This project was built and designed by Jonny from Jonny Builds. It’s a beautiful and practical project that highlights how simple hardwoods can be turned into stunning kitchen essentials with careful planning and clean techniques.
Gradient cutting boards combine the strength of walnut, maple, and cherry into a visual transition that is both functional and artistic. This project is approachable for beginners and satisfying for experienced woodworkers alike.
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Selecting Materials for the Boards
The project starts by choosing the right hardwoods. Jonny selects walnut, maple, and cherry for their complementary colors and their ability to stand up to kitchen use over time.
Each board is relatively thick, giving the cutting boards a sturdy, high-end feel. Choosing thicker stock from the start also makes the boards easier to flatten and finish cleanly later on.
Preparing the Rough Stock
The first step in preparation is cleaning one edge of each board using a jointer. This is critical for achieving square, accurate cuts when moving to the table saw.
After jointing, each board is ripped to size. Consistent widths are important because the gradient effect relies on smooth, even transitions between each wood species.
Laying Out the Gradient Design
Once all the pieces are cut, Jonny spends time arranging them to form a visually pleasing gradient. The goal is a smooth transition from the dark walnut to the lighter tones of maple and cherry.
This part of the process showcases how important planning is to achieving a polished final look. Careful layout before glue-up saves time and prevents surprises later on.
Gluing Up the Boards
With the layout finalized, the boards are glued together. Even pressure is applied across all pieces to create a strong bond and eliminate gaps.
During the glue-up, it’s important to check for alignment regularly. Minor adjustments can be made before the glue sets to keep the final board as flat as possible.
Flattening and Trimming
After the glue has dried, Jonny uses a planer to smooth the surface and bring the boards to uniform thickness. This step also removes any excess glue and minor imperfections from the glue-up.
Next, a crosscut sled on the table saw is used to trim the ends square. Having clean, crisp edges at this stage ensures the cutting boards will look polished once finished.
Routing Details and Juice Grooves
To improve both form and function, Jonny uses a router to round over the edges of the cutting boards. Rounded edges make the boards easier to handle and prevent sharp corners from chipping.
He also cuts a juice groove around the perimeter of each board. This simple addition helps catch juices when preparing foods, making the boards more useful for everyday cooking.
Sanding for a Smooth Finish
Sanding begins with a coarse grit to remove any tool marks, then moves progressively to finer grits. Special attention is given to the juice grooves using a sanding block to reach every corner.
Before the final sanding pass, Jonny applies water to raise the grain. This helps ensure that after final sanding, the surface remains smooth even after repeated washing.
By finishing sanding at a high grit, the boards are prepared for oiling without any leftover roughness or fibers.
Oiling and Bringing Out the Grain
Mineral oil is applied liberally to the cutting boards, instantly enriching the color and highlighting the natural beauty of the wood. This step transforms the boards from simple pieces of hardwood into vibrant, eye-catching kitchen tools.
The oil not only enhances the appearance but also protects the wood by sealing out moisture and food residues.
A Satisfying and Practical Woodworking Project
Gradient cutting boards are a perfect blend of form and function. They are sturdy enough for daily use, visually striking enough to leave on display, and durable enough to last for years with basic care.
Jonny’s careful process shows that even beginners can achieve professional results with simple tools, good material choices, and attention to detail.
Please support Jonny by checking out his website here: https://www.jonny-builds.com/.