Cutting Board Construction
Understanding how cutting boards are constructed helps you choose the right board for your needs. There are three main types of cutting board construction, each with its own characteristics.
Edge Grain
Edge grain boards are made by gluing boards together on their long edges, with the face of the wood showing on the cutting surface. These are the most common type of cutting board. They are durable, affordable, and easy to make. The long grain surface is harder and more resistant to knife marks than end grain boards.
Pros: Durable, affordable, easy to clean, shows beautiful grain patterns.
Cons: More susceptible to knife marks than end grain over time.
End Grain
End grain boards are made by cutting boards into smaller pieces and gluing them together so the end of the wood grain faces up. This creates the checkerboard pattern you often see on butcher blocks. The end grain is self-healing — knife cuts open the wood fibers and they close back up when the board is oiled.
Pros: Self-healing surface, gentle on knife edges, classic butcher block look.
Cons: More expensive and time-consuming to make, requires more maintenance.
Face Grain
Face grain boards show the wide face of the wood plank on the cutting surface. These boards display the most dramatic and beautiful grain patterns, including figure, curl, and burl. They are best used as serving boards rather than heavy-duty cutting boards.
Pros: Most beautiful grain patterns, excellent for serving and display.
Cons: More prone to warping, not ideal for heavy cutting use.