All about Wood 101
Characteristics of Wood
The best explanation I have read about the characteristics of wood can be found here. https://www.explainthatstuff.com/wood.html
End grain versus side grain
End gain is a slice of the tree flipped up so the grain is facing up. This is the best way to make cutting boards. Imagine a hand full of pencils placed in a cup with the lead facing up to represent end grain. If you run a knife through the pencils it just slides between the pencils or grain and leaves no marks. If you run a knife across the side of the pencil it will leave a mark. The same principle applies to end grain cutting boards. The knife glides between the wood fibers and won't leave a mark. On side grain cutting boards the knife glides across the grain and cuts the fibers leaving a mark. That is why end gain is definitely the best way to make a cutting board or chopping block. Side grain is usually best for everything else. Side grain really increases the beauty of the wood and gives the wood its unique characteristics. Each species of wood has a different looking grain.
HARDWOODS VS SOFTWOODS
Basically if the leaves fall off the tree in the fall its a hardwood. If the leaves or needles stay on its a softwood. Softwoods are more often used in construction while hardwoods are used for furniture related items.
Mineral Oil treatment
I treat all of my cutting boards and chopping blocks with food safe Mineral Oil. For the last coat I mix some mineral oil with Bee's wax and apply it hot. The Bee's wax helps protect from moisture a little better. You must apply mineral oil regularly to the cutting board or it will dry out. If it gets to dry bad things start to happen. It may warp and twist or crack.
Care and Maintenance
Most importantly, NEVER put your cutting board through a dishwasher! This is wood and it will absorb moisture which is woods greatest enemy. That does not mean you can not wash your cutting board. In fact you need to wash it after each use to prevent food contamination. Obviously you don't want those juices to go uncleaned. A clean cutting board is safer than a plastic board. Your new cutting board will outlast you if you follow these simple maintenance tips.
1 Wash with soap and water
2 Hand dry with a towel. No drip drying.
3 Reapply mineral oil regularly. End grain absorbs a great deal of mineral oil in the beginning. I suggest applying mineral oil after each washing for the first few months. Once the board becomes saturated with oil it will only be necessary to re-oil maybe once a year. There is a product called Boo's oil sold at Lowe's. Good stuff, but Its fairly expensive. Much easier because it is premixed. To save money I mix 3 parts mineral oil with 1 part bee's wax. I heat it up until the wax melts then apply it hot. Works great to help seal the wood from moisture.
4 Apply mineral oil to ALL sides not just the top.
5 Use only mineral oil! DO NOT use other oils to treat your cutting boards. They will change the color of the wood and leave its taste on food prepared on the wood.
6 USE IT. Many customers tell me they don't use their cutting board because it is to pretty to cut on. I am proud when I hear that, but it was made to be used. Remember end grain does not get damaged by cutting on it.
7 Enjoy! A nice end grain cutting board can be the center attraction in your kitchen.