Will end grain cutting boards tend to split?

[Brad_bb]

Will end grain cutting boards tend to split?  Like if they fall over when leaned up to dry, or fall off the counter?  I'm thinking through the end grain because it's the weakest direction, not the glue joint.  Is something done to prevent this like banding the perimeter with grain 90° to the end grain?  Or molding the bottom of the board in a thin pour of epoxy?  I'm assuming the cutting board is 1-1.25" thickness.

[Ianab]

Simple answer, yes. Simply because of the grain orientation. they will tend to be fragile. Think of it the same as a 1-2" Cookie cut from a log. It's pretty weak compared to a long grain board. Drop it on the floor and there is a good chance it will break. 

Putting a long grain border around it is not a good plan, it's almost certain to crack due to seasonal movement. Traditional end grain butcher's blocks are made thick, 6" or more, so there is some strength in the wood to resist splitting. 

[firefighter ontheside]

They are more likely to crack if dropped yes.  Make them thicker than you would a long grain board of the same size.  If you keep them oiled and dont put them in the dishwasher they don't tend to just crack while sitting there.  

[Tom K]

Depending on what species you plan on using a coat or two of a good penetrating epoxy would help strengthen the grain some, if you can get it to soak in.