Hi there!
Thank you so much for reaching out to us! This cutting board is actually pictured in cherry wood. The reason it is so dark in the middle (the state) is because the wood is essentially burned. The laser engraver burns the top layer of that part of the wood away, giving it a darker look. I hope this makes sense! Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Thanks,
Jess

Also, the wood is approximately 1/2" thick!