery since it is so large and heavy. Due to its size and weight is will not move when you are working, and so it is the safest option of the lot. Some downsides of this design, however, is that it has no handles or juice canal.
The lack of handles can be excused because this board would not be moved very often, but the juice canal would come in handy for this design for sure since it has been designed with meat in mind.
This is a style of board that would be left out on a countertop so its beauty is a real high point in this design. The end grain is really highlighted in this chunky piece and the teak’s natural beauty is put on full display.
This one has durability and beauty all in one place, which makes the price tag that bit more worth it. You would also never have to buy another cutting board again if you bought one like this, which is something worth taking into account.
Proteak Natural Cutting Board Wax
While you’re looking at cutting boards, you might as well pick up a stick of cutting board wax to go with it. Proteak has its own branded wax that has been specially designed to maintain the cutting board that you can add to your order for a mere $14.
It contains organic ingredients that are food safe, including beeswax, coconut oil, and orange oil, so that you can condition your board safely regularly.
FAQ
Answer: Proteak is the name of the renewable forestry company that sources the teak that all their products are made from. Teakhaus is the name of the cutting board and butcher’s block range that is available from Proteak. So essentially, they are the same company, just a more specialized department.
Answer: Start by scraping any food debris from the surface with a flat spatula. Then liberally soap down with dishwashing soap. Rinse off all the soap and finish off by cleaning the surface with undiluted vinegar, which will prevent bacteria growth without leaving behind an odor.
When you are cleaning your board, make sure to dry it off completely to prevent moisture from damaging it over time.
Answer: The thing about wooden cutting boards, especially end grain cutting boards, need to be maintained consistently. You do this using waxes or food-safe oils to seal the board and keep it sanitary. If you are using a seasoning stick like the one recommended earlier, then you can follow the instructions on the stick.
If you want to use an oil (this can be food-safe mineral oil or walnut oil), you can spread a measure of oil across the surface and spread with a dry cloth. Allow it to soak in for 30 minutes before repeating the process. If your cutting board is reversible, wait a day before treating the other side to avoid staining your surfaces.
Answer: Extra features on a cutting board are a nice bonus but not essential. As you can see the boards that are the thickest and most expensive tend to be very simple so you can do without them.
However, a set of handles is always appreciated, especially when the boards are so large. If you find yourself making a bit of a mess, especially when you prep meat, then a board with a juice canal is probably worth investing in.
Conclusion
As you can see, this brand has a lot of options on offer across a wide range of prices. While these are far easier to find if you are US-based but they are available on Amazon for international customers. Our recommendation is to start with their website to let you choose your price range and which one within that range suits your needs best.
From there, you can find where they are sold underneath the product listing, and you are well on your way to getting your very own ProTeak cutting board or butcher\’s block.
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