End Grain vs. Face Grain Cutting Boards: What's the Difference?

Chef's Choice: End Grain Cutting Boards

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Cutting boards are essential tools to a modern kitchen. Heck, they've been essential tools in Medieval kitchens too. Selecting the right cutting board isn't just about aesthetics, the function of the cutting board and how well it performs throughout the years will make a real difference in your kitchen escapades.

There are two basic types of natural wood cutting boards:

Face Grain: Think of the wood as laying down, with the sides of the wood forming the cutting board

End Grain: The ends of the boards stick up to form the surface

By far the easiest cutting boards to make are end grain boards. The beauty of these boards is that they highlight the grain patterns inherent in the natural wood, creating stunning workpieces. The downside of creating natural visual art in a cutting board is that when used, the cutting action slices through the fibers of the wood, shortening the life of the board and over time significant knife marks will mar the surface. And you know those expensive knives that are essential to your culinary masterpieces? Turns out that slicing through wood fibers dulls the blade pretty quickly.

End grain cutting boards may not be as visually appealing (shorter grain patterns aren't quite as impressive), but from a function standpoint they're vastly superior. As a knife cuts on an end grain board, it typically parts the ends of the wood fibers and glides between them, marring the wood significantly less. Additionally, your expensive cutlery stays sharper for longer as your knife isn't slicing through the wood fibers, but nestling between them.

Here's a great illustration of the differences...

The left image shows an END GRAIN cutting board, and how the knife parts the wood strands, allowing them to come back together at the end of the cut. The right image shows a face grain board and how the knife slices through the wood strands.

Not only are end grain boards better for your knives, but their longevity is amazing. We've been using this cherry end grain cutting board almost daily for five years, and it still looks like this:

Whether you prefer the gorgeous long natural wood grain of an edge grain cutting board or the longevity and knife friendliness of an end grain cutting board, these are the workhorses your kitchen. Select the wood type and style that fits you best and let's get cooking!