Face Grain vs. Edge Grain vs. End Grain Explained
What's the Difference?
Every piece of lumber has three surfaces that are referred to as either face grain, edge grain or end grain. For my cutting boards and charcuterie boards, the grain type determines what part of the wood is the cutting or serving surface. My cutting boards range from face, to edge, to end grain. My charcuterie boards are all face grain.
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Face Grain: The face grain is what you’d normally see on the “outside” of the board and is commonly used to make tabletops or panels that you might see on cabinet doors. Face grain Cutting Boards and Charcuterie Boards are made by gluing the edges of narrow boards of wood together on their edges.
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Edge Grain: Edge grain is the “side” of the board. Edge grain cutting boards are made by gluing the faces of strips of wood together so that the edge grain side is now exposed as the cutting surface of the cutting board. My XL Butcher Block boards are edge grain cutting boards.
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End Grain: End grain is simply the end of the board. End grain cutting boards are made by gluing a face grain cutting board, then cutting that board into strips and turning the strips end grain up. I then glue those strips together. This is the most involved process and therefore the most expensive typically.
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Which is better?
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There really isn’t one better than the other, it all depends on how the board is going to be used and personal preference on appearance.
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Face Grain: The grain is usually more dynamic on the face of the board. So if you’re more likely to use the cutting board as a serving piece, then you might prefer a face grain board which provides a bit more visual interest in the kitchen. And of course, the board still provides an excellent surface for cutting and chopping.
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End and Edge Grain: Because of the nature of the grain, the end and edge of the board is the strongest and most durable. That’s why most chefs will usually agree that end grain and edge grain board work best for serious chopping usage since its surface shows fewer knife marks and scratches.
