Extremely popular for their amazing looks and generational durability, end grain cutting boards are made with many short pieces of hardwood that are grafted together into a checkerboard pattern. Aesthetically, these boards are cherished by wood enthusiasts for their character and contrasting colors.
Functionally, end grain cutting boards have fibrous surfaces that help knife edges to sink into the wood fibers as you cut. After cutting, the fibers close up naturally. This results in longer-lasting boards that are resistant to cuts, scratches and warping.
Because of their great looks, durability and self-healing properties, these are considered the Rolls-Royce of the cutting board world. Aside from buying one for your family, they make excellent gifts that will give the recipient years of use.
Below, we answer common questions about these prized boards, and then review 10 of the best end grain models in detail.
What is the best wood for cutting boards in general?
What is the best wood for end grain cutting boards?
What's the difference between end grain and edge grain cutting boards?
How do you clean these boards?
What are the best end grain cutting boards?
This Acacia Cutting Board with Juice Groove is designed to give you a convenient food preparation process. Since it is made of the finest dark Acacia, you can be assured that it is durable and long-lasting, and it doesn’t make your knife blunt like what other regular boards do.
Key features and specifications
- Item size: 19 x 13 x 1.5 inch
- Item weight: 6.9 lbs
- Material used: Acacia
- Doesn’t dull knife
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Designed with juice groove
Pros
- Can be easily cleaned with warm soapy water
- Simple oil application will retain luster and will keep the wood from splitting and warping
- Made from premium Acacia for superb durability
Cons
- Wood-made cutting boards have the tendency to crack, split, and warp when dry. Applying beeswax can prevent it from happening
- It is quite heavy for outdoor cooking; purchasing the smaller sizes of this board is recommended
Why You Should Buy This Product?
This Acacia hardwood from Mountain Woods is made of the finest quality and design, making it easier to handle and use. Its advantages outweigh its downsides, thus making this end grain cutting board popular in the market.
This large bamboo-made end grain cutting board is made with eco-friendly bamboo cuttings. It won’t cut knife as what other types of cutting boards do. Made with rubber grips, this board keeps itself from slipping while slicing on it. Also, it can be used as a serving tray for food and beverages.
Key features and specifications
- Item size: 6 x 11.9 x 1.5 inch
- Item weight: 6.2 lbs
- Material used: Bamboo
- Eco-friendly checkered design bamboo
- Thick and durable
- With antibacterial properties
- FDA certified
- Multi-functional
Pros
- Provides strong resistance from warping, splitting, and cracking unlike other regular boards
- The rubber grips prevent the board from slipping
- Non-porous, thus making it hard for bacteria to grow in between wood fibers
- Lowest record in terms of toxicity
Cons
Why You Should Buy This Product?
Bamboo cuttings are the newest trend today when it comes to making cutting boards. Why? It is because of the durability and anti-microbial properties that this grass possesses. Also, Bamboo-made boards are more eco-friendly and affordable for the majority of the market. So, having this kind of cutting board in your kitchen is a wise investment.
This thick Acacia end grain cutting board from Hardwood Chef Premium is crafted with perfection. Built durable, it resists warping, as well as making your knife dull over time. Soaking it before using it for the first time will make your cutting board last longer.
Key features and specifications
- Item size: 16 x 1.8 x 12 inch
- Item weight: 6.2 lbs
- Material used: Acacia
- Contains grooves to catch liquids from sliced food
- Durable; doesn’t warp easily
- Doesn’t dull knife
- With natural glistening features
Pros
Cons
Why You Should Buy This Product?
Having this Acacia-made end grain cutting board in your kitchen can be one of the best investments. With its durable and easy-handling features, this wooden board can be a great kitchen partner anytime! Taking care of this simply elegant cutting board is the best way to make it last long!
Crafted by intricate wood master Michigan Maple Block, this maple hardwood end grain cutting board gives you the convenience and efficiency that you deserve in preparing your food. Whether you chop raw meat or slice soft and luscious veggies and fruits, this wooden board will never make your knife blunt. Regular washing and oil application will make it lasts longer as well.
Key features and specifications
Pros
Cons
- Warping and splitting might happen to wooden cutting boards, especially when they are not used for a week or so. However, soaking it with beeswax and letting it dry outside will keep the board in shape
- Costly than other types of cutting boards
Why You Should Buy This Product?
Lightweight despite its solid material, easy to clean and maintain, and convenient to store, this maple-made end grain cutting board is one of the best kitchen essentials you can have. Investing on high-quality boards like this one can save you hundreds of bucks from food wastage and blunt knives.
This end grain cutting board from John Boos is designed using a hard rock maple in a highly sophisticated process to give you the best tool in your kitchen. With its oil-finished surface, cutting meat, slicing veggies and fruits, and mincing spicy herbs will not dull your knife that fast as other cutting boards do. With proper handling and care, your piece of cutting block from John Boos will give you the surest food prep convenience.
Key features and specifications
Pros
Cons
- Warping and cracking are possible for wood-made cutting boards. However, treating them can lengthen its durability and efficiency
- A little bit heavy for outdoor cooking
Why You Should Buy This Product?
John Boos cutting boards are made from the finest materials to give you high-quality end grain cutting boards. Made with sophistication, this product doesn’t just possess elegant looks but efficiency-based features like hard surface, hand grooves for easy handling, and convenience for cleaning and maintaining. Make this cutting block one of your most trusted kitchen tools!
This medium-sized end grain acacia cutting board made will make food preparation a convenient pleasure. Since this is made of wood, you are assured that it can be resilient to wear and tear, yet doesn’t dull your knife. One of the unique features of Acacia is its ability to glimmer when light is reflected on the surface of the board.
Key features and specifications
Pros
Cons
- May contain excess glue when unpacking the board. However, scraping or sanding will prepare your board for everyday use
- Since the board is made of wood, warping and cracking may result due to leaving it dry and unused for a longer period of time. Applying beeswax regularly will prevent this from happening.
Why You Should Buy This Product?
Acacia is one of the best wood types to be used in making cutting boards. Having it crafted in an end grain manufacturing process will make the wood more durable than any other types of cutting boards and butcher blocks. With proper care and handling, this cutting board will serve you a long time.
This end grain cutting board is crafted from the hardwood maple of Northern Michigan and is certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). Designed with a ⅜” radius top and bottom smooth edges that make handling safe and easy.
Key features and specifications
Pros
Cons
Why You Should Buy This Product?
Having a durable cutting board that is end grain-manufactured assures you of a convenient meal preparation. Added with its knife-friendly features, this end grain ultra-hard maple cutting block has potential to be one of your best kitchen investments.
Since this end grain bamboo cutting board is made of the organic non-porous Moso bamboo species, it is proven to resist the growth of bacteria in between wood fibers. Also, this cutting board is made and certified to be BPA-free and toxin-free. It is multi-functional – best for cutlery and chopping.
Key features and specifications
Pros
Cons
Why You Should Buy This Product?
This bamboo end-grain cutting board from Heim Concept is one of the best cutting boards to use when you opt to use organic materials. With the bamboo’s ability to resist stains and warping, you can be assured that you get the best kitchen partner.
Catskill Craftsmen Super Slab with Finger Grooves end grain cutting board is made to be one of the best kitchen essentials that you can have. It is oiled finish, thus preventing your knife from becoming blunt. Also, it comes with an easy slip finger slots design for easy handling.
Key features and specifications
Pros
Cons
Why You Should Buy This Product?
This is an easy-to-handle end-grain cutting board and is fit for preparing large meals. Made of hardwood, easy to clean and maintain, and easy to store despite its huge size. Simple washing with warm soapy water and oil application will make the board last longer.
This end grain cutting board is made of Acacia and boasts a unique “Chatoyancy” feature (shimmering effect) under different lighting conditions. Since it is made of a cost-effective material, you can be assured that the board can withstand wear and tear from regular use. Also, this Acacia-made cutting board is easy to maintain and clean with just the use of warm soapy water and air drying.
Key features and specifications
Pros
Cons
Why You Should Buy This Product?
This end grain cutting board from is made with the finest Acacia hardwood that will give you a durable kitchen partner. It is easy to handle, easy to clean, and will deter splitting. With these qualities, you can call it a worthy investment.
First, determine what type of wood you prefer:
- Bamboo: sustainably produced, attractive, the hardest of the three types
- Maple: extremely popular; almost as hard as bamboo; very dense and heavy
- Acacia: great looking, slightly softer than the others yet extremely strong
Second, choose an ideal size. If you entertain guests often and have space in your kitchen, choose a larger board that can double as a serving tray. Alternatively, if space is tight, choose a smaller one.
Finally, choose a price range. Our top-10 list includes a variety of options from $35 to $200. The cheaper boards will work great. The more expensive ones will decorate your kitchen, impress your dinner guests and ultimately become heirlooms to pass down through generations.