John Boos has made butcher blocks in Effingham, Illinois since the 1880s. The store sells cutting boards, carving boards, butcher block countertops, kitchen islands, work tables and the Boos Block care products that keep the wood healthy.
A John Boos board lasts decades if you pick the right wood, grain and size, and then oil it. Most disappointments come from buying a board that is too thin, too big for the sink, or never conditioned.
Maple, walnut or cherry
Northern hard rock maple is the classic John Boos wood. It is dense, light in color and forgiving on knife edges. It is the default for most kitchens.
American black walnut is darker and shows fewer stains. Cherry sits between the two and darkens with age. Both usually cost more than maple at John Boos.
Pick walnut or cherry for looks on an open counter. Pick maple if you want the workhorse. All three are proper hardwoods suited to knife work.
Edge grain vs end grain
Edge grain boards show long strips of wood on the surface. They are lighter, cheaper and easier to move around. The John Boos Chop-N-Slice and many reversible boards are edge grain.
End grain boards show the ends of the wood fibres, like a checkerboard. Knife edges slip between fibres, which is kinder to blades and hides cut marks. John Boos end grain blocks are thicker and heavier.
If you cook daily and care about knives, end grain is worth the premium. If you want a board you can lift into the sink, edge grain is easier.
Size and thickness
Measure your counter and sink before choosing a John Boos board. A big board is lovely until it will not fit in the sink for washing. Note the listed weight, too.
Thicker boards resist warping better. Boos offers boards from slim everyday sizes up to deep chopping blocks. The thicker options sit steadily without a mat.
Carving boards with juice grooves suit roasts and brisket. A flat reversible board is more versatile for vegetables. Many cooks end up owning one of each from John Boos.
Countertops, islands and tables
Beyond boards, John Boos sells butcher block countertops, kitchen carts, islands and stainless work tables. These are large, heavy items with their own delivery arrangements. Check the shipping method and lead time on each listing.
Butcher block countertops come in set sizes and finishes. Decide whether you want an oil finish for cutting on or a sealed varnique-style finish for a counter you will not cut on. The product page explains which finish each John Boos top has.
Measure twice and plan for installation. Freight delivery may need someone home to receive it. Confirm the current return terms for large items before you order.
Caring for a John Boos block
Boos sells Mystery Oil and Board Cream for conditioning. Oil a new board regularly at first, then when it looks dry. This keeps the wood from cracking.
Never put a John Boos board in the dishwasher or leave it soaking. Wash it by hand, rinse and stand it on its edge to dry. Standing water is the fastest way to warp one.
Light scratches can be sanded and re-oiled. That is part of why a Boos block lasts so long. Keep a bottle of oil with the board.
Boards for specific jobs
John Boos makes boards shaped for particular tasks, not just general chopping. Carving boards with deep juice wells hold roasts steady, and some have a pyramid grip in the middle. Pastry boards are wide and flat for rolling dough.
Think about what you cook most before picking a John Boos model. A cook who breaks down whole chickens needs a thicker block with room to work. Someone who mostly slices bread and cheese can pick a smaller serving board.
Where the John Boos savings are
BF30 is the biggest John Boos code here and is named for Black Friday. Try it first on a large board, an end grain block or an island. If it is no longer live, move down the list.
WELCOME10 suits a first order of a board and a bottle of Mystery Oil. Its name suggests it is aimed at new customers, so check at checkout.
FREESHIP matters most on heavy items. A thick John Boos block costs real money to ship, and free shipping can beat 10% off on a small but heavy order. Compare the totals.
On a big purchase, the percentage code wins. On a lower-priced board, shipping may be the larger cost, so test both codes at checkout.
Common questions
Which John Boos wood is best?
Maple is the durable all-rounder. Walnut and cherry cost more and are chosen mostly for looks.
Is end grain worth it?
For daily cooking and good knives, usually yes. Edge grain is lighter and cheaper.
How often should I oil a John Boos board?
Often at first, then whenever the wood looks dry. Boos Mystery Oil is made for it.
Can a Boos board go in the dishwasher?
No. Hand wash and dry it on its edge.
| Discount | Type | Get the deal |
|---|---|---|
| 10% off | Promo code | View at John Boos → |
| Free shipping | Promo code | View at John Boos → |
| 20% off | Promo code | View at John Boos → |
| 15% off | Promo code | View at John Boos → |
