Cutting Board Grain Choices
Cutting Boards Grain Choices
There are 3 different types of grain direction styles available for your countertop, cutting board or butcher block: Top, edge, and end.. Each style has its own distinctive look and application.
End Grain
End grain is the nicest style and the one we recommend for direct food preparation. With end grain, the wood pieces stand up right to show only the ends. This style of butcher block is much harder to manufacture over other styles, requiring a high level of skill and craftsmanship that Chop Bloc has. The pieces are typically set up in a pattern fashion; sizes change depending on the lumber was originally cut. Chop Bloc can put together any type of pattern using end grain, such as borders, checkerboards, or stripes. Basically anything in 8-bit can be done.
End grain is usually ten times harder than edge grain and much harder than top grain butcher block and is best for applications where fashion and function are important. Even knives will keep their edge far longer when using end grain cutting boards or butcher blocks, because the blade slides between the fibers of the wood much like cutting into a brush. Another benefit is that end grain does not show cut and slice marks quite as easily as top or edge grain. Walnut is a great example of end grain
Edge Grain
With edge grain the ripped wood are laid out in long strips running lengthwise along the top. All the strips are continuous with no joints, unless the desired cutting board or counter top need to be longer. The rips are usually 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 wide; sometimes widths will change depending on the type of wood and original cut of the lumber. This style of counter top or cutting board is very sturdy and ridged, which makes it a great grain for counter tops. These tops can be made in a wide variety of thickness. Heavier thicknesses are available but unusual. The Maple and Mahogany combo is a perfect example of what can be done with edge grain.
Top Grain
Top grain pieces are premium-clear wide plank flat sawn boards. The pieces are generally wider in size. Widths will vary depending on the species and sizes of wood available at the time of manufacturing and will be random sized unless otherwise specified. Desks, Coffee tables, the tops of tables, and bars are usually the style that Top gain applies too most. Top grain is generally used for furniture going for a nicer looking surface. Mahogany makes for a beautiful top grain cutting board.