Cutting boards are not all one in the same. There's wood boards, plastic boards, glass, and many more. We only recommend using wood cutting boards, but did you know there's several types of wood cutting boards? In this article, we're going to look at the premium type of board and help answer what is an end grain cutting board.
In short, an end grain cutting board is a premium board made using the vertical ends of the wood fibers, rather than the face or edge grain for the cutting surface.
How It's Made
End grain boards are the most complex, time intensive cutting board to create. The concept is easy, but execution takes precision and superior craftsmanship to make. A woodworker starts with end pieces of wood and assembles them with glue-ups. Each board takes a lot of planning and forward thinking to achieve the final patterns you see.
One cool thing about end grain cutting boards is that it showcases the grain pattern of each piece, so even though the pattern may be the same as other boards, no two boards will have the same grain pattern. Your board will have its' own fingerprint.
How It Works
The structure of these boards is what sets it apart from other types. The wood fibers face up on these boards so as a knife makes contact, it sinks into the fibers as they slightly separate. Then as the knife is removed, the fibers spring back to their original place.
Think of it like your hand chopping vertically down into a patch of grass. The blades of grass slide out of the way and when your hand comes up they move back into place. This action causes less resistance on the knife blade while preserving the surface of your board.
Benefits of End Grain Boards
End grain cutting boards are considered the highest quality boards you can buy. Below, we'll cover why these boards are so desired.
Knife Friendly
If you value your kitchen knives, an end grain board is perfect for you. Because of the vertical orientation of the wood fibers on an end grain cutting board, it allows the knife to sink in to the wood rather than working against the grain. In turn, you keep your knives sharp.
Self Healing Boards
Have you ever seen a plastic cutting board with a bunch of deep knife marks? Same with cheaper face grain boards. The knife cuts into the wood or plastic and separates the material, leaving behind grooves. End grain boards are considered "self-healing" because the fibers temporarily separate then close after the knife passes through. It's an amazing characteristic of these boards to make them last for a long time.
Durability
Due to the characteristics already discussed, end grain cutting boards can last for decades with the proper care. Purchase one of these and you'll be able to use it in your kitchen for years and have the ability to pass it down. End grain cutting boards are by far the most durable, long lasting type of board you can get.
Aesthetics
In our opinion, end grain boards are the best looking boards. Woodworkers can get ultra-creative with patterns when using end grain wood. Think brick designs, mosaics, chaos, the list goes on. End grain cutting boards are gorgeous and will make a great statement piece in your kitchen.
Downsides of End Grain Cutting Boards
Even though these boards are highly sought after, they come with a few disadvantages.
Cost
End grain cutting boards are the most expensive type to get. Due to the complex craftsmanship, premium materials, and time commitment to make one of them, expect to pay a premium for these boards. However, to us, the purchase is worth it as this board will outlast everything else you can get.
More Upkeep
End grain boards require more upkeep to keep them looking nice. Not that this is a big deal, the board will need to be oiled more often as it sucks up more moisture than other boards.
Heavier
These cutting boards are heavier than other types. More material and thickness is needed in their design so there's a noticeable heftiness to these boards. The weight provides more stability, but will require a bit more effort on your part to move.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article helpful and now see despite the cost and upkeep, that end grain cutting boards are the best boards to have in your kitchen. Your knives will thank you and you'll have a statement piece that will last for years.
Sawdust Empire End Grain Cutting Board Collection
Now that you know the benefits of using this type of cutting board, check out our collection of end grain cutting boards. All boards are made with locally sourced hardwood here in the US, and handcrafted at our shop in Northeast Ohio. Our boards are finished with food grade mineral oil to make it last.