End grain butcher blocks are constructed from hundreds of square pieces of wood glued together so that their cut ends form a strong surface. Professional butcher blocks are significantly thicker than most blocks sold for use in home kitchens. Edge butcher blocks are made from small planks that have been joined together. The surface of an end butcher block will resemble a checker board while an edge block will simply appear striped. End blocks are stronger but more expensive. Sugar Maple, Teak and Walnut are the most common woods used in the construction of butcher blocks. The surface of a butcher block is typically finished with non-toxic oil if the surface will be used in food preparation or as a cutting surface.