This plan will give you an oversized cutting board that would even make Martha Stewart proud! Provided for are options for both striped and checkerboard patterns, but a single color and specie is always an option. The technique for butcher block counter tops, is almost precisely the same, only the pattern and layout is different. We will cover that shortly, for those of you who would like that option for your dream kitchen counter tops!
Showcase: Built From These PlansI am so honored each and every time one of you fine friends builds from these very plans! If you have built this piece, please take a moment and showcase your build! We are dying to see your fabulous hard work!
Under $25
- Sander
- Saw
- Clamps
- 2×2’s in varying tight grained species:
- 2 – 2×2 at 6′ in dark tight grained specie
- 2 – 2×2 at 8′ in light tight grained specie
- Be sure to ask your local salesperson to direct you to all of the tight grained species available in your area. Purchase in varying colors if a multi-colored pattern is what you desire (stripes or checker)
- Wood Glue – preferably something non-toxic since your food will come in contact with this.
- Sanding Supplies
- Mineral Oil
- Striped:
- 6 – 2×2 at 24″ for dark specie
- 7 – 2×2 at 24″ for light specie
- Checkerboard:
- 6 – 2×2 at 19 1/2″ for dark specie
- 7 – 2×2 at 19 1/2″ for light specie
Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.
Striped: Cut your boards to size and sand each edge that will sit adjacent to another edge. Be sure each joining edge is flat and forms a right angle. Set them in an alternating pattern until you are pleased with the design and size. Run a line of water tight glue along one edge of the joining pair. Clamp and tighten periodically as the glue sets. Be sure to immediately wipe any glue that seeps out as you tighten, before it sets. Once your glue has set, use your sander to smooth and create a flat cutting surface. Once you have sanded you can prepare your surface by pouring mineral oil over all sides and surfaces and allow to penetrate for 5 minutes before wiping away the excess. Repeat periodically to keep your board in good condition.
Checkerboard: Follow the instructions in the previous step for completing the striped cutting board. Once your glue has set in a striped pattern, you will then cut your board into 1 1/2″ strips in the opposite direction as your stripes run and create strips with alternating color blocks. Use a table saw or circular saw for this (you could also use a jig saw if need be). You will then join these strips after you turn every other one over end to end, and repeat the directions from the previous step. Glue along one edge of each adjoining pair, clamp and tighten periodically as the glue sets. Be sure to wipe away excess glue as before. Once dry, sand well and cover with mineral oil. Allow to penetrate for 5 minutes and wipe away excess. Repeat as necessary to prolong the life of your cutting board.
Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School
**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you provide an adequate link back to the appropriate post! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.
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