If its inside, and you want a little bit of flare, I like offsetting with a small 1/8" thick strip of walnut or oak, it really classes it up and doesn’t take much time.
Like the guys are saying, if its outside, I’d still glue and nail a thin piece on the top of the end grain, its the easiest way to seal it up, and prevent premature failure of your piece. …

Steve Tow