The Dubai Cutting Board - Cleveland

WHO IT'S FOR:

Home cooks seeking a versatile cutting board with distinctive character and traditional appeal, particularly those who appreciate prominent wood grain and rustic aesthetics combined with modern functionality.

The Cleveland utilizes end grain construction, positioning wood fibers vertically through the board's 1.25-inch thickness. This orientation fundamentally changes how knives interact with the surface. Instead of severing wood fibers, blade edges slip between the vertical channels, dramatically reducing friction and wear. The fibers naturally close after each cut, creating a self-healing surface that resists the permanent scoring common on edge grain boards. This mechanism helps kitchen knives maintain their edge 3 times longer, reducing sharpening frequency and extending blade life.

White oak forms the Cleveland's center, chosen for its prominent grain patterns and natural durability. The wood displays distinctive ray fleck figure—silvery streaks that catch light and create visual depth across the surface. White oak's cellular structure differs from red oak through the presence of tyloses, cellular growths that block the wood's pores and create natural water resistance. This characteristic made white oak the preferred wood for barrel construction and ship building throughout history. In cutting board applications, the sealed pores resist moisture penetration more effectively than open-grained woods. The warm tan color provides a neutral palette that complements various kitchen styles. Walnut end-caps anchor each end in deep chocolate tones, while red Grandis accent blocks introduce subtle reddish highlights throughout the 12 by 16 inch surface.

At 5 pounds, the board remains stable during intensive cutting tasks without requiring excessive effort to move. The 1.25-inch thickness provides durability for daily use while maintaining proportional dimensions for standard kitchen storage. Rubber feet on the bottom prevent countertop slipping, and carved finger slots enable secure two-handed lifting.

Northern Wisconsin Amish craftsmen build each Cleveland board, selecting white oak pieces for grain character and color consistency, then combining them with walnut and red Grandis to create balanced, functional designs that honor traditional woodworking standards.

Daily Cleaning:

1. Wash with warm water and mild dish soap after each use
2. Scrub with a soft sponge to remove all food particles and debris
3. Rinse under running water until completely free of soap
4. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel, then stand on edge for 30 minutes to air dry

Regular Maintenance:

Oil your Dubai Cleveland every 2 to 4 weeks using food-grade mineral oil or beeswax conditioner. Apply approximately 2 tablespoons to the surface, spread evenly with a lint-free cloth, and allow overnight penetration. Wipe away any excess in the morning. Regular oiling prevents drying, maintains the wood's natural moisture balance, and enhances the grain patterns that give white oak its distinctive character.

Caring for White Oak's Open Grain:

White oak's ray fleck and grain patterns create subtle texture across the surface. While the wood's natural tyloses seal most pores, ensure thorough oil penetration during conditioning to maintain complete moisture protection. The grain's texture provides subtle grip that helps secure food items during cutting.

Deep Cleaning:

For stubborn stains or odors, make a paste from coarse salt and lemon juice, apply to affected areas, let sit briefly, then scrub gently and rinse thoroughly. Dry completely after treatment.

What to Avoid:

Never submerge in water, use in the dishwasher, apply harsh chemical cleaners, leave in standing water, or expose to extreme heat or cold. These practices damage wood structure and compromise durability.

Storage:

Store flat on counters or vertically in cabinets with adequate air circulation.

With consistent maintenance, your Dubai Cleveland will provide reliable service for years while showcasing white oak's natural beauty.

Orders typically ship within 5 to 7 business days via USPS or UPS. Your Dubai Cutting Board is protected by our craftsmanship warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.

Normal wear from regular use, including minor surface scratches and natural color changes, is expected and not covered. For complete details on returns and warranty coverage, visit our policies page.

What makes white oak different from other cutting board woods?

White oak possesses cellular structures called tyloses that naturally seal the wood's pores, creating inherent water resistance superior to red oak and many other hardwoods. This characteristic explains white oak's historical use in barrel making and ship construction. The wood displays prominent ray fleck—silvery streaks created by medullary rays that run perpendicular to the growth rings—which catches light and adds visual interest to the surface. White oak's moderate density provides adequate hardness to resist deep knife marks while remaining gentle on blade edges. The combination of natural water resistance, distinctive grain patterns, and balanced density makes white oak an excellent cutting board material.

How do I maintain the grain patterns and natural appearance?

Regular oiling enhances white oak's grain figure by bringing out the contrast between the wood's lighter base color and darker grain lines. Apply mineral oil or beeswax conditioner every 2 to 4 weeks, allowing it to penetrate overnight. The oil settles into the grain channels, emphasizing the natural patterns while protecting against moisture. Clean the board promptly after use to prevent food particles from settling into the grain texture. Proper maintenance preserves the wood's natural character while ensuring structural integrity.

Is end grain construction more durable than edge grain?

End grain boards resist visible wear better than edge grain alternatives because knife blades slip between wood fibers rather than cutting across them. This creates a self-healing surface where fibers close after each cut, preventing the deep, permanent grooves that accumulate on edge grain boards. While both constructions can provide long service life with proper care, end grain surfaces maintain their appearance longer and protect knife edges more effectively. The 1.25-inch thickness in the Cleveland provides substantial material that withstands years of daily cutting tasks.