Anyone in the food business can tell you the importance of a quality cutting board. If you cook regularly, think about the time you spend chopping and slicing. A good cutting surface is every bit as important as a good knife. Cutting boards can be made from plastic, bamboo, hardwood and even glass. Boards can be found at numerous price points and quality levels. If you desire the best of the best, your search should start and "end" with an end grain board from The Board Smith.

David Smith (The Board Smith) grew up shadowing his father as he ran a furniture factory in High Point, NC (The Furniture Capitol of the World). Naturally, woodworking became a hobby that David enjoyed through the years. Though he pursued a career in sales, David never stopped working on his craft. Unexpected changes at work left David with a difficult decision: continue his current work with added time requirements and responsibilities, but no additional compensation OR begin a new path.

David officially started The Board Smith in 2005. He set up shop in Thomasville, NC and began selling his boards locally and online. During the last six years, The Board Smith's reputation for quality has steadily grown. His boards are now being used by restaurants, home cooks and BBQ competitors all over the United States and far beyond.

My introduction to The Board Smith came quite by chance. While browsing online photos from a Texas BBQ competition, I stopped for a closer look at a rack of ribs. The ribs looked great, but what really caught my eye was the beautifully made butcher block they were sitting on. I emailed the BBQ competitor using the block and he directed me to The Board Smith's website.

Since the photo was taken at a Texas competition, I assumed The Board Smith was stationed in the Lone Star State. Imagine my surprise when I learned that The Board Smith was actually located in my current city of residence (High Point). After a brief email exchange, David invited me to his new Archdale, NC shop for a formal introduction.

I couldn't have been more impressed with David and his business. The craftsmanship that goes into every board is phenomenal. David personally crafts each and every board from the highest quality maple, walnut and cherry wood available. In addition to being a fine craftsman, David was incredibly friendly and accommodating. I really enjoyed my visit.

Since my meeting with The Board Smith, I've learned a lot about cutting boards and the importance of end grain boards. All of The Board Smith's boards are made using the wood's end grain as the cutting surface. This method is more time consuming and expensive to produce, but it absolutely yields the best product. End grain boards are much easier on your knives. With an end grain board, the sharp blade slides between the fibers leaving virtually no wear on the board's cutting surface or the knife's edge.More importantly, end grain boards are more sturdy and durable than traditional flat wood boards. The best endorsement for this product's durability comes from David, himself. He made his very first end grain board in 1993. Eighteen years later, that board was still being used in his home kitchen.


As I mentioned, The Board Smith creates maple, walnut and cherry boards. He cuts a number of standard sizes from 12 x 18 to 24 x 36. His boards come standard with rubber tipped feet for added stability and to allow air circulation beneath the board. Moisture is a wood board's enemy. The feet allow the underside of the board to stay dry.

If you or someone you know loves to cook, I highly recommend browsing The Board Smith's online catalog. If you don't see exactly what you're looking for, The Board Smith can meet nearly any custom request. You'll be amazed at the quality of David's products. I couldn't be happier with my new 14 x 18 maple board. The stout block is more like a finely crafted piece of furniture than a kitchen accessory.

For more information about The Board Smith, click the title of this review. The Board Smith's website features a great deal of valuable information about everything from care and use to wood density and thickness. Check out his FAQ. When it comes time place your order, tell David you saw his boards on The "Q" Review.