This project was built and designed by Alex and Emily Tarsha from Tarsha Homestead. It’s a milestone build—Alex’s very first cutting board—and it highlights the learning process that comes with diving into end grain woodworking.
With a checkerboard pattern made from walnut and maple, this board not only looks impressive but also reveals the craftsmanship and lessons that come with trying something new. The process wasn’t perfect, but the outcome was meaningful and motivating.
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Starting the Woodworking Journey
Woodworking can feel overwhelming at first, especially when dealing with hardwoods and complex patterns. For Alex, making a cutting board was the perfect first step—simple enough to start with, but detailed enough to learn a lot quickly.
Working with different wood types, figuring out grain direction, and handling glue-ups were all new experiences. Alex embraced the process with curiosity and determination, even when mistakes popped up along the way.
Selecting the Right Woods
For this board, Alex chose walnut and maple—two classic hardwoods for cutting boards. Walnut brings deep, rich tones, while maple offers a crisp contrast with its light color and fine grain.
These woods aren’t just pretty—they’re functional. Both are durable and food-safe, making them ideal for repeated use in a kitchen setting. Choosing quality materials helped ensure a strong, long-lasting board.
Planning the Checkerboard Layout
The checkerboard pattern is a popular choice because it’s clean, symmetrical, and visually striking. But it’s also easy to get wrong if the layout isn’t planned carefully.
Alex discovered this firsthand when he accidentally started and ended a row with the same species. It made the pattern harder to alternate cleanly, but the issue served as a valuable lesson in layout and planning.
Cutting and Gluing
Once the lumber was milled and dimensioned, it was time to cut strips for the glue-up. The pieces were laid out in alternating patterns, ready for the first round of assembly.
Alex used parallel clamps to hold the pieces together while the glue cured. This step is key—too much pressure can lead to squeeze-out or misalignment, while too little may leave gaps. His approach was careful, and the results were tight and square.
Turning to End Grain
After the initial glue-up, the board was cut into perpendicular slices and flipped to expose the end grain. This is what gives a checkerboard cutting board its signature look.
Another glue-up followed, aligning each piece to preserve the pattern. This step requires patience, especially for a first-time build, but Alex managed it with growing confidence.
Sanding and Raising the Grain
Sanding was done in stages, starting with a coarse grit and working up to a fine finish. To get the smoothest surface possible, Alex used a water spritzing technique to raise the grain between sanding passes.
It may seem counterintuitive to add moisture, but it lifts the fibers so they can be sanded flat, resulting in a silky-smooth surface. Alex was surprised by how effective this method was—and pleased with the result.
Finishing and Final Reveal
Once sanding was complete, the board was treated with a food-safe finish. Alex applied mineral oil or butcher block conditioner (depending on what was available) to highlight the natural color and protect the surface.
The transformation was immediate. The walnut deepened to a rich brown, the maple brightened, and the checkerboard pattern popped. Small imperfections remained, but they were embraced as signs of progress and learning.
Lessons Learned from the Build
Alex came away from this project with several takeaways: plan your layout, check your wood orientation, and take your time with glue-ups. Each step offered its own challenges, but working through them was part of the reward.
He also discovered just how enjoyable making cutting boards can be. In fact, this project sparked a small cutting board spree—he made several more soon after, experimenting with patterns, grain direction, and finishes.
The Joy of Making Something New
For Alex and Emily, woodworking has become a meaningful part of their homesteading lifestyle. It’s a way to create practical items, express creativity, and share projects with their growing online community.
This cutting board marked the beginning of their woodworking content on YouTube. It also opened the door to future builds, from edge grain boards to larger furniture projects.
Looking Ahead on the Homestead
Beyond woodworking, Tarsha Homestead is focused on a broader DIY and self-reliant lifestyle. Upcoming videos will feature gardening, chicken care, property improvements, and all the hands-on skills that come with living simply and sustainably.
Alex and Emily aim to connect with others on the same path—whether you’re building your first board or your own homestead. Sharing their wins and mistakes is part of the process, and their audience is along for the ride.
Please support Alex and Emily by visiting their website: https://tarshahomestead.com/.