No kitchen would be complete without a wooden chopping board; not only does it withstand the rigors of regular use but it also enhances the overall look of the kitchen.
There are many on the market; however, making one yourself is a satisfying introduction to the world of carpentry and a task well worth doing.
In this article, you will learn how to determine the best direction for the wood grain, design the shape of the board you need as well as how to put it together properly as an important detail of the kitchen’s furniture.
What is the best wood for a chopping board?
When choosing the best wood to use for your chopping board, it is usually a toss up between knife wear and board wear. For example, if you choose a harder wood like maple or beech, the knives that you use will become blunt quicker. Whereas if you use a softer wood like cherry or chestnut, the board will wear quicker.
Oak is seen as a compromise but it tends to be a personal preference; after all it is easier to sharpen a knife than make a new chopping board.
To create an aesthetically pleasing effect, different woods are sometimes chosen and glued together; in this case, ensure the difference in hardness is not too great as it will cause uneven wear.
- Material choice: hardwoods such as maple or beech are preferred as they can withstand wear and tear over time; oak is also popular as it isn’t as hard and preserves knife blades
- Grain orientation: there should be consideration during wood cutting as to the direction of the wood to be used and efforts made that will prevent splitting of the chopping board
- End grain: where the wooden board will be heavily used, opt for an end grain setting where the wood strips are cut at the 90° to the cutting side face
- Aesthetic beauty: the wood blend used must be a true fit of the existing layout and fashion of the kitchen; the maple or beech tree species naturally complement a modern design whereas cherry and walnut enhances warm tones
Whatever wood you choose, ensure it is Forestry Commission Certified and consider using a cutlist to conserve the timber and have less of an impact on the planet.
Other considerations
The size of your chopping board will be determined by the application that you intend to use it for. For example, a smaller board may be suitable for cutting fruits and vegetables, while a larger one may be needed for sectioning meat. Somewhere between A4 and A3 size is the average.
Chopping boards can come in rectangular, square or oval shapes. While choosing the shape, think about your kitchen design and what makes you comfortable. Rectangular is the most popular choice and it’s on the easier end of the scale to make.
Handle or no handle? It is important that you choose whether the chopping board that you will make will have a handle or not. A handle would be helpful to carry or store the board, although it would increase the cost of the project as well as make the project a bit more complicated, although just a basic recess on either end can be effective.
Tools and materials
There are a number of tools, both powered and not, that could be used. Powered would obviously make the job easier but traditional tools will give you more satisfaction, and it depends what is available to you.
- Power tools: these could include table saw, circular saw, jigsaw, router, lathe and sander
- Other tools: hand saw, measuring equipment, set square
- Wood glue: it is best to use a good quality wood glue which is ideally suited for woodworking
- Clamps: these are used to tightly hold any pieces together when assembling them
A wood finish is usually chosen that is suited to the visual appearance of the board and protects it from moisture and stains. It may be in the form of oil, wax or varnish.
Step-by-step
When undertaking any project, ensure you take all necessary safety precautions.
Generally, wooden chopping boards come in two types: ones made from a single piece of wood and those made of multiple ones. Single piece boards tend to have the grain side on, and with multiple piece boards, the chopping surface is end on.
Single piece boards are, as expected, much easier to make as you simply cut the wood to the desired shape and finish the surface and edges accordingly. Multiple piece boards need to be assembled and glued together first.
Cut the wood with the help of your table saw, circular saw or even just a common or garden panel saw. Shape the wood into the desired shape and size. If you are making a multiple piece board, you will need to fashion blocks of the correct dimensions to form your desired shape.
Assemble the board if applicable. Apply glue to the wooden components and attach them. It is recommended that clamps hold them until the glue sets. Assemble the blocks in rows first then combine several rows to produce the desired shape.
Finish the edges. In some cases a rounded edge is required, in others, just any sharpness needs to be taken away. In either case, a power sander will make light work of it or sand it by hand if you’re old-skool.
Additional tips
- Conditioning wood: apply a wood conditioner prior to applying the finish, to avoid the wood from cracking or warping
- Avoid soaking: after using your chopping board, do not allow it to soak in water; this can lead to warping or cracking
- Regular rejuvenation: to sustain the look and function of the chopping board, it is good practice to recoat it with oil or wax after several uses
These steps will ensure that a good decorative, as well as functional, wooden piece is made as a wooden chopping board for your kitchen.
