Cutting is an inevitable job in the kitchen. While in the kitchen, you will need to cut, chop and slice fruits, vegetables, meat, and many other foods. So, what do you use to place the things you are cutting? Now you see how a chopping board is a very vital tool in the kitchen. But do you know how to make a kitchen board? Let say you are moving to a new house and you do not have a chopping board. What will you do? Here is a solution I have for you. This is a DIY guide that is made simple just for you. Simply follow the simple procedure outlined below, and you will be ready to make your own kitchen board.
Table of Contents
The tools that you will require
- Clamps
- Router
- Table saw
The materials that you will need
- Pieces of wood
- Mineral oil
- Sanding paper
- Wood glue
Simple steps to follow How to make a kitchen board
1.Gather all the materials and tools that you will need
Before you hop to the main task, you need to ensure that you have everything you need. Ensure that you have the main material, a hardwood. Ensure that the pieces of wood that you purchase have the same thickness size.
There are many types of hardwood you can choose from. There are walnuts, mahogany, cherry, maple, and many others. You can choose to use a single wood or even use two or more different woods.
The main tools you will need are; table saw to use when cutting wood and sandpaper to sand the wood. If you want to know how to make a simple cutting board, then assemble all the above simple tools before you begin.
2.Decide your board size
The chopping board’s size is entirely your choice as there are no standard measurements for a kitchen board. A size that fits your need is an ideal choice. The best thickness size that you can go for is 1.5 inches. A length of between 20 to 30 inches for one piece of the board is just comfortable. A width of between 8 to 12 inches for one piece of the board is also reasonable. Ensure that all the strips that you are using have the same size measurements.
3.Cut the boards accordingly
Once you have decided on the board’s comfortable size that you want, proceed to cut the boards. There are lots of DIY cutting board designs available online that you can choose from. In order to make the right cuts, measure the boards first, and then mark it.
Once you have marks cut them using the table saw. Using a table saw is very simple. If you have never used it before, ensure that you read its operating instructions on its manual. Be sure to put on the safety gear recommended when using a table saw.
4.Glue the boards together
Before gluing the boards together, first, arrange the boards according to how you want your board to appear. Also, for safety purposes, spread some newspapers on the working area or even old clothes to trap excess glue that may spill over.
You also need clamps at this stage. Now start applying a bead of glue along the center of the sides where the woods will be joined. Ensure that both pieces of wood have sufficient glue beads. Now, spread the glue with your finger to give a uniform layer. Repeat it for each piece of wood.
5.Clamp the boards
You will need four clamps. Use the two clamps to squeeze the boards together. The other two clamps you will use to straighten the woods. Ensure that each clamp holds right each of the two planks of wood. There will be excess glue popping out, ensure that you clean with a damp rug before they dry. Leave the board clamped for some hours to allow the glue to dry off well and for the woods to stick well.
6.Check the board
After some hours, the glue will have dried completely. Check to ensure that the glue is now dry, and the boards are well glued together. Now, remove the clamps carefully to avoid leaving any scratches. If there is any glue left, scrape them off using a knife or a chisel. Also check, if there is anything that needs to be cut. You can also curve the corners if you want. To make round cuts at the corners, use a bandsaw or a jigsaw.
7.Sand
Now take your sanding pas and start sanding both sides and the edges. There are different grits of sandpaper. You have to start with lower grits as you progress to finer grits. To start with, use an 80 -grit sanding pad. Now repeat the process of sanding with a 120-grit sanding pad. This time your board is smooth but not smooth enough.
Repeat the process with a 220-grit sanding pad. This time, all the rough edges will be smoothened completely. Also, excess glue layers will be off by now. When sanding, ensure that you do it in an open area, also lay a cloth to collect the flying wood material. Moreover, ensure that you have your protective gear.
8.Apply mineral oil
This is the last step to take. It is also the simplest and exciting step. Take your mineral oil and spread it on the board. You can use either mineral oil, walnut oil, or beeswax. A damp rug is the best to wipe through the wood surfaces. Ensure that the oil covers all edges and surfaces. Make several layers to make your board look even better?
As simple as that, this is how to make a cutting board with hand tools, and a couple of cheaply available materials.
How do I care for my kitchen board?
Caring for your chopping board is simple. Simple wash using running soapy water. Avoid leaving it in water to soak. Also, apply mineral oil constantly to keep it fit. If you care for your chopping board, it will last for a very long time. If your board gets scratches over time, you can repeat the sanding process to eliminate the scratches.
After sanding, apply mineral oil to protect it. You can also choose to use one surface at a time. You can use the unused side to display your board in the kitchen. Moreover, you can have more than one chopping board in your kitchen. Use each at a time for them to last longer.
What do I need to look for in a good kitchen board?
- A good chopping board is made from hardwood.
- Check for a good size, one which is neither too small nor not too big.
- Know the type of wood used to know its toxicity. Different woods have different levels of toxicity. A block of good wood is one that comes from a tree whose fruits are edible, nuts, leaves, or sap.
- Check for extra features such as handles, juice grooves, and others.
What are the best types of wood to use when making a kitchen board?
Hardwood is the ideal type of wood to use. There are various types of hardwoods that you can use. the best wood species to use include:
Maple, ash, acacia, walnut, cherry, beech, teak, and bamboo.
What type of wood grain is good for a kitchen board?
There are three main types of wood grains. They are face grain, edge grain, and end grain. You can use any of these wood grains.
A wood with face grain shows all the fibers and thus is good for its appearance. They are most affordable; however, they are most susceptible to knife scratches.
A wood with edge grains is similar to one with face grain. However, it uses thicker sides of the wood. Hence it is less susceptible to scratches and is more durable.
A wood with end grain is the best to be used when making a kitchen board. It is not affected by knife cuts. This is because it is self-healing; when the knife cut through, its fibers close once the knife is out. You can make an end-grain cutting board, which will last for a very long time.
Conclusion
Above are the tips for making cutting boards most simply. After reading this guide, you are now aware of the different types of woods to use, and the most suitable wood to use. Moreover, you are now aware of the materials and the simple tools that you need to make your simple kitchen board.
The procedure is clear, and nothing is complicated. If you want to try new designs, you can simply try by adding more features to your board. Making a board is something that you can do it yourself. You do not need to buy a new chopping board, simply make yours today.