Question 1

What is the difference between Face Grain, Edge Grain & End Grain boards?"

Accepted Answer

A milled piece of lumber has 3 types of surfaces: face, edge and end.  Imagine a piece of lumber that is 16” long, 6” wide and 2” in height.  The face is the broad surface of the board measuring 16” x 6”.  The edge is the long surface measuring 16” x 2”.  The end is the short surface measuring 6” x 2”. 
A Face Grain board will often be 1 solid piece, but can also be a few pieces with the edges glued together.  Face grain shows the beautiful grain pattern of the wood. 
An Edge Grain board will have multiple thin strips of wood with their face surfaces glued together.
An End Grain board begins as an edge grain board, but it does not stop there. Once the glue on the edge grain board has dried, it is cut up into strips perpendicular to the original strips.  Each new strip is turned 90 degrees and the edge surfaces are then glued together so that the end surface is visible.  End grain patterns can vary widely (checkerboard, brick & mortar, random, and other unique patters.
Both Face Grain and Edge Grain are sometimes referred to as Long Grain.

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of Face Grain, Edge Grain & End Grain boards?"

Accepted Answer

A Face Grain board will show knife marks more than an Edge or End gain board; however, Face Grain is the best board to show the beautiful grain of the wood.
An Edge Grain board will show less knife marks than Face Grain, but more than End Grain.  An Edge Grain board can have a variety of woods, creating clean lines and contrast.
An End Grain board is very durable, is usually thicker than Face and Edge Grain boards, and will hide knife marks the best out of the three types.  Due to their thickness, End Grain boards are often heavier and more difficult to handle and require the most attention to keep them from drying and warping.

Question 3

How do I take care of my wood board?

Accepted Answer

After Each Use:
 • Wash board by hand using a mild soap and warm water
 • Dry off with soft towel
 • Stand the board on edge until completely dry
 • Occasionally, after the first wash, the board may feel fuzzy along the edges. If this occurs, gently rub with 320 grit sandpaper
When Board Looks or Feels Dry: (typically after every 3-4 washings or 2-3 months if not being used).
 • Ensure board is clean and dry
 • Using a clean soft towel and a circular motion, generously rub Two Birds Board Butter on all sides of the board
 • Let sit for 30 minutes
 • Using a clean soft towel wipe off any excess and buff until board becomes smooth
Do Not:
 • Put in dishwasher
 • Submerge, sit or soak in water
 • Use bleach or other hash chemical
 • Clean with steel wool or harsh scrubbing pads
 • Use a serrated knife
 • Dry flat

Question 4

How do I take care of my wood bowl?

Accepted Answer

To Keep Your Bowl Looking Great:
 • Ensure bowl remains clean and dry
 • Using a clean soft towel and a circular motion, generously rub Two Birds Board Butter inside and outside the bowl
 • Let sit for 30 minutes
 • Using a clean soft towel wipe off any excess and buff
Do Not:
 • Put in dishwasher
 • Clean with steel wool or harsh scrubbing pads
 • Use bleach or other hash chemical
 • Submerge, sit or soak in water

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