We use Walnut, Maple and Cherry for our end grain cutting boards for their hardness, beauty, and sustainability. The main difference in functionality is their hardness. Maple is harder than Cherry, which is harder than walnut. The harder the wood the longer the cutting board will last and the softer the wood the less it will dull the knife. The sap found in some trees can be toxic. Wood toxicity can take the form of irritation, sensitization, and even poisoning. None of the woods we use have toxic tree sap.