There are three styles of butcher block: edge grain, face grain, and end grain. Face grain is also sometimes called Flat grain. Below you will read about the differences between the 3 different types of butcher block boards. You can find some of our sturdy butcher block boards over here.
Edge grain is the one most commonly used because it’s strong, stable, and less expensive than the others. It’s made by placing boards on their sides and joining them with glue so that the narrow edges form the surface and the edge grain is facing up. It is the long narrow side of the board. They can handle the wear and tear of food preparation very well.
Face-grain butcher block is constructed from boards that are laid flat, their full widths forming a surface with a streamlined look with the face grain facing up. it is the wide ,broad and most visible part of the wood. face grain butcher block boards have no problem receiving cuts from blades.
End grain boards are made by cutting the lumber into blocks and gluing the blocks together with the end grain up, so that the ends are visible on top of the cutting board. The strongest and most expensive type of butcher block, it is the best for surfaces dedicated to cutting, because it camouflages knife marks and is gentle on blades. It comes from the ends of the board.
All 3 types of butcher block board can come in various wood species such as maple, cherry and walnut.