End Grain and Edge Grain Butcher Block

Butcher Block Counters: End Grain vs. Edge Grain

What is the difference between an end grain butcher block and an edge grain butcher block? Which type of butcher block surface is right for you?

Edge grain butcher blocks feature full length wood rails that span the length of the block. Our edge grain butcher blocks cutting boards , butcher block carts, and butcher block counters feature uniform thickness and a true flat surface to meet the exacting standards of discriminating chefs. Our edge grain butcher block kitchen carts, butcher block cutting boards, and butcher block counters are available in both hard rock maple and lyptus woods and come with either a food-safe natural oil finish or a varnique semi-gloss finish. Both the varnique semi-gloss finish and the food-safe natural oil finish seal and protect the butcher block surface. Natural oil is the finish you need if you intend to cut directly on your butcher block. Varnique semi-gloss is ideal if you want easy maintenance and a fine furniture look, but it is not meant to be cut-upon directly.

End grain butcher blocks are made by fusing together the end pieces of wood rails into a traditional checkerboard pattern. End grain butcher block work surfaces are not only beautiful, but also easy on knives and resistant to nicks and gouges. During cutting or chopping, the end grain wood fibers absorb the impact of the knife blade. This helps keep knives sharper longer and helps maintain the integrity of the butcher block surface. End grain butcher block construction is also the strongest and most durable, which is why end grain butcher blocks are the first choice of pro chefs. We feature a wide array of end grain butcher block cutting boards, end grain butcher block kitchen carts, end grain butcher block kitchen island work tables, and end grain butcher block counters. All of our end grain butcher block cutting boards feature a food-safe natural oil finish that can be cut upon directly. Our butcher block kitchen carts come in either natural oil or varnique semi-gloss, and our end grain butcher block counters are generally available in your choice of finish.

Both our end grain and edge grain butcher block counters are available in a wide array of standard sizes. To view our wide selection of standard sized butcher block counters , click here .

So which butcher block grain style is right for you? This depends mainly on your stylistic preferences. All of our butcher block products are strong, sturdy, and durable. Our edge grain butcher block counters are most popular for purely aesthetic installations, and our end grain butcher blocks are preferred by professional chefs. End grain butcher blocks tend to be pricier because of the more intricate construction and production requirements. End grain butcher blocks also tend to be thicker. Both end grain and edge grain butcher blocks will stand up to decades of daily use, and both will look beautiful in your kitchen. You really can’t go wrong with either one!