“How should you store your cutting boards? The practical way is in a cabinet with a cabinet organizer. But the intentional way is on the counter as part of your kitchen decor.”
As a busy mom, I often use my cutting board several times a day.
Whether I’m chopping vegetables for dinner or making sandwiches for my kids’ lunchboxes, I rely on my cutting board to help me get the job done quickly and safely.
However, I’ve noticed my cutting boards have become damaged and warped over time. The knives have cut into the wood, and the boards are no longer as flat and stable as they once were. The damage makes it harder to use them and raises the risk of cuts and injuries.
I’m now on the lookout for how I should store my cutting boards so that they don’t become damaged or warped over time. I want some cutting board storage ideas that will protect them from knife cuts and water damage, and keep them flat and stable.
Here are the best ways to store cutting boards to avoid getting damaged or warped.
How to Store Cutting Boards in the Kitchen
Most of us use cutting boards daily, but we may not think about how to store them properly.
I know I didn’t, and now I’m paying for it! I don’t want that happening to you. If you wish to store cutting boards in a small kitchen or if you don’t know how to store big cutting boards, I’ve got you covered.
Two Methods to Store Cutting Boards
Depending on your needs, there are two primary methods you can store cutting boards: with a cutting board organizer or a cutting board stand.
1. Cutting Board Organizer
A cutting board organizer is a great way to store multiple cutting boards in a small kitchen.
These organizers can hang on a pantry door, rest on your counter or in a cupboard or cabinet. 
2. Cutting Board Stand
With a cutting board stand, you highlight your best or most used cutting board. This is the best way if you want to know how to store wood cutting boards, since they need to be stored upright to dry.
The Senior Beauty Editor of Well+Good, Zoe Weiner, has a hack for storing cutting boards. She says to use your wood or marble cutting board as kitchen decor because, “It functions as a sort of tray to hold everything in its place, and makes the styling of your random salt and pepper shakers and kitchen utensils look slightly more intentional.”
This decor method is perfect for storing big cutting boards, since storing them in a cabinet or with other cutting boards can be awkward.
How to Store Cutting Boards on the Counter
While you can do what Zoe is doing and make your cutting board the center of attention, if that’s not feasible – a mom here with kids who like to touch pretty things – cutting board racks are the more practical approach to storing cutting boards.
Here are four things to note when finding a cutting board rack.
1. If you have multiple cutting boards, look for a rack with different levels or compartments to store them all in one place.
2. Measure the space on your counter where you plan to put the cutting board rack so you know it will fit.
3. Some cutting board racks come with additional features like a knife block or lid holder – these can be helpful if you want to keep everything in one place.
4. Be sure to clean the rack regularly so it doesn’t become a breeding ground for bacteria.
How to Store Cutting Boards Out of Sight – Clever Ways
Let’s face it –
Cutting boards are not the most attractive kitchen tools. They’re often stained and battered from years of use, and they can be a bit of an eyesore when left out on the countertop. Luckily, there are a few clever ways to store cutting boards out of sight.
1. Pull Out Drawer
If you have a drawer next to your stove, this is the perfect place to store cutting boards so you’re not running all over the kitchen when cooking.
Install a pull-out drawer with dividers so you can quickly grab the cutting board you need without searching through a pile of them.
2. Cupboard or Cabinet Cutting Board Organizer
Install a cutting board organizer if you have a cabinet that’s deep enough and if you don’t want to use a pull-out drawer.
This is my preferred method because my cutting boards are out of the way but still within easy reach.
3. S-Hooks or Cup Hooks
If you’re on a budget, a clever way to store cutting boards out of site is to use S-hooks or cup hooks.
These go under the cabinet, creating slots or hooks for hanging cutting boards. This is an excellent option if you have limited counter space, or want to keep your cutting boards out of the way when they’re not in use.
The only downfall is if you have a lot of cutting boards, this cutting board storage idea isn’t the best, since you have to search for all the hooks to find the cutting board you want.
4. Microwave Cart
A sneaky way to store cutting boards is to put them on a microwave cart or other rolling cart that you can keep in a pantry or other out-of-the-way place.
No one will know it’s a moveable cart with a cutting board on top!
5. Over the Oven Cutting Board
This is a clever option if you have a small kitchen or limited counter space.
Why not get an over-the-oven cutting board that you can store without taking up valuable counter space?
Remember to remove the cutting board if you are using the burner under it!
The Best Way to Store Cutting Boards
The Director of Good Housekeeping’s Kitchen Appliances & Culinary Innovation Lab, Nicole Papantoniou, says, “The most accessible things should be the things you use most often.”
Make sure to follow Papantoniou’s suggestion on cutting board storage.
Cutting board organizers should allow safe storage to prevent any damage. This means:
- Cutting boards stay dry
- Place in a cool, dry place
- If you’re stacking them, be sure to alternate the direction of the grain to prevent warping
- Use rubber or silicone mats between stacked cutting boards to prevent them from slipping
By following these simple storage tips, you can be sure that your cutting boards will stay in good condition for years to come.
