Making a wooden cutting board with a handle grip is a rewarding woodworking project that adds both functionality and style to your kitchen. Here’s a detailed guide on how to create one from start to finish.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Hardwood (such as maple, oak, or walnut) – Choose hardwood for durability and a clean look.
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Saw (table saw or circular saw)
- Sandpaper (various grits: 80, 120, 220)
- Router (optional, for smoothing edges)
- Mineral oil or food-safe finish
- Wood finish (optional, for additional protection)
- Pencil and measuring tape
- Jigsaw (for handle cutout)
- Drill (if you plan to drill for a hanging hole)
- Woodworking gloves and safety glasses
Step 1: Select and Prepare the Wood
Choose your hardwood for the cutting board. Popular choices are maple, walnut, or oak. These types of wood are durable and easy to work with.
Cut the wood to size: Start by cutting your wood into strips of equal width (around 2 to 3 inches wide). The number of strips will depend on the size of your cutting board. A typical cutting board size is around 12×18 inches, but you can adjust it to your desired size.
Thickness: The thickness of the wood should be about 1.5 to 2 inches. If you are using thinner wood, glueing up the strips will help add strength.
Step 2: Glue the Wood Strips Together
Apply wood glue: Spread an even layer of wood glue on the edge of each strip of wood that will be joined. Be careful not to over-apply the glue, as excess glue can seep out when clamped.
Align the strips: Align the strips edge-to-edge, making sure they are flush with one another. Use clamps to secure the wood pieces together tightly. Wipe away any excess glue immediately to avoid staining.
Let the glue dry: Allow the glue to dry for at least 2-3 hours, or as per the glue manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 3: Flatten the Cutting Board
Once the glue has fully dried, you’ll need to flatten the surface.
Plane the board: Use a hand planer or a thickness planer to ensure both sides of the cutting board are flat. If you don’t have a planer, you can use a belt sander or a hand sander.
Sand the edges: Smooth out the edges with your sander or by hand. You can also round the corners slightly with a router or by hand for a more finished look.
Step 4: Cut the Handle Grip
Now it’s time to add the handle grip. This step involves cutting a section out of the edge of the board to form a handle.
Mark the handle shape: Use a pencil to mark where the handle will go. The handle should be at one of the shorter edges, and you can shape it however you like – a simple round or oval shape works best. You can also make a rectangular cutout for a more modern look.
Cut out the handle: Use a jigsaw to cut out the handle shape. Make sure the edges are smooth. You may need to sand the cut area for a cleaner finish.
Step 5: Sand the Entire Cutting Board
Initial sanding: Begin sanding the entire board with coarse sandpaper (80-grit), then gradually move to medium (120-grit) and fine (220-grit) sandpaper. Sanding will ensure a smooth surface and remove any rough edges or imperfections.
Smooth the handle: Don’t forget to smooth the handle grip area thoroughly for comfort. You can also round off any sharp edges on the handle with a finer grit of sandpaper.
Step 6: Apply a Finish
To protect the wood and ensure it is safe for food contact, apply a food-safe finish.
Mineral oil or beeswax finish: Apply a generous amount of mineral oil or a beeswax-based finish to the surface of the cutting board. These finishes are non-toxic and provide a water-resistant surface. Use a clean cloth to rub the finish into the wood, making sure the entire surface is covered.
Let it absorb: Allow the board to absorb the oil and then wipe away any excess. Let the board dry for several hours or overnight before using it.
Step 7: Final Touches
Optional hanging hole: If you want to hang your cutting board, you can drill a hole in one corner of the handle. Be sure to use a drill bit appropriate for the thickness of the wood and the size of the hole.
Finishing up: Give the cutting board one final inspection, smoothing any rough areas or corners with sandpaper as needed.
Step 8: Maintenance
To maintain your wooden cutting board, regularly apply mineral oil to prevent the wood from drying out and cracking. Avoid soaking the board in water or putting it in the dishwasher.
Your beautiful wooden cutting board with a handle grip is now ready to use!
If you’re interested in learning more woodworking techniques and projects, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course for a wealth of detailed plans and guidance: Teds Woodworking Course