The edge grain is the side of the board. It is where the thickness of the board is measured by the woodworkers who craft the product. By gluing the edges of narrow strips of wood together, you can create a 'face grain board.' The edge grain board is the strongest, at face value, and some are even cheaper. End grain, or long-grain, is created to be more durable and show fewer knife marks. Many end grain boards are more expensive as well. These boards are manufactured in such a way that you can actually see the tree rings in the natural design.