How to Make a Wooden Cutting Board

Making a wooden cutting board is possible for anyone who is able to do simple woodworking projects. Keep your kitchen counters safe from that sharp knife-make your own wooden cutting board today.

Things You'll Need

• Wood stock
• Measuring tape
• Table saw
• Resorcinol glue (waterproof)
• Bar clamps
• 80-, 120- and 220-grit sandpaper
• Belt sander
• Router with 3/4-inch roundover bit
• Mineral or walnut oil
• Brush or rags
• Safety goggles or glasses

Instructions

1. Select the wood stock for your cutting board, preferably a hardwood. You want pieces that don't have knots or other defects that make your cutting board unsightly.

2. Cut 16 strips from the wood stock 1 inch wide and to whatever length you wish, depending on how big of a cutting board you want. Make them a bit longer than your desired length; you can cut them to the proper length later.

3. Glue strips together to form the surface of the cutting board. Attach bar clamps, and let dry overnight. After removing bar clamps, sand top and bottom smooth with a belt sander. Start with 80-grit sandpaper, then 120-grit and finish with 220-grit.

4. Use a table saw to cut the block to the desired length. Run a router around the top edge of the cutting board to make a smooth, round edge. Sand entire wooden block in the same manner as before, working your way to a finer and finer grit sandpaper.

5. Apply a coat of oil evenly over the cutting board with a clean rag, going in the direction of the grain. Make the coat thick enough that it soaks into the wood.

6. Buff the surface lightly with steel wool, if desired. Buffing can make the next coat of oil soak in better.

7. Put another coat of oil on your cutting board to finish it.

8. Add a new coat of oil whenever your cutting board needs it. You'll know it needs a new application when the wood begins to dry out.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask anyone at the lumber yard or in the lumber department of a home improvement center to help pick the best grade of wood the store has.

• To avoid possible cross contamination, use one wooden cutting board for cutting vegetables and another for cutting meat.

• Walnut oil tends to darken lighter woods, so choose mineral oil if you want to maintain the color of your cutting board.

• Add a new coat of oil whenever your cutting board needs it. You'll know it needs a new application when the wood begins to dry out.

• Always wear safety goggles or glasses when using a table saw.

• Soaking your cutting board or washing it in the dishwasher removes the finish and can warp the wood.