This project was built and designed by Ben Grimsley from Ben Grimsley Woodworking. It’s a simple, reliable cutting board that makes a great gift, shop product, or weekend project for anyone new to woodworking.
Ben walks through the entire process—from selecting safe hardwoods to applying a food-safe finish—making this build approachable for beginners and useful for anyone refining their skills.
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Choosing the Right Wood
The build starts with selecting a durable, food-safe wood. Ben recommends hardwoods like black walnut, maple, or cherry due to their dense grain and natural resistance to bacteria.
Softwoods like pine or cedar are avoided because they’re too porous and prone to damage. For those with scrap wood on hand, this project is a great way to repurpose leftovers, as varied grain and color can create a unique, character-filled final product.
Preparing the Strips
The cutting board is made from glued-up wood strips, so getting clean, straight edges is critical. Ben starts by planing each board to remove bowing and ensure tight joints.
A small gap at this stage can compromise both the strength and visual appeal of the finished piece. Each strip is cut slightly oversized to allow for cleanup during the final planing pass.
Laying Out the Glue-Up
Once the strips are cut and squared, Ben arranges them into a pleasing pattern. A generous coat of waterproof wood glue—such as Titebond III—is applied to each edge before clamping.
Clamping pressure is distributed evenly to ensure squeeze-out, a sign that the joints are fully sealed. Once dried, this glue-up creates a strong panel that’s ready for final shaping.
Smoothing the Surface
After the glue cures, the board is run through the planer to achieve a smooth, even surface. Ben leaves the board slightly long before planing to reduce chip-out at the ends, then trims it to final length afterward.
Sharp blades and careful feeding make this step quick and satisfying. The goal is to create a flat, uniform surface before moving on to edge shaping.
Optional Edge Profiling
To give the board a finished look, Ben adds a simple chamfer around the top edge. A round-over or chamfered edge makes the cutting board more comfortable to handle and adds a polished touch.
This step can be skipped if you don’t have a router, but it does enhance the appearance. Even without profiling, a clean sanding job can produce professional-looking results.
Raising the Grain
Before sanding, Ben raises the grain with a light wipe of water. As the surface dries, the fibers rise slightly, allowing them to be sanded away.
This small extra step helps prevent the board from feeling rough after it’s been washed later on. A second sanding pass after raising the grain ensures a consistently smooth finish.
Sanding Tips and Tricks
Sanding begins at a lower grit and works up to finer levels. After each grit, Ben wipes off the dust with a dry cloth, preventing buildup that can lead to swirl marks.
He emphasizes not rushing this step—quality sanding is what separates a decent board from a great one. The smoother the surface, the better it will accept finish and resist moisture.
Applying a Food-Safe Finish
Once sanding is complete, Ben applies a coat of food-safe oil. He prefers Watco Butcher Block Finish for its ease of use and attractive final appearance.
Finishing triangles are used to elevate the board during this step, allowing Ben to coat both sides evenly. Starting with the bottom helps ensure that any drips or imperfections won’t be visible when the board is in use.
Final Conditioning
After the main finish is applied and cured, Ben adds a conditioner to keep the board hydrated and protected. This helps prevent cracking and adds a nice satin feel to the surface.
Regular application of conditioner will keep the cutting board in great shape long after it’s built. Ben recommends reapplying every few weeks if the board sees regular use.
A Great First Project
This beginner cutting board is a practical introduction to key woodworking skills: gluing, planing, sanding, and finishing. It’s also a fun way to repurpose scrap wood and create something functional and attractive.
Ben’s straightforward approach makes the process easy to follow, and the finished board is something any woodworker can be proud of. Whether you’re looking to build your first project or batch out gifts or products for sale, this guide is a solid place to start.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Ben’s channel: