If you buy a cutting board you should definitely buy an engrain board. Each of my boards are made by hand and use the finest hardwoods from around the Cincinnati area. The wood is harvested locally  and dried at a mill in Indianna.  Maple is the harder than Cherry and Walnut and gives less variation and a more traditional look.  Your knife will stay sharper longer and the board will not show as many cut marks as a board with face grain. The board is finished with a food safe Mineral oil and will last a lifetime.