If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have a cutting board in your kitchen. It’s one of those kitchen tools we take for granted, but did you know pull-out cutting boards were originally designed specifically for breadmaking?

Cutting boards are essential in any kitchen. They provide a clean, stable surface for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients. However, the original purpose of the pull-out cutting board wasn’t general food prep but rather breadmaking. Bakers used the large pull-out board to knead dough, shape loaves, let the bread rise on it, and then transfer it to the oven.

Today, cutting boards are used for a wide range of tasks beyond breadmaking. They are used for preparing meats, vegetables, fruits, and more, and come in various materials like plastic, bamboo, and wood. Among these, maple wood boards are often considered one of the best choices.

Maple is a hard, durable wood that can withstand frequent use and knife cuts. It is also naturally resistant to bacterial growth. Compared to plastic or bamboo boards, maple cutting boards are easier to maintain since they don’t develop deep grooves or scratches that harbor bacteria as quickly.