Cutting Boards

What Kind of Wood Board is Best?

When it comes to wood, there are three main types of cutting boards edge grain, face grain, and end grain.

Face Grain Board

A face grain board is the simplest and quickest to make and therefore the most economical. This type of cutting board, however, will at times suffer from stability issues (warping and cracking) due to how the wood grain is oriented. Due to the grain orientation and patterns on the surface this type of board, knife cuts are the deepest and most visible. These issues are mitigated in the other two types of boards.

Summary - economical, good stain/water resistance, ok on knife edges, occasionally stability issues, scratches deepest and most visibly, regular maintenance recommended.

Edge Grain Board 

An edge-grain board is a step-up in quality and durability from a face grain board. Edge grain boards are made typically from thin strips turned on their edge and laminated together. This process changes the orientation of the grain fibers increasing the resistance to warping and cracking. A middle of the road option in all respects, it handles everything well and at an attractive price point.

Summary - moderate price point, good stability, clean straight grain pattern, good stain/water resistance, ok on knife edges, scratches moderately visibly, regular maintenance recommended.

End Grain Board

The end grain board is the king of all cutting boards, in most cases. The board is made up of blocks turned on end, exposing the hardest and most durable surface. Often this process creates visually interesting patterns as it grants the creative freedom to arrange the blocks in many different ways. End grain, due to its nature, is the easiest on knife edges and will hide knife cuts the best of any cutting board material. The one drawback to this design is the end grain is naturally more absorbent than the other faces, meaning that increased maintenance is required to ensure that the board stays looking and feeling it’s best.

Summary - high price point, best stability, unique attractive grain pattern, scratches the lightest and least visibly, easiest on knife edges, requires regular maintenance