A Guide to Choosing the Right Cutting Board
Welcome to our Cutting Board Guide!​
When shopping for a new cutting board, it's important to consider the different types of grain patterns that are available: end grain, edge grain, and face grain. These terms refer to how the wood fibers are oriented within the board.​
Read on to learn about the different types and then explore what's available in the shop or order a custom board that is just right for you! ​
Happy chopping!
End Grain Cutting Boards
End grain cutting boards, with their distinctive checkerboard pattern, offer exceptional durability and knife-friendliness. The orientation of the wood fibers absorbs the impact of the knife, resulting in fewer visible cut marks and a longer lifespan for your blades. Their design and durability makes them suitable for heavy-duty cutting and chopping. These boards are generally more expensive than other types of boards because they require more wood and more effort and precision to make.
Here are the key features of end grain cutting boards:
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Durability: Highly durable and forgiving to knife blades. The wood fibers absorb the impact of the knife, minimizing visible cut marks and keeping the blades sharper for longer. Due to the way the wood fibers are positioned, end grain boards have a self-healing property. They tend to close up and seal the cut marks, making them less prone to bacteria growth.
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Knife-Friendliness: The way the wood fibers are positioned makes end grain boards gentle on knives. The wood fibers part as the knife blade cuts through, reducing the risk of dulling the blade.
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Thickness: Typically thicker and heavier than other types, providing a sturdy and stable cutting surface.
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Maintenance: Easy to clean by hand and benefit from regular oiling to keep the wood moisturized and protected from drying out.
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Price: Typically more expensive than edge and face grain boards due to the labor-intensive construction process and the amount of wood used.
Edge Grain Cutting Boards
An edge grain cutting board is constructed by placing long, thin strips of wood side by side, with the edge of each strip exposed on the board's surface. The result is a cutting surface with parallel lines running across the width of the board. Edge grain boards are known for their strength, stability, and practicality. They offer a good balance between durability and cost-effectiveness. Although they may not possess the same self-healing properties as end grain boards, edge grain cutting boards still provide a forgiving surface that is gentle on knives. They have a clean and classic appearance and are usually more affordable.
Here are the key features of edge grain cutting boards:
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Durability: Offer good durability and can withstand regular use. While not as resilient as end grain boards, they can still accept regular cutting without excessive wear and tear.
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Knife-Friendliness: Generally knife-friendly. They provide a stable cutting surface but may show more visible cut marks compared to end grain boards.
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Thickness: Edge grain cutting boards are generally thinner and lighter than end grain boards, making them easier to handle and store.
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Maintenance: Easy to clean by hand and benefit from regular oiling to keep the wood moisturized and protected from drying out. Periodic light sanding can reduce cut marks left by knives.
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Price: Edge grain boards are typically less expensive compared to end grain boards due to the construction method and materials used.
Face Grain Cutting Boards
Face grain cutting boards are constructed by arranging wood pieces with the wide faces of the planks facing up. They showcase the natural beauty of the wood, with the grain patterns and variations being prominently visible on the surface, creating an attractive and decorative element in your kitchen. Face grain boards are suitable for light chopping and cutting tasks. They are commonly used as serving boards or for displaying food.
Here are the key features of face grain cutting boards:​
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Durability: Face grain boards are less durable than both end grain and edge grain boards. They are more prone to showing knife marks and may wear out more quickly with heavy use.
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Knife-Friendliness: While face grain boards are acceptable for regular kitchen use, they can be harder on knife blades compared to end grain and edge grain boards. Frequent use may require more frequent blade maintenance. These boards are better suited for light cutting and for serving food.
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Thickness: Similar to edge grain boards, face grain cutting boards are usually under an inch thick.
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Maintenance: Easy to clean by hand and benefit from regular oiling to keep the wood moisturized and protected from drying out. Periodic light sanding can reduce cut marks left by knives.
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Price: Generally the least expensive of the three types of cutting boards.
