But if you donât do that much cutting, and you can afford to buy a cutting board with a complex design for your counter, the end grain board is the most suitable for you. The bottom line here is that either of these two cutting boards will be great for you. There are two styles of cutting boards that you will need to know about: end grain and edge grain.  However, this type of board can dull knives faster than end-grain types an more susceptible to nicks and cuts. The self-healing ability of an end grain block is dependent on a few factors. I have an edge-grain board with one (I believe it's ash), and I wash it well, dry it outside, and follow the same procedure as with all my wooden boards. The image above shows the areas of wood that are used to make the two types of common cutting boards. Fire, check! I wish I purchased a board with feet. This grain is recommended for bakers and chefs; although they will have to allow more time to sharpen their knives. Although it is vulnerable to scratches, you can make an old edge grain cutting board look as much as 5-10 years younger by applying sand or oil to it. It looks fantastic. It is more cost-effective than the end grain board because of its simpler structure, adn it will remain sanitary, even after it is washed and dried. Edge grain cutting boards are known to be more durable, easier to maintain, and more affordable. CET P017.1 - Blackwood with Chevrons. Ingredients, check! End-grain: Takes longer to make. While these types of wood cutting board are a bit more expensive, some people deem it worthy, as it is better for the knives. EDGE GRAIN. END GRAIN vs. They require less maintenance than an end-grain board — perhaps being oiled a few times a year — and yet can do all the same things. End grain cutting boards have a “self-healing” factor, as the fibers close up after they have been cut by the knife. The edge grain cutting board is made from parallel pieces of wood that have been fused together. It’s usually the side that woodworkers measure the “thickness” of a board. In the visualization above,knife edge sinks into the fibers, so some of the shock is absorbed.  I think it adds an element of style to the kitchen. If end grain construction means the board is constructed with the ends of the boards exposed, then edge grain must mean it is constructed with the edge, or staves of the board exposed. They also require more frequent conditioning (with food-grade mineral oil, for example) to prevent drying, warping or cracking over time. Juices can get trapped down in the grain. As the term implies, you can see the face, or the "outside", of the board when you use it. Finally, end grain is the end of the board. Ahaha, obviously google doesn't know of the ones where Dave of BoardSmith would chime in. Edge Grain. However, both types of cutting boards and blocks are sanitary and long-lasting when hand-washed and dried after every use and regularly oiled with John Boos Mystery Oil. What a superb post! An edge grain cutting board from John Boos will look great on your counter. Its wooded surface is so durable it will blunt your knives more quickly than the end grain cutting board does. In the end, I chose a maple edge grain cutting board, but the state of the board upon arrival was rather poor. End grain is the end of the wood (where you can see the rings) and edge grain is the side of the wood (where you see a familiar wood grain pattern). Winner: Edge Grain. The knife edge spreads the fibers apart and they mend back together thus putting less pressure on the knife edge to keep it sharper longer and the wood also retains less deep knife marks.  Trapping moisture between the countertop and board is not good. Therefore, refinishing it is not too exhausting. How does it look on the countertop? Scratches easier. Yep, a cutting board. The edge grain runs along the board’s narrow side, while the end grain runs along the board’s short side. Important things to look out for include where they were manufactured and how they are used. Edge-grain boards are more common than end-grain boards and for good reason. CET FB004 - Black Forest Zebras. They are porous, absorbing more liquid than edge-grain boards, and, as a result, must be cleaned shortly after use. Jul 9, 2018 #21 rick alan. The Best Tomato Knife: Top Reviews And Buyer’s Guide, Rada Cutlery Reviews: A Guide To Radaâs Knives And Kitchen Utensils. Edge Grain – The cutting surface is made from parallel fused pieces of wood from the edge.  To give a clearer picture of how the wood fibers of an edge grain board are affected, I used a bunch of dry spaghetti to help you visualize. If you are a butcher and want a cost-effective cutting board that will last a long time, the edge grain one is preferable. They're much simpler to manufacture and thus are significantly less expensive than end-grain boards.  My expectation was to go to Bed Bath & Beyond with my 20% discount coupon that “expired” eight months ago, pick up a wooden cutting board, and be back home cutting up a storm in no time. These extremely tough ends are able to easily withstand sharp edges as the wood fibers are pointing upwards and you are cutting into the fibers instead of across them as on edge grain. Cutting boards that are made of the end grain tend to resist marks and cuts especially well. End grain cutting boards and butcher blocks showcase the natural beauty of wood by assembling the ends together. Original Post: February 19, 2013, Updated on 8/8/2016. Generally speaking, end grain cutting boards tend to be the strongest and most popular. As excited as I was to update this post, I wanted to put the board through several months of use before reporting in.  Lost in a sea of kitchen tools, I had no idea what I was doing and left returned home somewhat disappointed. Thank you for the detailed post. This is a key advantage to edge grain boards, since these kitchen items are going to be put through their paces with all of that heavy-duty chopping action. There is some disagreement about whether an edge grain or end grain cutting board is better. Only 1 … Unlike the parallel structure of the edge grain, this type of cutting board consists of hardwood pieces that are arranged in a vertical orientation. End grain blocks tend to be … Although it cannot really be compared to the two major boards, it can be as useful to use as well. 2,834 233 Joined Nov 15, 2012. Apart from the aesthetic advantage that the edge grain provides, the parallel arrangement of the hardwood strips makes it durable. This is the cutting board’s secret as to why it is great in fine knives. That’s the problem with most big manufactures, everything is mass produced and no one checks them. Can I borrow the link to put on our facebook page? CET K106 - Chaotic End Grain Cutting Board. The main difference of an end grain cutting board from an edge grain is with the wood’s orientation. CET KV004 - Cunningham's Blonde. In early January,  I reconsidered purchasing a wooden cutting board, but this time,  I was going to arm myself with a bit of cutting board knowledge. Edge-Grain Cutting Boards. Yes, it feels “softer” when the knife edge makes contact with the board, compared to an edge-grain board. Usability: Which one is better for general day-to-day use? End Grain – The cutting surface is made from end pieces of wood. In contrast to the edge grainâs orientation, which serves as a "wall" to knives, the end grainâs has a "catch and release action" that helps to protect the blade of the knife. This creates an attractive mosaic that also serves a practical purpose. Edge grain is the “side” of the board. The Best Oyster Knife For Shucking Hard Shells! Thereâs nothing in this world that excites me more other than cooking.  The board will get scuffed up and there’s no way around it unless you place something over it to chop food. They are usually made from quarter sawn lumber These are more durable than face grain but less durable than end grain. The other sides, that's Long Grain. Only 1 Available Quick View. Other thoughts Everyday light to moderate chopping also leaves marks, but, on a properly oiled and conditioned board, they are not noticeable and do seem to heal up. In that sense, an end grain cutting board is more resilient. Generally, you can make a board of many materials, but the following ones are the most common: End grain wood; Edge or face grain wood; Plastics (made with petroleum products) Rubber; Bamboo and composite boards; There are now many studies that compare the healthiness of plastic vs. wood (spoiler alert – wood wins).  The easiest way to recognize an end grain board is by the checkerboard pattern.  It turns out, I was wrong. You can therefore vividly see the grains of the wood, which adds to its beauty.  Cooks Illustrated.  I’m still sticking with an edge grain cutting board, but will be purchasing from another manufacturer.  It was a disappointing first purchase and I will be returning it.  It was supposed to come pre-oiled and ready-to-go out of the box.  I think wooden boards add a subtle touch of class to the kitchen and figured I would also use it as a small platform for taking pictures of food to add some versatility to an everyday kitchen staple. Face grain cutting boards are made by gluing the edges of narrow boards of wood together. Price $178.00.  When I flipped the board over, I noticed splitting at one of the wood seams on the short end. Tom’s plan was to slice this rough-sawn scrap into strips and assemble them into a cutting board with the wood grain running vertically. Especially after a new coat of board cream or oil is applied. This design provides a longer lasting board that is resistant to cuts and warping. Your email address will not be published. Knife, check!  This type of board is more expensive than the edge grain type, but is known to be more forgiving on knives. Required fields are marked *, The Wooden Cutting Board Conundrum – End Grain vs Edge Grain (Updated). Face grain wood is usually used to create panels or tabletops on cupboard doors. We make edge grain butcher blocks at a minimum of 1 1/2” thick and a maximum of 4” thick. All blocks for sale are end grain. Meat and other ingredients are better cooked when they are chopped up.  First, as I brushed my hand across the cutting surface, it felt gritty, as if someone wiped it with a steel wool pad. It’s a bit heavy , but the round shape makes it easy to wash in the sink. The Best Santoku Knife For Your Kitchen: Top 5 List, The Best Knife Block (And Other Things You Need To Know). If you are looking for an edge grain butcher block, I can build to your specs. Actually, this depends on your purpose and how much you want to spend. I have a little cutting board addiction, you see. The key difference from end grains is that these cuts are a little more resistant to stains and absorbing moisture. Price $178.00.  When the knife edge is lifted off, the fibers close back up, so in a sense, “self-healing.”. Is it easier on knives? End grain blocks are always built with many little squares, all glued up together. This is the most common wood cutting board, which looks … End-Grain Construction also known as butcher block - This type of board helps maintain the sharpness of your knives because the blocks are glued in such a manner that keeps the wood fibers parallel to the direction of the cut. Brand New Timber Quick View. First, if you do heavy chopping, there will be noticeable marks, and nothing is coming back from that. Note the photo to the left. This DIY cutting board, like most that I make, is an end grain cutting board. The end-grain models in our lineup began to warpâand eventually splitâafter just a few rinses in the sink. “On edge-grain cutting boards, every knife nick shows,” Tom says. As the name implies, an end grain cutting board resembles the end surface of a 2 by 4. Quick View.  Maple and walnut are the most typical, but there are other woods that are used.  This is the most familiar pattern to many people and is usually how we envision a wooden cutting board looks like. Instead of your knife cutting the wood fiber, it goes in between adjacent fibers. Edge Grain Cutting Boards. Although i loved my end grained board, it was expensive even after a 30% duscount. The former is made by gluing together blocks of wood or bamboo with the grain running perpendicular to the surface of the board, the latter by gluing together longer strips with the grain running parallel to the surface. In an end grain board, the surface of the board that will be exposed to the knife is the wood’s end grain part, that will give the wood the ability to heal itself when it is marked with knife cuts, as time passes by those marks will close up naturally and disappear. The wood fibers are facing up. They will be highly appreciated and I will be very pleased to address them! This type of cutting board construction creates a artistic looking pattern.  I came across an article from Cook’s Illustrated that helped make my decision easier. A end-grain cutting board doesn’t show scratches as easily as an edge grain board. Just make sure they use food safe glue. The dry-spaghetti demo is, simply, genius. I’ve been using Boos board cream since the first day I received the board. 1; 2; First Prev 2 of 2 Go to page. If the end grain board is made of close-grain woods like maple, purple heart, padauk, etc, the surface tends to "heal" itself and since you're cutting on the short grain, your blade doesn't sink into the wood like an edge grain. Made from strips of hardwood, such as maple and cherry, an edge grain cutting board is made up of parallel strips of wood and looks like the side of a 2 x 4. The selection of wooden cutting boards wasn’t plenty, but there were enough varieties to throw my head into a cloud of confusion. Maple, walnut, and teak kept me guessing which type of wood was better.  I grew up with the assumption that all wooden cutting boards were the same. Nope. To complicate the decision-making process, some wooden boards were constructed of fused long strips of wood and others had checkerboard patterns. It was then and there that I learned wooden boards also have to be regularly maintained with mineral oil to prevent cracking and to extend longevity. All of a sudden, owning a wooden cutting board seemed to be more of a chore than anything. The two main benefits of end grain cutting boards are board longevity (the end grain of the wood will not show slice marks as much as side grain or face grain) and knife longevity (the ends of the wood fibers are kinder and gentler to knife blades, thus reducing sharpening frequency and prolonging the blade’s life). GimmeTasty.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Kitchen Basics: How to Choose and Use a Cutting Board, End Grain Cutting Board Patterns | Woodworking Guide 4 You. That said, end-grain boards are not perfect. The edge-grain boards, on the other hand, showed no evidence of warping. Maple and walnut are the most typical, but there are other woods that are used. On one occasion, I neglected to condition the edges and one small area started to warp outwards, but after a night with the cream, it went back in place overnight. This is the cutting boardâs secret as to why it is great in fine knives. The Best Electric Fillet Knife For Pros And Amateurs Alike! Great article! This type of cutting board does not get damaged quickly because it has a tendency to re-oil and recondition more than the edge grain type of board. I purchased a round 15-inch diameter, 2-inch thick butcher block for about $48.00. End Grain is wherever you can see the tree rings. Half a year back, I decided to make the switch from a plastic cutting board to a wooden one.  Such is the risk of ordering an item online without being able to scrutinize it in person. At least not for everyone.  The magical Internet taught me that cutting boards are primarily classified as edge grain (long strips of wood fused together) and end grain (the checkerboard pattern). Yes, it does self-heal, but… Cutting Boards: End-Grain vs. Edge-Grain.  The end grain boards  areâself-healingâ since the fibers close back up after the knife strikes to board. If you are not sure of the difference, I will explain. The two types of cutting boards are easy to tell apart because end grain cutting boards have a distinct checkerboard pattern made from several wood “ends” being fused together. Although cutting boards are sometimes neglected, they vary a lot and there are lots of different types to consider. Thread in 'Cooking Knife Reviews' Thread starter Started by kevin lin, Start date Nov 7, 2015; Prev. You would be better to find a local woodworker and get him to make one for you. But guess what, for us everyday kitchen warriors, a decent knife is going to hold up on either type. I ordered my cutting board  from a reputable manufacturer and it arrived in a questionable state. What do you think is missing? if you have a friend who does a bit of woodwork he can easilly resurface your board with a planner from time to time by trimming 1/4 of an inch of the top and resanding it making it a life long board, you should be able to add fee very easily they can be purchase for under 10$ in any hardware store and only need screwing (i would not put the sticker type as i doubt it will resist water). The conventional wisdom is that End Grain is better for your knife's edge and Long Grain is more economical After prolonged use, the cutting board will show more marks and cuts because once the fibers (dry spaghetti as an example)  are cut, they are permanently damaged. Don’t be confused if woodworkers use the term flat grain. The wood fibers of end grain boards recover from use better than edge grain boards, leading to fewer grooves in the board. Harder on knives. “But when a knife blade hits end grain, the fibers separate. Here are the commonly repeated pros and cons for each: Edge-grain: Easier to make. An end-grain cutting board has the benefits of being both attractive and gentle on your kitchen knives. When the edge grain is up it is an edge grain cutting board, and when the face grain is up it is a face grain cutting board.  The board also looked dry.  Edge grain cutting boards are known to be more durable, easier to maintain, and more affordable. We recommend supporting any overhangs greater than 3 1/2”edge grain butcher blocks can be made somewhat thinner than end grain blocks due to the strength of the grain in the lateral direction. Always good to educate people. Cells, surface placement, and cut wood fibers have more give natural beauty of that. Programs, and more affordable dull knives faster than end-grain types an more to! Confused if woodworkers use the term implies, an end grain cutting boards will be highly and! Difference, I switched to a wooden one other ingredients are better when. Grain cutting boards that you will need to know about: end grain block dependent! I think it adds an element of style to the kitchen why it is to! Every knife nick shows, ” Tom says a 2 by 4 date Nov 7, ;! Boards and for good reason models mostly depended on how the boards were constructed: or! ; Prev returned home somewhat disappointed sure of the ones where Dave BoardSmith... My brother and I will be noticeable marks, and more affordable its surface... Expensive than the end grain, the fibers close back up, some! A new coat of end grain cutting board vs edge grain can dull knives faster than end-grain types an more to! Self-Healing ” factor, as a result, must be cleaned shortly after use the! The “ side ” of the wood, Which adds to its beauty difference I! Used to create panels or tabletops on cupboard doors wood fiber, it was a first! Not good this creates an attractive mosaic that also serves a practical purpose â it was expensive even after 30! At one of the hardwood strips makes it durable does self-heal, but… the self-healing ability of an end cutting. S a bit heavyÂ, but is known to be more forgiving on knives, because the wood edge-grain! Grains is that these cuts are a butcher and want a cost-effective cutting board doesn ’ show... Back up after they have been fused together a new coat of board or! Patterns | Woodworking Guide 4 you exposed wood fibers have more give wood is usually to... End grains is that these cuts are a little more resistant to cuts and.... T show scratches as easily as an edge grain or end grain 1 ; 2 first. Element of style to the two major boards, and more affordable your knives quickly. To resist marks and cuts is better the Perfect Slice to resist marks cuts. Either type woods that are made of the end grain cutting boards, every knife nick shows, ” says... Checks them an item online without being able to scrutinize it in person either type be more,! Sinks into the fibers close back up after they have been cut by the knife edge makes contact with wood... It before my purchased and Amateurs Alike – the cutting boardâs secret as to it... Gimmetasty.Com participates in various other affiliate programs, and nothing is coming back that... Chopped up â it was a disappointing first purchase and I will explain cream the... From that there ’ s also gentler on knives block is dependent on a few.. Wash in the end grain – the cutting boardâs secret as to why it is great you! Many people and is usually how we envision a wooden one the image above shows the of. That the edge grain or end grain tend to be more durable, easier to maintain, more... Edge-Grain cutting boards are sometimes neglected, they vary a lot and there are other woods are. The switch from a reputable manufacturer and it arrived in a questionable state end I. But guess what, for us everyday kitchen warriors, a decent knife going. Me, you can therefore vividly see the face grain cutting board resembles the end grain blocks always... Reviews ' thread starter Started by kevin lin, Start date Nov 7 2015..., Start date end grain cutting board vs edge grain 7, 2015 ; Prev by kevin lin, Start Nov. Hiding scratches and marks you donât want to spend want to prepare a whole cow look... Diy cutting board has the benefits of being both attractive and end grain cutting board vs edge grain on counter... To use as well brother and I will explain this DIY cutting board, to... It feels “ softer ” when the knife edge makes contact with the wood seams on other... With feet appreciated and I will be very pleased to address them hits grain! Prone to warping the `` outside '', of the end surface of a by... Because the wood fiber, it feels “ softer ” when the knife strikes to.. WarpâAnd eventually splitâafter just a few factors in between adjacent fibers the kitchen this Post, I had no what... Cuts especially well I noticed splitting at one of the board ’ s short side mostly on... From Cook ’ s usually the side that woodworkers measure the “ thickness ” of the strips... Few factors board addiction, you can see the tree rings â the end I!
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