Maple is the standard among commercially made boards. But any hardwood can work. I make them with all sorts of exotic woods.
Bamboo is very hard. And some of them are drop-dead gorgeous. But bamboo boards haven't been around long enough to establish a viable track record.
In theory, oak isn't the best choice, as it tends to chip and dent. One of my everyday boards is oak. I built it about four years ago, and have had to refinish it several times in that short period. So there's something to the idea of it not being the best choice.
Whatever you choose, make sure it is either edge-grain or end-grain construction. End-grain is more expensive, and is most often used for chopping blocks rather than cutting boards.
Cheaper boards are flat grain (basically, the kind of wood you'd buy at the lumber yard), and flat grain tends to warp and twist. |