This project was built and designed by Brett from Brett’s Basement Woodshop. It’s a beautiful and practical take on one of the most popular woodworking items—charcuterie boards that blend function, elegance, and creative expression.
Brett walks through his full process, from material selection to design details, finishing techniques, and clever features that make each board stand out. Whether for personal use or sale, this is a great small-scale project that allows for experimentation with wood species and layout.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Brett’s channel:
What Makes a Great Charcuterie Board?
Charcuterie boards aren’t just serving trays—they’re often the centerpiece of any gathering. From meats and cheeses to fruits, nuts, and crackers, these boards need to be both durable and visually appealing.
The design matters as much as the materials. Brett’s boards include functional features like shallow center grooves and contrasting wood strips that make them unique. With thoughtful design and high-quality finishing, they become more than just cutting boards—they’re presentation pieces.
Choosing the Right Wood for the Build
Brett selects a combination of hardwoods with unique grains and tones. Each wood adds character and durability to the final product. Some of the species featured in this build include:
- White Oak – Offers strength and a beautiful grain pattern, along with good moisture resistance.
- Jatoba – Also known as Brazilian Cherry, this dense hardwood has a deep reddish tone and a sleek, tight grain.
- American Cherry – Known for its warm hue and smooth texture that deepens with age.
- Maple and Ash – Lighter woods that offer visual contrast when laminated with darker species.
By combining different species, Brett creates visual depth and structural balance. It also allows for more customization in each board’s final appearance.
Preparing the Wood Properly
Before shaping, the wood is acclimated to the shop and checked with a moisture meter. This prevents issues like warping or cracking after the board is finished.
Each board is then cut to rough size and flattened using a jointer or table saw sled. Brett uses a long level and reference straight edges to ensure a flat surface that will serve as the foundation for further work.
Shaping and Designing the Boards
The next step is to finalize the board dimensions and add any design elements. Brett often incorporates accent strips made from lighter woods, creating bold contrasts alongside darker bases like Jatoba.
These laminated strips not only enhance the board visually but also improve stability. Attention to grain direction and glue-up alignment helps ensure the final product is as strong as it is attractive.
Adding a Practical Dish Feature
One feature that sets Brett’s boards apart is a shallow recessed dish cut into the center of the board. This dish helps keep round items—like grapes or olives—from rolling off the surface during use.
Interestingly, the idea came from Brett’s daughter, proving how creative collaboration can lead to smart, real-world features. It adds a touch of innovation and makes the board even more usable for entertaining.
Sanding the Surface Smooth
Once the shaping and grooving are complete, Brett moves on to sanding. He starts with a coarse grit and works his way up to a fine finish, taking care to soften edges without rounding over too much of the board’s profile.
Sanding is essential for both looks and function. A smooth surface ensures food won’t catch on rough spots and that finishes can be applied evenly.
Food-Safe Finish and Deep Oil Soak
To protect the board and enhance the wood’s color, Brett soaks each one in food-safe mineral oil. This deep soak allows the oil to fully penetrate the fibers, adding moisture protection while drawing out the richness of the grain.
A final layer of oil and buffing helps seal the surface and gives the board a soft, satin sheen. For added longevity, Brett recommends reapplying mineral oil periodically after use.
Adding Leather Cords for Hanging
As a final touch, Brett adds leather hanging cords to the boards. This small detail gives the finished piece a rustic charm and allows users to hang the board when not in use.
It’s a simple upgrade that turns a countertop item into a piece of wall decor. The result is both attractive and space-saving, particularly for those who use their boards often.
A Creative, Profitable Woodworking Project
Charcuterie boards are a great way to practice joinery, laminating, and finishing techniques on a small scale. They’re also great gift ideas or products for local markets and online stores.
Brett’s approach mixes creativity with practicality, showing how even a simple board can offer customization and personality. From wood choice to groove placement, each detail adds value to the final build.
Please support Brett by visiting his website: https://www.brettsbasementwoodshop.com/.