Different types of butchers board, as used in countertops, chopping boards, cutting boards and tabletops seem to be everywhere these days. This wood — which was traditionally cut from sugar maple — originally started out used by butchers in butcher’s boards and also was in widespread use in meat processing plants.

These days, the material is very popular in home use, especially in the kitchen. There are two basic styles of butcher board; end grain and edge grain. The end variety is manufactured by the process of gluing pieces of wood together in such a way that the wood fiber is perpendicular to the surface itself. Most commercial-grade boards are usually greater than 4 inches thick.

Most full time chefs prefer using an end grain block, because the surface is able to withstand seemingly endless impacts from the edge of a knife. This is possible because the surface absorbs the knife edge, allowing it to go between the fibers of the wood. Consequently, knife edges remain sharper for far longer and the surface of the block is more resistant to gouging and nicking.

Edge grain boards are made in pretty much the same way, which means that wooden pieces are glued together, but the difference is that the surface fibers are laid out parallel, not perpendicular. The board, as a result, is much easier to make and less costly for a consumer to purchase.

End grain butchers boards can be refinished many, many times. Edge grain blocks, however, have a limited number of refinishing efforts within them. Both boards are glued under extremely high pressures. End grain locks are also generally more durable than edge grain blocks. If the board has been built with what is called a natural oil finish, it will need to be re-oiled from time to time.

Take a look at most any new home that has been constructed recently and it’s a sure bet that there will be some surfaces or countertops in the kitchen that feature butcher’s block. Countertops are pretty popular for this sort of surface, and a traditional block with legs will also generally be seen in higher priced homes. They are less expensive and can last equally as long as other sorts of counter surfaces.

Some things to consider before you buy butchers block furniture or cutting boards, is whether it is end grain or not. Generally, end grain makes the best butcher block and is better for using with heavy knives, because, although it is more expensive, it is far longer lasting.