This project was built and designed by Mark from Gunflint Designs. It walks through the entire process of building a high-end, brick-pattern end grain cutting board using durable hardwoods and precise techniques.
End grain boards are favored for their durability, knife-friendly surface, and eye-catching grain patterns. With the right tools and careful layout, this project produces a kitchen showpiece that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
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Why End Grain?
End grain cutting boards are made by arranging wood so the grain runs vertically, with the ends of the fibers forming the surface. This design is easier on knives, since blades sink between the fibers rather than slicing across them.
Not only does this increase the board’s lifespan, but it also makes it more resistant to scarring and warping. When paired with a strong glue-up and clean sanding, the result is a premium board that stands up to daily use.
Material and Tool Selection
Mark doesn’t provide an exact cut list, but the project uses common hardwoods like maple and cherry. These woods are chosen for their density, stability, and ability to hold up under repeated cutting and washing.
Key tools include a table saw, clamps, and a drum sander. Optional upgrades like a router and jig can help add finishing touches like a juice groove, but the core process relies on accurate cuts and careful glue-ups.
Preparing and Milling the Wood
The first step is milling rough-cut wood to square it up. All pieces are flattened and made parallel so they fit tightly with no gaps.
If a drum sander isn’t available, alternatives like a router sled or belt sander can be used, though they may take more time. A flat surface is critical for getting good glue bonds later on.
Creating the Brick Layout
To achieve the brick wall pattern, the wood is cut into long strips and glued together in alternating species for contrast. Once dry, the panel is crosscut into slices, which are then flipped so the end grain faces up.
To stagger the pattern, some pieces are cut in half and offset. This creates the signature brick layout and helps distribute stress across the board evenly, making it more stable and visually interesting.
Assembling and Gluing
Each end grain strip is carefully arranged and glued together with proper spacing and orientation. Clamps are applied evenly to avoid bowing or shifting during the drying process.
Glue coverage is important but should be kept clean—too much glue can ooze out and cause problems when sanding later. Mark demonstrates even pressure across all joints to ensure a strong final bond.
Adding Mortar Lines
For extra detail, “mortar lines” are created using thin strips of contrasting wood. These are placed between the rows during glue-up and give the board an even more distinct brick-like appearance.
The horizontal spacers are pre-glued into subassemblies, then cut to length and added between the vertical rows. This step adds complexity but really elevates the final result.
Final Flattening and Cleanup
Once the glue is dry, the board is removed from the clamps and flattened again. A drum sander is ideal for this step, as it removes glue residue and ensures a perfectly level surface.
Manual sanding can be used if needed, though it may take multiple passes. At this point, all seams should be flush and the end grain should be fully exposed.
Routing the Juice Groove
A juice groove is optional but useful, especially for boards that will see a lot of meat prep. Mark uses a jig and a handheld router to create a consistent channel around the edge.
Maintaining a steady feed rate is important to avoid burn marks. The groove adds functionality and gives the board a professional finish.
Sanding and Surface Prep
The board is sanded starting at a coarse grit and moving up to finer grits. At one point, the board is misted with water to raise the grain, then sanded again to remove any rough texture.
This extra step improves the final feel and helps the board hold its finish better over time. Care is taken to avoid rounding over any sharp lines, especially around the brick pattern.
Applying the Finish
Once sanding is complete, the board is soaked in a mineral oil and beeswax mixture. This food-safe finish penetrates deep into the wood and brings out the grain without making it slippery.
After the board soaks up the oil, excess is wiped off and a light wax buff is applied. This gives the board a rich tone and helps seal it against moisture and food stains.
Final Details
To complete the build, rubber feet are added to the bottom using stainless steel screws. This helps prevent slipping on the countertop and lifts the board slightly to allow for airflow underneath.
The result is a heavy-duty, visually striking cutting board that combines function with fine woodworking craftsmanship. Mark’s approach emphasizes clean technique and careful attention to detail at every step.
You can see all of Mark’s plans here: https://www.gunflintdesigns.com/project-plans.