Striped Checkerboard End-Grain Cutting Board

Product Description

Deep walnut, warm cherry, and pale maple come together in a bold checkerboard pattern that turns a cutting board into a kitchen centerpiece. Built to work hard and stay beautiful.

This board takes three separate hand-done glue-ups: one for the walnut-and-maple checkerboard, one for the cherry accent strips, and one final glue-up to bring it all together. I cut, align, glue, and sand every piece; it's hours of labor and a lot of love. 

Why End-grain?

Most cutting boards are made with the wood grain running horizontally (left to right). This board is built with the grain running vertically (up and down), the same traditional construction used in butcher blocks. The difference isn't just how it looks; it's how the board performs. When your knife enters an end-grain surface, the wood fibers separate and then naturally close back around the cut, unlike long-grain boards, which leave deep, open grooves where food particles, moisture, and bacteria can collect. 

That makes end-grain more forgiving on your knives and creates a tighter, more hygienic cutting surface that holds up for years of use. It also just looks better, with fewer visible scratch marks since the grain fibers can rejoin after being cut.

The process of making detailed end-grain boards with intricate patterns simply can’t be mass-produced by machines; it takes a dedicated artisan significantly more time to make and requires more specialized, costly tools to complete. There really is no way around that extra labor, and it’s why these boards are considerably more expensive and harder to find when compared to long-grain boards.

Pros of End-grain Boards:

• Gentler on knives
• Fibers close back around knife cuts- less visible scratches and fewer open grooves for bacteria and moisture to collect
• Durable enough for everyday use
  
• Functional works of art
• Heirloom item 

What's In It

• Solid American Black Walnut, Hard Maple, and Cherry
• No plywood, veneer, or composite core
• True end-grain construction
• Three separate hand-done glue-ups
• Food-safe mineral oil and beeswax finish
  

Not mass-produced. One board, made by hand, one at a time.

Care Instructions

Hand wash with warm water and mild dish soap. No dishwasher and no soaking.

Dry immediately with a towel, then stand the board upright in a dish rack or lean it against a wall to air dry. Avoid laying it flat until fully dry to prevent warping. A drying rack or small board stand works best for upright drying.

Apply food-grade mineral oil about once a month, or whenever the wood begins to look dry. Follow with a light coat of beeswax conditioner every few oilings.

Keep away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, ovens, microwaves, and standing water.

With basic care, this board will last for decades and develop more character with age.

When It Arrives
This piece is finished with mineral oil and beeswax. In hot weather, the board may “sweat” a little, meaning a light film of oil can surface during shipping. This is normal and harmless. Wipe it with a paper towel, and it’s ready to use.

Availability and processing time
In stock: Ships within 5 business days.
Out of stock: Made to order and ships within 3 weeks. Please note that shipping time after dispatch depends on the carrier.