Charcuterie boards have truly soared in popularity in recent years, and these delicious, fancy-sounding platters seem to make an appearance at every party, gathering, and social event that you find yourself attending. Stacked high with perfectly placed meats, cheeses, and treats, a good charcuterie board can be a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds, and they typically offer an array of flavors, textures, and colors that are guaranteed to tantalize the senses. But while the components of a good spread are undoubtedly important, they aren’t the only items that matter, and what you choose to actually place your various ingredients on top of can also significantly impact the overall experience. The surface on which a charcuterie board is assembled serves as the stage for the culinary spectacle that follows, and everything from the size and shape, to the type of wood, can influence both the presentation and how easy it is to set-up and clean. Thankfully, this buying guide can help you seamlessly navigate the numerous options that are currently available to you, and if you want to impress your guests, but aren’t sure which charcuterie board is the best choice, then this article is the ideal place to begin your journey.

Size & Shape

Before you can start comparing the pros and cons of various wood types, or browsing the selection of accessories to include alongside your board, you first need to decide on which size and shape is going to be the best option for your needs. Ranging from miniature planks that are best suited to a single portion, to grandiose slabs that could feed an army, charcuterie boards come in a wide variety of sizes and styles, which allow them to accommodate all preferences and occasions. Depending on how many people you’re planning on serving, and how many different ingredients and components you plan to feature, you'll want to choose a size and shape that can comfortably accommodate your desired arrangement, and this means contemplating the actual measurements of each available choice. While it may be tempting to simply reach for the biggest board you’re able to find, that won’t necessarily lead to the results you desire, and the more space you have, the more meats, cheeses, and goodies you’ll be required to purchase. Instead, it's essential to carefully consider your hosting needs, available serving space, and the aesthetic you want to achieve when selecting the size and shape of your charcuterie board, and as a general rule of thumb, the best size will typically be:

As for the best shape, most people tend to automatically reach for square or rectangular boards since they are in the greatest abundance, but while these shapes are a safe and practical choice, they aren’t the only options you have. In fact, round and oval shaped boards can be a preferred choice when you want to create more of a dynamic and visually striking presentation for your charcuterie spread, and they have the unique ability to maximize space thanks to their rounded edges and continuous surface area. Similarly, more fun shaped boards can be a great option for holiday parties or other festive gatherings, and can add an element of whimsy and creativity to your charcuterie presentation. Shapes such as hearts, stars, animals, or even custom designs can infuse your spread with personality and charm, making it a memorable centerpiece for your event that will have guests talking long after the party has ended.

Types of Wood

Once you’ve determined which size and shape of board you require, the next consideration you’ll have to make is what type of wood you want your new platter to be crafted from. Although wood isn’t the only option, and there are marble and even plastic versions available, wood does tend to be the preferred material and is what you’re most likely to encounter as you shop. Because of this, understanding the various types is incredibly important, and not only will they impact the appearance of your charcuterie board, but also how durable, long-lasting, and easy-to-maintain it will be. For some people, owning a charcuterie board that can also double as a cutting board is also important, and if you fall into this category, then the type of wood used will be even more integral as it can affect your knives and even your health. Which wood is right for you is going to depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget, but some common types used for charcuterie boards include:

Impressively eco-friendly and sustainable, bamboo is by far the most popular wood type used for crafting charcuterie boards, and for good reason. As one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, bamboo is readily available and highly renewable, making it an environmentally conscious choice that is not only long-lasting, but affordable as well. With that said, bamboo also has its drawbacks, and while it can be great for cold cuts or cheeses pulled from the fridge, it isn’t going to hold up if you’re placing hot items on it like fondue pots or dishes straight from the oven. Bamboo also has been known to degrade faster than some of its harder counterparts, and over time is more likely to warp, crack, or even develop mildew if not properly cared for. Overall, bamboo tends to be a solid choice for most people searching for a new charcuterie board, but it may not be a good fit if you want it to also double as a cutting board, or if you plan on frequently using it to serve hot foods.

Known for being durable and highly resistant to moisture, maple has long been a smart choice for both cutting boards and charcuterie boards, and it can be a lovely addition to any table or any kitchen countertop. What makes maple so impressive is that its hardness rating is perfect for resisting scratches without dulling knives in the process, and this makes it an industry favorite for both professional chefs and home cooks alike. Additionally, maple boasts a light, uniform color with subtle grain patterns, providing a classic and timeless aesthetic that complements a variety of kitchen styles. However, maple does also have some drawbacks, and not only is it more expensive than something like bamboo, its light coloring can make it more susceptible to staining from colorful foods or liquids. Additionally, while maple is durable, it may require more frequent maintenance to keep it in top condition compared to some other woods, and this means regular oiling, cleaning, and drying to prevent warping or cracks.

Prized for its rich, dark color, walnut charcuterie boards are easily one of the most eye-catching options available, and their distinctive grain patterns make them a beautiful choice when you want to impress your guests with more than just some fancy meats and cheeses. Not only does walnut instantly add a touch of elegance and class to your table, but this premium wood also offers excellent durability and resistance to moisture, making it an ideal choice for frequent use both as a serving platter and as a cutting board. But all of that natural beauty does come at a cost, and walnut is hands-down one of the most expensive materials available which means it may not be right for more budget-conscious shoppers. Although it will last for decades when cared for correctly, the initial investment can be off-putting to some buyers, especially when there are more affordable options like bamboo or acacia available.

Similar to bamboo when it comes to both abundance and popularity, teak is another type of wood that's commonly used for crafting charcuterie boards and cutting boards, and it is also prized for its sustainability and eco-friendliness. However, where these two woods differ is that teak is much denser and heavier, giving it a clear advantage when it comes to long-term durability and resistance to wear. Packed full of natural oils, teak is inherently resistant to moisture, decay, and even most insects, so it can be comfortably used both indoors and outdoors without worry. Teak is also able to withstand frequent chopping, slicing, and dicing without showing too many scratches or abrasions, so you can easily prep your ingredients without causing damage. With that said, teak can be much more expensive than other types of wood, and not only is the price point a big consideration, but so is its weight. Heavier and more cumbersome, these charcuterie boards can be a challenge to carry, and they can also be a burden when you need to lug them in and out of storage each time you want to use them. 

Cheese Knives & Accessories

Although size, shape, and wood type are always going to be the most important factors when shopping for a charcuterie board, there are a few additional considerations you’ll also want to keep in mind that can upgrade your purchase and make it more functional and enjoyable to use. One such consideration is the inclusion of cheese knives and other accessories to complement your charcuterie board, and while not strictly necessary, having the right tools on hand can make serving and enjoying your favorite foods completely hassle-free. Many versions now feature built-in drawers and pull-outs where you can house things such as specialty cheese knives and other utensils, and they will often include a selection of items along with your purchase. While it can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, some of the potential inclusions you may find provided with your new charcuterie board could include:

On top of having a diverse set of cheese knives, you may also want to consider adding in some extra accessories to help your guests select and enjoy the foods you provide, which might include items such as:

If you do find a charcuterie board you love but it doesn’t come with any included knives or accessories, no need to panic - all of these items can be purchased separately if you want them. Depending on the board you select, you may even be able to find “matching” accessories by searching for versions crafted from the same type of wood, which can make it feel like a set and bring a sense of cohesion to your presentation.

Bottom Line

Charcuterie boards may seem like the latest trend to hit the culinary scene, but their appeal goes far beyond just being a fun, intriguing, and delicious method for displaying food. Allowing you to truly showcase each of your hand-selected ingredients in a way that invites exploration and enjoyment, charcuterie boards offer a unique and interactive dining experience that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated soirée or a laid-back gathering, a thoughtfully curated charcuterie board can serve as the centerpiece of your event, and the physical board atop which everything is placed is a core component of ensuring its success. Thankfully, there is no shortage of options when it comes to choosing the perfect charcuterie board, and so long as you take into consideration factors such as size, shape, material, and aesthetic preferences, you're bound to find the ideal board to suit your needs.