When it comes to wooden cutting boards, you may have heard the terms edge grain and end grain tossed around — but what do they actually mean?
If you’re investing in a handmade cutting board, understanding the difference can help you choose one that matches your kitchen habits, budget, and aesthetics.
In this post, we’ll break it all down in plain language so you can choose the board that’s just right for you.
What’s the Grain in a Cutting Board?
Wood is a natural material made up of fibers. When a tree is milled into lumber, those fibers run along the length of the board. The “grain” refers to the direction and surface of these fibers.
Depending on how a cutting board is constructed, the grain you cut on will change — and that affects everything from durability to knife-friendliness.
There are two main styles of construction:
- Edge Grain
- End Grain
Edge-Grain Cutting Boards
How It’s Made:
Edge-grain boards are made by gluing together long strips of wood with the side (edge) grain facing up — the same surface you see when looking at the side of a plank.
Features:
- Clean, streamlined look
- Lighter in weight
- Affordable option
- Great for everyday chopping
- Can show knife marks over time (but easier to resurface)
Best For:
- Home cooks who want a beautiful, functional board
- Those who prefer a lighter board that’s easier to handle
- Moderate chopping and slicing (especially vegetables and fruits)
Bonus:
Edge-grain boards are less expensive because they’re simpler to make. They’re a great balance between beauty and practicality.
End-Grain Cutting Boards
How It’s Made:
End-grain boards are constructed by gluing blocks of wood together with the end fibers facing up — so you’re actually cutting into the tops of the wood fibers.
This gives the board its iconic “checkerboard” pattern.
Features:
- Self-healing surface – fibers separate and close back up after the knife passes
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Gentler on your knives
- Artistic, high-end appearance
- Heavier, more expensive, and slightly harder to clean (due to open grain structure)
Best For:
- Your Youtube channel
- Passionate home cooks, chefs, or those who prep food daily
- Anyone looking for a cutting board that can take years of heavy use
- Gift-givers who want a luxury piece
Knife Friendliness – Why End Grain Wins
Here’s the technical part — but stick with us:
When you cut on an edge-grain board, your knife slices across the wood fibers, which can dull the blade over time. On an end-grain board, the fibers are standing upright, so the knife goes between them, like pushing into a brush. This helps keep knives sharper and reduces visible marks.
Maintenance & Durability
| Feature | Edge Grain | End Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Knife-Friendly | Good | Excellent |
| Durability | High | Very High |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Appearance | Clean lines | Bold, checkerboard pattern |
| Price | More affordable | More premium |
| Maintenance | Easy | Needs regular conditioning |
Cleaning & Care
Both types of boards need gentle handwashing and regular conditioning with food-grade oil or beeswax (we include it with all our custom boards!).
Avoid soaking or putting any wooden board in the dishwasher — no matter the grain.
So… Which One Should You Pick?
Here’s the short answer:
- Choose Edge-Grain if you’re looking for a versatile, attractive, and cost-effective board for everyday use.
- Choose End-Grain if you want a luxurious, durable, and knife-friendly board that can handle heavy-duty chopping and look gorgeous doing it.
Still unsure? Let us know how you plan to use your board — we’ll help you choose the best option for your needs.
At Hunarmand™, we handcraft both edge-grain and end-grain boards using premium hardwoods, made to order with the custom touches you love — from juice grooves to engraving.
Each board is a functional work of art, made to last for years.
Reach out today — we’re happy to guide you step by step.
We are just a message away. WhatsApp: +92331-0292525