Learning how to make a wooden cutting board is one of the most essential and rewarding woodworking projects you can make. It’s simple, practical, and when built right—it can last for decades, even generations. Whether you’re brand new to woodworking or just want a quick project with lasting value, making a wooden cutting board is an excellent choice.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to build a long-lasting, food-safe cutting board step-by-step using basic tools, a few hardwood pieces, and good finishing techniques.
🧰 Tools & Materials You’ll Need
One of the great things about this project is its simplicity. You can make a quality board with just a few tools.
🛠 Tools:
- Table saw or circular saw
- Clamps
- Power sander or sanding block
- Tape measure and pencil
- Wood glue (Titebond III recommended)
- Router (optional, for rounded edges or juice groove)
🪵 Materials:
- Hardwood boards like maple, walnut, cherry, or birch
- Food-safe wood glue (waterproof)
- Food-safe finish (mineral oil, beeswax, or specialized board butter)
🪵 Why Choose Hardwood?
Choosing the right wood type is critical for durability and safety. Use closed-grain hardwoods that don’t trap food particles and are gentle on knives.
Best wood choices:
- Maple: Tough, affordable, and very popular
- Walnut: Elegant dark tone, moderately priced
- Cherry: Warm color, easy to work with
- Birch or Beech: Budget-friendly and durable
💡 Avoid softwoods like pine or cedar—they’re too porous and can harbor bacteria.
📐 Step 1: Decide on Your Cutting Board Size
A standard size cutting board is about:
- 12” wide x 18” long x 1¼” thick
You can make it smaller or larger depending on your needs. Just make sure it’s at least ¾” thick for durability.
✂️ Step 2: Cut Your Boards
Cut your hardwood boards into strips between 1½” to 2½” wide and ¾” to 1¼” thick. Varying the width of each strip creates a beautiful pattern when glued together.
Important tips:
- Ensure all strips are the same length.
- Double-check that edges are square for good glue joints.
Use a table saw or circular saw with a guide for best accuracy.
🧪 Step 3: Arrange & Dry Fit
Lay out your strips in the order you like. You can alternate species for contrast—such as maple and walnut—or keep it uniform for a classic look.
Dry fit the layout:
- Arrange the strips side by side without glue.
- Make sure they align evenly on the ends.
- Flip or rotate strips to get the grain pattern and tone you like best.
🧴 Step 4: Glue-Up and Clamp
Apply a liberal amount of Titebond III (or another waterproof wood glue) to each strip’s edge.
How to glue up properly:
- Use a glue brush or your finger to spread evenly.
- Press the strips together side by side.
- Clamp the board across the width, placing a clamp every few inches.
Let it dry for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
💡 Wipe off excess glue with a damp cloth before it dries to reduce sanding later.
🪚 Step 5: Flatten and Sand
Once the glue has dried:
- Remove clamps and scrape off dried glue with a chisel or scraper.
- Use a planer (if you have one) to flatten the surface, or use a belt sander.
- Sand thoroughly:
-
- 80 grit to flatten
- 120 grit to smooth
- Finish with 220 grit for a silky surface
Make sure to round over the edges with a sander or router to prevent splintering and improve comfort.
💧 Step 6: Add a Juice Groove (Optional)
If you want to get fancy, you can route a juice groove around the edge using a router and a round nose bit. This is especially useful for boards used to cut meat or juicy produce.
Keep the groove about:
- ½” from the edge
- ¼” deep
🖌 Step 7: Finishing Your Cutting Board
This is where your cutting board comes to life. A good finish not only makes the board look amazing but also protects it from water and bacteria.
Use a food-safe finish like:
- Mineral oil (inexpensive, easy to apply)
- Beeswax + oil mix (adds shine and protection)
- Commercial butcher block conditioner
How to apply:
- Warm the oil slightly (optional, but helps absorption).
- Apply generously to all sides with a clean cloth.
- Let it soak in for 15–30 minutes.
- Wipe off excess and buff with a clean towel.
- Repeat for 2–3 coats.
Let the board cure for 24 hours before using.
🛡️ How to Maintain Your Wooden Cutting Board
To make your cutting board last for years (or a lifetime), you must maintain it properly.
Do:
- Wash with mild soap and warm water.
- Wipe dry immediately after use.
- Reapply mineral oil every few weeks or when the board looks dry.
- Use both sides to distribute wear.
Don’t:
- Soak it in water.
- Put it in the dishwasher.
- Let water or food sit on it overnight.
- Use olive oil or vegetable oil (they can go rancid).
🪛 Optional Upgrades
Want to take your board to the next level? Try these additions:
- 🕳️ Finger grips or handles – Add routed handles on each side.
- 🧲 Magnet strip – Embed a strip for catching knives or bottle caps.
- 💥 Personal engraving – Use a woodburning pen or CNC for initials or designs.
- 📐 End grain version – Harder on knives, more complex build.
🧠 Skills You’ll Practice
This project helps you learn essential woodworking skills:
- Board layout and grain matching
- Cutting and edge gluing
- Using clamps properly
- Sanding and shaping
- Applying a food-safe finish
It’s a small but powerful project that teaches fundamentals you’ll use on bigger builds.
❓ FAQs
What glue should I use?
Titebond III is the best choice for cutting boards—it’s waterproof and food-safe when cured.
How long will it last?
With proper maintenance, your wooden cutting board can last 10–20+ years easily—and often much longer.
Can I use softwood for a cutting board?
It’s not recommended. Softwoods (like pine or fir) are too porous and prone to damage and bacteria buildup.
🧱 Final Thoughts
A handmade wooden cutting board is more than just a kitchen accessory—it’s a legacy piece. It’s where you chop veggies, carve roasts, and maybe even pass down stories from one generation to the next.
With a few tools, some hardwood, and the right finish, you can craft a cutting board that will hold up to everyday use and still look beautiful on your counter. Plus, it’s an excellent gift idea that says, “I made this.”
📸 Share Your Work!
Have you built your own cutting board? We’d love to feature it! Tag @SawdustSmarty on social media or submit your project photos to be featured on our site.