Cutting Boards

Cutting boards enhance the kitchen experience.  Cutting boards come in two basic configurations—edge  grain and end grain. Edge grain boards are made with strips of wood glued together or a wooden plank with a handle or a unique shape.  End grain boards are characterized by their butcher block or checkerboard appearance. Edge grain boards require more attention to maintain their appearance because knife slices the edge grain of the wood easily leaving a series of knife marks over time.  End grain boards, characterized by their butcher block or checkerboard appearance, hide the knife marks better because when cutting into end grain, the knife separates (rather than slicing) the grain of the wood. Edge grain boards are more labor intensive and, therefore, are more costly than most edge grain boards. 

Price Range:  Edge grain boards $50 to $150; end grain boards $100 to $200, depending on size and materials.