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What Is End Grain? End grain is the grain of wood seen when it is cut across the growth rings. Rather than cutting a plank of wood the length of the trunk, end grain wood is actually cut at a 90-degree angle to the grain. This type of cut exposes the character of the wood rings and graining.
How can you tell if wood is end grain?
End-grain cutting boards: The surface of an end-grain cutting board resembles the end of a 2 x 4. That’s where it gets the name “end grain.” A board like this is composed of many short pieces of hard wood. These pieces are arranged vertically and grafted together, side-by-side.
Is end grain better than edge grain?
When cutting on an end grain board, your knife stays sharper because you are slicing in between the wood’s fibers. This leaves knife marks on your edge grain board. On an end grain board, that paintbrush is flipped up vertically and your knife slides in between the bristles when you cut. This keeps your knife sharper.
What is face grain vs end grain?
If you stand the board on its end, the surface at the top and bottom is the end grain. If you lay it on its edge, the one-inch edges are the end grain. If you lay it flat, the six-inch sides are the face grain. End grain shows you the wood when cut across the growth rings and graining.
Why do cutting boards use end grain?
Why? Thick of the wood fibers that make up wood like bristles on a brush. On End Grain, you’re actually cutting between the wood fibers, keeping the board sharper longer and making it easier to clean and thus more sanitary.
What is the best wood for a butcher block?
Maple is one of the best and most popular for butcher block counters because it’s hard and has a clear grain. Cherry and red oak offer rich color. Butcher block can also be crafted from bamboo (it works best with end-grain construction) and sustainably farmed exotics such as wenge, zebrawood, and iroko.
Do butcher blocks have to be end grain?
In our opinion, all butcher blocks should be made with end grain as opposed to edge grain. End grain means that the end of the wood fibers are exposed, whereas edge grain means that the grain is running along the outside.
Are end grain chopping boards better?
It is usually considered to be the premium choice among cooks and knife connoisseurs. Over time an end grain board will also end up looking less cut up than an edge grain board. The surface is more porous than an edge grain board and it needs oiling more frequently.
What type of wood is used for end grain cutting boards?
End grain cutting boards are made from hardwood. Softwood breaks down from the impact of knife blades hitting the surface and ultimately crack, split and collapse. Choose dense, hard woods with fine grains. Common hardwoods used for end grain cutting boards include walnut, hard maple, birch, cherry and oak.
Which grain is best for cutting boards?
The long grain of the chosen hardwood is the most durable grain orientation. Edge grain tops, while very good for chopping and food prep, will show signs of knife marks and wear over time quicker than end grain tops. The very durable wood surface acts like a wall and will also dull knives quicker than end grain tops.
What does end grain mean?
Definition of end-grain : with the end of the wood grain outward : across the grain.
Why is an end grain cutting board better?
Why? Thick of the wood fibers that make up wood like bristles on a brush. On End Grain, you’re actually cutting between the wood fibers, keeping the board sharper longer and making it easier to clean and thus more sanitary.
Are end grains stronger?
End and Edge Grain—Certainly, because of the nature of the grain, the end and edge of the board is the strongest and most durable. That’s why most serious chefs will usually agree that end grain and edge grain board works best for serious chopping usage since its surface shows fewer knife marks and scratches.
What is the difference between side grain and face grain and end grain?
If you stand the board on its end, the surface at the top and bottom is the end grain. If you lay it on its edge, the one-inch edges are the end grain. If you lay it flat, the six-inch sides are the face grain. End grain shows you the wood when cut across the growth rings and graining.
What is end grain and edge grain?
When you cut across the bristles (i.e. wood grain) you slice the bristles off with a blunt cut. This leaves knife marks on your edge grain board. On an end grain board, that paintbrush is flipped up vertically and your knife slides in between the bristles when you cut. This keeps your knife sharper.
