When choosing the best wood for a cutting board, it is important to consider factors such as durability, porosity, and resistance to bacteria and stains. Here are some of the best woods for cutting boards based on these factors:

• Maple: Both soft and hard maple make for excellent cutting surfaces. Hard maple is the industry standard for cutting boards because of its durability, resistance to bacteria, and ability to resist knife marks and warping.

• Walnut: Walnut is a popular choice for cutting boards because of its striking beauty and distinctive grain pattern. It is also a very dense hardwood thats rich in color, which makes it an excellent choice for creating beautiful cutting boards that will last for years without staining or warping.

• Cherry: Cherry is a hardwood with a fine, straight grain that is easy to work with. It is also durable and resistant to bacteria, making it a good choice for cutting boards.

• Beech: Beech is a hard, resistant, and easy-to-clean wood that is also relatively affordable. It is a good choice for cutting boards, but it requires more maintenance and conditioning than other woods.

• Teak: Teak is highly resistant to bacteria, moisture, and stains, thanks to its closed grain. It is also able to retain natural oils better and longer than other woods like maple or walnut, and it doesn’t need as much regular oiling or conditioning as cutting boards made of these other materials.

It is important to avoid softwoods like pine, fir, or cedar, as they tend to splinter or crack easily and are not recommended for cutting boards. Oak is also not a good choice because it has large pores, allowing for a larger risk of bacterial growth.