I'm starting a new project to make a cutting board and I'm excited about creating a drunken chequerboard design using maple and walnut. I'm trying to decide between using face grain or edge grain for the construction. I've heard that edge grain cutting boards can be thicker—more than the typical 3/4 inch—and might be more durable, while face grain boards are said to be less durable. I'd love to hear any recommendations or preferences you guys might have. What do you think would work best?
3 Answers
I really prefer edge grain cutting boards for a few reasons. If you start with a flat-sawn board, cutting it into strips and rotating them to glue back together creates a strong panel—effectively making it a rift or quartersawn panel. These boards not only look great but are also thicker than 3/4" stock and tend to resist cupping more. If you just take a wide flat-sawn board and cut it straight down, it’s likely to cup because those wider boards are more prone to warping, especially with moisture exposure. Plus, edge grain boards usually hide blemishes and scratches better than face grain boards, making them more practical for frequent use.
For the best info on edge vs. face grain cutting boards, check out this [link](https://www.dbtimberworks.com/about-1). I completely agree with WoodWhisperer77 about liking edge grain for its thickness options. I usually use 6/4 boards for my 2" thick cutting boards. And honestly, with some common woods like walnut, the grain patterns can be so wild that the difference between edge and face grain isn't even a huge factor.
I've seen plenty of 2" thick end grain boards. Why is everyone saying you can't have thicker end grain boards?
Check out this video from America's Test Kitchen that breaks down the differences really well: [link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd4vNcTvWnE). It might help you make a better decision on which grain to use!
Thank you for your insights! Very helpful.