John Boos vs. Teakhaus Cutting Boards

Founded in 1887, John Boos has grown from a small sawmill into a globally recognized leader in butcher blocks. The brand’s first product, the original Boos Block, was created from locally harvested sycamore wood to ensure it could survive the impact of a blacksmith’s hammer. In the 1890s, Boos Blocks were adopted into restaurants, grocery stores, and butcher shops nationwide.

Key Features:

• Maple, walnut, cherry, and polyethylene board options
• NSF-certified maple boards
• Superior durability under heavy chopping

Founded in 2009, Teakhaus sources FSC-certified teak and uses the wood's natural oils, tight grain, and moisture resistance to craft sustainable boards that are long lasting and simple to maintain. Teak wood also resists stains and develops a warm patina that deepens with use. In 2025, Teakhaus won the FSC Leadership Award, which recognizes organizations demonstrating excellence in responsible forest management. Teakhaus cutting boards include board-to-pan options with pull-out pans, as well as hands-free boards with a built-in holder for phones and tablets, helping users keep recipes in front of them while cutting.

Key Features:

• 100-percent sustainable wood from FSC-certified forests
• End-grain, edge-grain, and herringbone board options
• Moisture, odor, and stain resistant

John Boos cutting boards and chopping blocks withstand high-volume commercial use for extended periods without degrading in quality. Hard rock maple wood models are naturally antimicrobial to fight against bacterial growth, and the brand’s end-grain options absorb impact, making them fit for meat and hard vegetables. Hard surfaces also keep blades from cutting too deeply into the wood, helping them retain their sharpness.

Teakhaus boards handle moisture better and are less prone to warping and cracking. Teak’s natural oils and tight grain can be useful in kitchens where boards are frequently used or moved between prep and serving. Teak wood is slightly harder on knives than maple, so using teak boards may lead to knives needing more frequent sharpening.

John Boos cutting boards are built to have long lifespans when properly maintained. To keep its boards and chopping blocks in good condition, the brand offers Boos Block Mystery Oil, which absorbs into wood to replenish moisture stripped away by continuous washing. This reduces the risk of bleaching and cracking. Boards should be oiled after cleaning according to the manufacturer’s care guidance.

Teakhaus boards are prefinished with mineral oil and beeswax, though ongoing care is still needed for long board life. Although teak wood is naturally oily, regular oiling helps maintain its protective layer. For this, either high-grade mineral oil or specialized teak oil should be used after cleaning and drying. Regularly used Teakhaus boards should be oiled two or three times per month rather than after every use. Occasional deep cleaning should be performed using a mild vinegar solution.