End-grain

The end grain cutting board is made from end pieces of wood. It usually comes in a checkerboard pattern, which is the main characteristic you’ll need to be able to recognize that it is indeed an end grain cutting board. While these types of wood cutting board are a bit more expensive, some people deem it worthy, as it is better for the knives. End grain cutting boards have a “self-healing” factor, as the fibers close up after they have been cut by the knife.

During cutting and chopping, the end grain wood fibers absorb the impact of the knife blade so the block is resistant to nicks and gouges. One needs only reflect on the culinary punishment unleashed on chopping blocks over time to grasp the durability factor of end grain.

You should consider the fact that end grain cutting boards have that “self-healing” factor in your decision-making process, as paying a bit more for that type of cutting board can yield better results in the long run.