Teakhaus Rectangle Cutting Board

I’m an intermediate/advanced amateur cook and have been cooking since a small boy—I’m 62. I am well versed and experienced at all types of cooking, curing meats, pickling, baking artisanal breads, sous vide, pressure cooking and canning, butchering, smoking, grilling, dry aging, etc. I have $thousands in kitchen equipment and an investor in 3 local pub/restaurants. I’m a retired aerospace engineer/rocket scientist an Air Force Space Operations Officer. I’m also an amateur woodworker and can make boards, though it is some work to do it correctly. I’ve said all that to say I’m very familiar with quality equipment including kitchen equipment e.g. even cutting boards of which I have several in wood and plastic. I recently bought a house w/ a much larger kitchen and lots of counter space. The tops are granite tile so flour, etc. gets in the grout making it harder to clean. I plan to replace the large island top with a smooth solid surface but I decided to purchase a large cutting board for now (which I’ll use later as well). This will allow me to cut veggies, cooked meat, etc. but also to work dough. I’m well aware of John Boos boards and their quality…and price! I was ready to purchase a Boos board until I saw this board review on ATK as their winner. I have a great respect for their opinions and testings. I purchased the 18” x 24” x 1.5” board flat on one side and with a juice channel on the other. It arrived today. What a beautiful board. I showed my wife who does not share my appreciation for quality kitchen equipment and her response was “ That’s pretty!” More importantly, the board is very well constructed. It is perfectly flat and fairly well oiled. I did oil it as recommended, though it only took 3 coats and not very heavy—less that the 4-5 in the instructions say it might take. Mine has no cracks whatsoever. I do have two very small dents on the smooth face but it was very well packaged. I can only assume it was accidentally damaged before packaging. I could have returned it but decided not to do so as I’m sure there will be many other battle scars before I’m done with it—when I die! This is the best board I own. It is large, which is just what I wanted—a board with real estate so I have room to work. It is heavy and stays in place. I can see why ATK gave this their top rating. I am VERY pleased!