Looking to craft your own charcuterie boards? This project is expertly designed by Brett from Brett’s Basement Woodshop. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to create your own beautiful boards, showcasing various wood types and techniques that ensure durability and style
Materials and Tools You’ll Need:
- Wood species (e.g., white oak, jatoba, cherry, ash, maple)
- Pinless moisture meter
- Table saw
- Planer
- Clamps
- Jigsaw
- Router with round over bit
- Drill press with forstner bit
- Sanding equipment (orbital sander, disc sander)
- Mineral oil for finishing
- Leather cord for hanging (optional)
Step 1: Select Your Wood
Start by selecting your wood. Brett uses a variety of woods including white oak, jatoba (Brazilian cherry), ash, and cherry. Each wood offers unique colors and textures that will enhance your charcuterie boards. Ensure the wood has acclimated to your shop environment for optimal results.
Step 2: Check Moisture Content
Before cutting, check the moisture content using a pinless moisture meter. Aim for a reading below 17% for the best results. Brett notes that his white oak reads around 21%, which is acceptable for his workshop conditions.
Step 3: Joint the Edges
Using the table saw, joint the edges of your wood to ensure a straight edge for gluing. Brett demonstrates a technique learned from Matt Outlaw, using a level against the fence to achieve a straight cut.
Step 4: Plane the Boards
Plane the wood to achieve a flat surface. Brett uses a melamine shelf as a sled to help manage a twisted board. This step is crucial to prepare for the final shaping.
Step 5: Cut and Shape
Cut the boards to your desired size, shaping them as needed. Brett decides to create a paddle shape with handles for easier lifting. He also incorporates accent strips of lighter wood for contrast.
Step 6: Sanding
Smooth the edges and surfaces using various sanding tools. Start with coarser grits and work your way up to finer ones for a smooth finish. This step is time-consuming but essential for a polished look.
Step 7: Create a Dish for Round Items
Brett innovatively designs a shallow groove in the center of the boards to prevent round items from rolling off. This idea, inspired by his daughter Mimi, adds functionality to the boards.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
To enhance the wood’s natural beauty, apply a mineral oil bath. This step not only nourishes the wood but also makes it water-resistant. Brett notes that despite the boards sweating oil initially, they will settle over time.
Step 9: Hang and Display
For added convenience, Brett finishes the boards with a leather cord for hanging, showcasing them as decorative pieces as well as functional serving boards.
And there you have it! With these steps, you can create stunning charcuterie boards that are sure to impress your guests. Whether for a game night or a casual gathering, these boards will serve as a beautiful centerpiece for any occasion.