The surface of an end-grain cutting board resembles the end of a 2 x 4. That’s where it gets the name “end grain.” A board like this is composed of many short pieces of hard wood. These pieces are arranged vertically and grafted together, side-by-side. Together, the ends of all of the pieces make up the cutting surface.
An end-grain cutting board has the benefits of being both attractive and easy on your knives. This cutting board construction creates a distinctive looking checkerboard pattern. An end-grain board also has a very fibrous cutting surface, so a knife’s edge is likely to sink into the wood fibers while you are cutting. This type of board also doesn’t show scratches as easily.*
*Information provided by Metro Kitchen
CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE ON HOW TO CLEAN AND CARE FOR WOOD CUTTING BOARDS