Traditionally a cutting board is made of edge-grain configuration, long face pieces glued together, whereas a butcher block is thicker (at least 2 inches) pieces of end-grain wood, glued together at the edges. EndGrain Cutting Boards are like a traditional butcher block in that they are pieces of walnut and maple end-grain joined together on the edges and faces but designed to be more versatile; perfect for everyday use and not just for cutting meat.