Believe it or not there are actually 3 different types of cutting boards. The End Grain, Edge Grain and Face Grain Boards all represent different types.
Purposes: All cutting boards have the same use. TO CUT THINGS! but more or less, they all look generally the same, except for end grain cutting boards.
Appearance Difference: The Face Grain boards generally have more figure in the grain structure, as it’s representing the surface of the wood. If there would be any warping or cupping to a cutting board, which in most cases does not occur after a cutting board has been cut into strips and glued, it would be more likely in a Face grain cutting board since the grain is most likely going the same direction. Edge grain cutting boards normally have less figure to the grain and are more prone to finding knots in the wood, as it’s a representation of everything in between the top and bottom of the board. These boards would not really warp or cup because the grain is running vertically on the ends, rather than the normal horizontal in a Face Gain board. End Grain cutting boards can start off either as Face Grain or Edge grain boards. When you look at the picture above, you may think, “damn, that’s a lot of little squares to glue together…” NO, NO, and NO that’s NOT how it works. to make one of those board you must glue up a pattern in stripes, and cut it, and then re-glue it. It ends up being a lot more work than the others, as sometimes they take for ever to flatten. After completely finished, end grain boards will never warp because the wood grain is facing in many different directions. You may start off with it mixed vertically and horizontally, but then you end up turning it on end, making it 99.99% resistant to warping.
Now, you may wonder why you cannot just take a piece of wood, flatten it, and finish it and use it as a cutting board. The reasoning is because of the risk that it will warp over time. Even cutting boards of one type of wood, need to be cut into strips and glued in order to last the longest. When you cut it into strips you rearrange the grain so it’s not as “connected” making it harder to absorb water in a way that may cause it to move. Obviously the more strips you glue the lesser chances of warping, but even cutting it 3 times, and gluing it will reduce the chances of warping by at least 50%.
Now that you know about the 3 types of cutting boards, upgrade to one of our newest ones today! you can find them by going to our shop page and choosing from our current stock. Don’t like what you see? wander over to our custom order page, and request a cutting board with a pattern and size of your choice, and submit it. We will respond within 24 hours of your request. Custom orders are processed in 1-3 weeks depending on demand, wood supply, and current order count.
Don’t forget! Fathers Day is around the corner! Get Dad a new Cutting Board, some coasters, or a cribbage board! OR EVEN something custom. Keep in mind, during times of high demand custom orders may take longer, so be sure to submit yours ASAP to receive it in time for a specific date! You can also reference when you need it by in the request so we can rank orders by how fast they are needed.
Until Next time, keep cutting on that cutting board of yours… – Nick Planeta
“Oh did I hear you don’t have a cutting board? GET YOURS NOW!!!”