Why End-Grain Matters

End-grain boards are built by orienting the wood fibers vertically, like a bundle of straws facing up. When a knife edge meets the surface, it slips between the fibers rather than slicing them. The fibers spring back. The board is, in effect, self-healing.

Edge-grain construction is faster and cheaper to build, and still excellent for daily use. End-grain is the heirloom choice — heavier, harder to make, and unforgiving of poor joinery, but rewarding to use every single day.