The Dubai Cutting Board - Rochester

WHO IT'S FOR:

Home cooks and culinary enthusiasts who prepare fresh meals regularly and want a cutting surface that extends the life of quality kitchen knives while maintaining a bright, clean aesthetic.

End grain construction distinguishes the Dubai Rochester from standard cutting boards. Wood fibers run vertically through the 1.25-inch thickness, creating channels that allow knife edges to pass between fibers instead of severing them. This mechanism reduces blade wear significantly, helping knives maintain their factory edge 3 times longer than boards where blades cut across horizontal wood grain.

Hard maple forms the Rochester's center section, chosen for its tight grain structure and natural resistance to bacteria. Maple's pale cream color provides a neutral backdrop that shows food debris clearly during prep, making cleanup more thorough. The dense cellular structure withstands repeated knife impacts without developing the deep grooves that trap bacteria in softer woods. Walnut end-caps frame each end in rich chocolate brown, while white oak accent blocks distributed across the surface add warm honey tones that complement both contemporary and traditional kitchen designs.

The 12 by 16 inch cutting surface accommodates large tasks like breaking down whole chickens or slicing multiple loaves of bread, while the 5-pound weight creates stability during heavy chopping without becoming difficult to move. Rubber feet on the bottom corners grip countertops to prevent sliding, and finger slots carved into each end provide secure holds when transferring the board from workspace to sink.

Each Dubai Rochester Cutting Board is built in Northern Wisconsin by Amish craftsmen who select individual boards for color consistency and grain character, then arrange the maple, walnut, and white oak pieces to create balanced patterns. Traditional joinery techniques and careful wood selection ensure each board meets structural standards that support daily kitchen use for years.

Daily Cleaning:

1. Wash with warm water and mild dish soap immediately after use
2. Scrub gently with a soft sponge to remove all food particles
3. Rinse thoroughly under running water until no soap residue remains
4. Dry completely with a clean towel, then prop vertically for 30 minutes to air dry

Regular Maintenance:

Oil your Dubai Rochester every 2 to 4 weeks with food-grade mineral oil or beeswax conditioner. Pour approximately 2 tablespoons onto the surface, spread evenly with a lint-free cloth, and let the oil absorb overnight. Wipe away excess oil in the morning. Regular conditioning prevents the maple from drying and cracking while maintaining the wood's natural moisture balance.

Maintaining Light Wood Appearance:

Hard maple's light color shows stains more readily than darker woods. Address discoloration promptly by making a paste from baking soda and water, applying it to stained areas, letting it sit for 5 minutes, then scrubbing gently with a damp cloth. For persistent stains or odors, sprinkle coarse salt across the surface and scrub with half a lemon, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

What to Avoid:

Never submerge the board in water, place it in the dishwasher, use bleach or harsh chemicals, leave it in standing water, or expose it to direct heat sources. These actions damage the wood and compromise the board's structural integrity.

Storage:

Store flat on a counter or vertically in a cabinet where air circulates freely around all sides.

With consistent care, your Dubai Rochester will serve reliably for years while maintaining its clean, professional appearance.

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.

Why choose hard maple as the center wood for a cutting board?

Hard maple ranks among the most durable North American hardwoods, with a Janka hardness rating of 1450, making it dense enough to resist deep knife marks while remaining soft enough to protect blade edges. The wood's tight, closed grain structure prevents bacteria from penetrating the surface, and its light color makes food debris visible during cleaning. Maple also absorbs impact without splintering, maintaining a smooth cutting surface even after years of daily use.

How do I prevent the maple from staining or discoloring?

Clean the board immediately after cutting acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus, or berries, as these can temporarily discolor light-colored woods. Oil the board regularly to maintain the protective finish that resists moisture absorption. For minor discoloration, create a paste from baking soda and water, apply it to the affected area, let it sit for 5 minutes, then gently scrub with a damp cloth. The maple's natural color will gradually develop a warm patina with use, which is normal and desirable.

What makes end grain construction better for knife preservation?

End grain boards orient wood fibers vertically, so knife blades slip between fibers rather than cutting through them. This reduces friction on the blade edge and allows the wood fibers to close back together after each cut, creating a self-healing surface. Edge grain boards force blades to cut across wood fibers, which dulls the edge faster and creates permanent cut marks. Testing shows end grain surfaces help knives maintain sharpness 3 times longer than edge grain alternatives, reducing the frequency of professional sharpening and extending the working life of quality kitchen knives.