When it comes to Aussie kitchens, there’s one hero that often gets overlooked—the chopping board. Whether you’re cooking up a lazy Sunday brekkie, prepping a family BBQ, or carving the Christmas roast, your chopping board plays a bigger role than you might think.
But here’s the question most home chefs ask: what’s the right size chopping board for me? Should you go big and bold? Stick with a medium, all-rounder size? Or keep a few smaller boards handy for quick jobs? Let’s break it down so you can choose the perfect fit for your kitchen and lifestyle.
Why Size Matters in a Chopping Board
Think of chopping boards like tools in the shed—each has a purpose. A small board might be perfect for slicing up a lemon for your G&T, but try carving a roast leg of lamb on it and you’ll be chasing juices all over the benchtop.
Here’s why size really matters:
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Cooking space:
A bigger board gives you more room to chop, dice, and prep without food falling off the sides. -
Food safety:
Different boards let you keep meats, veggies, and breads separate (no cross-contamination). -
Versatility:
The right size can double as a serving platter for cheeses, antipasto, or BBQ meats. -
Storage:
Not every kitchen has the same space, so picking the right size keeps your board practical, not just pretty.
The Average Chopping Board Size in Aussie Homes
Most Aussie households own at least two to three boards in different sizes.
Here’s the common breakdown:
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Small boards (20–30 cm):
Handy for quick jobs like fruit, herbs, or slicing up cheese. -
Medium boards (30–40 cm):
The everyday hero. Perfect for meal prep, veggies, light chopping and even buttering your toast. -
Large boards (40–55 cm):
Best for roasts, BBQ meats, and entertaining. The extra space makes carving clean and safe. Also ideal for meal prep if you have lots of ingredients.
If you’re a family that loves hosting, entertaining, and throwing BBQs, chances are a large board will quickly become your favourite.
How Thick Should a Chopping Board Be?
It’s not just about length and width—thickness counts too. A thicker board means stability and strength, while thinner boards are easier to move and wash.
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Thin boards (1.5–2 cm):
Great for quick tasks, lightweight, and easy to store. -
Standard thickness (2–3 cm):
The all-rounder, stable enough for daily chopping. -
Thick/heavy boards (4–8 cm):
Built for serious home cooks and entertainers. Perfect for big meal preps, carving roasts, standing strong on your bench, and doubling as a serving piece.
Our Wild Wood Avoca End Grain Board, for example, comes in a hefty thickness—designed for families who love roasts, BBQs, and meals that bring everyone together.
Matching Board Size to Cooking Style
Every family has a rhythm in the kitchen. Here’s how to match your chopping board to your lifestyle:
-
Busy weekday cook:
Stick with a medium board for quick preps, plus one small board for fruit or snacks. -
Weekend entertainer:
A large, thick board is a must. Think BBQ meats, seafood platters, or grazing spreads. -
Family of four or more:
You’ll want at least two medium boards (for veggies and meats) plus one large board for those big meals. -
Aussie BBQ lover:
Go extra-large. You’ll thank yourself when carving brisket, lamb, or a whole chicken.
Why Bigger Boards Are Perfect for Aussie BBQs and Roasts
There’s something special about an Aussie BBQ—snags sizzling, lamb roasting, mates gathered around. And nothing kills the vibe faster than trying to carve meat on a board that’s too small.
Here’s why large chopping boards are a BBQ essential:
- They give you space to carve safely without juices running everywhere.
- They can hold whole roasts or large cuts of meat—no balancing acts.
- They look incredible as serving boards. Imagine carrying out a tray of steak, chargrilled veggies, or a rack of ribs on a beautiful slab of Acacia wood.
Family Tip: Use Boards Beyond the Kitchen
A board isn’t just a tool—it’s part of the meal experience. Many families use their large boards for:
- Serving cheese and wine nights.
- Laying out antipasto platters for guests.
- Presenting a Sunday roast in the middle of the table.
That’s why boards like our Mudgee Carving Board and Barossa Serving Board are favourites—they’re as much about style as they are about function.
What Wood Type Works Best?
Of course, size is only half the story. The type of wood matters too.
At Wild Wood, all our boards are crafted from premium Acacia Heartwood—the rich, durable centre of the tree that’s stronger, more stable, and naturally beautiful. Acacia heartwood is:
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Durable:
Built to last for years, even with daily use. -
Knife-friendly:
Won’t dull your blades like glass or plastic. -
Sustainable:
Responsibly harvested with care for the environment. -
Stunning:
Each board shows off unique, natural grain patterns.
How Many Boards Do You Really Need?
The truth? At least three. Here’s the golden setup:
- One small - Quick jobs, snacks, or drinks prep.
- One medium – Your daily chopping board for veggies and meats.
- One large – Entertaining, roasts, and BBQs.
If you love cooking and entertaining, you’ll probably end up with more—especially when you discover how handy it is to separate meat, veggies, and bread boards.
Quick Comparison: Small vs Medium vs Large
| Board Size | EndBest For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Fruit, snacks, quick jobs | Easy to wash, store, lightweight | Too small for serious cooking |
| Medium | Daily cooking, veggies, meats | Versatile, fits most meals | Can feel cramped for big cuts |
| Large | Roasts, BBQs, entertaining | Stable, beautiful, doubles as serving board | Heavier, takes more storage space |
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Board
At the end of the day, the best chopping board is the one that suits your cooking style and family life.
- Love BBQs and roasts? Go large and thick.
- Cooking quick weekday meals? A medium all-rounder will be your best mate.
- Hosting cheese nights or serving up platters? Add a large serving board to your collection.
Your chopping board is more than just a surface—it’s part of your kitchen’s story. And when it’s made from premium Acacia Heartwood, it’s built to last through countless family meals, BBQs, and celebrations.
So, whether it’s a big brekkie or a backyard BBQ feast, choosing the right board means you’re always ready to cook, carve, and serve with ease.

