This project was built and designed by Tim from Casual Builds. He takes a naturally contoured slab of hard maple and turns it into a clean, modern cutting board with an edge grain orientation.
The result is both functional and beautiful, combining careful milling with solid finishing techniques. It’s a great example of how a single live edge board can become a long-lasting piece for everyday use.
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Getting Started with a Live Edge Slab
This build starts with a raw, live edge maple slab—full of character but rough in shape. The first step is removing the bark and flattening one edge to create a reference surface.
Tim uses a track saw for controlled, shallow passes, which helps reduce tear-out and strain on the blade. Once one edge is straight, handling the slab becomes much easier.
Cutting Down the Slab
With one flat side established, Tim cuts the slab into manageable sections using a jigsaw. This gives him better control around curves and avoids wasting usable wood.
It’s important to focus on selecting clean, straight-grained pieces for the final board. Any heavily curved or knotty sections are set aside to ensure the final product remains stable and durable.
Checking Moisture and Acclimating the Wood
Before any milling begins, the slab must be fully dried and acclimated to the workshop. Tim checks moisture levels using a moisture meter, confirming that the wood has stabilized after a long drying period.
This step is critical for preventing warping later. Even the most beautiful slab won’t hold up as a cutting board if it moves or cracks due to internal moisture.
Milling and Shaping the Pieces
Next, the selected pieces are run through the jointer to flatten one face. Then they’re passed through the planer to achieve uniform thickness and parallel sides.
Tim explains the purpose of each tool clearly. The jointer flattens the first side; the planer makes the second side match. This ensures the boards will glue up evenly with no gaps.
He avoids any soft sapwood during this process, sticking to the dense heartwood of the maple for strength and consistency.
Laying Out the Edge Grain Pattern
This project uses an edge grain layout, meaning the boards are turned on their sides before being glued together. This orientation offers durability while still showing off the natural grain of the maple.
Tim dry fits the pieces to check for visual balance and tight seams. Once satisfied with the layout, he gets ready to glue.
Gluing Up the Cutting Board
Waterproof, food-safe glue—like Titebond III—is used for the glue-up. Tim recommends bar or pipe clamps because they’re long, strong, and adjustable.
He applies even pressure across the entire board to ensure a solid bond. A few minutes are spent checking for alignment before tightening down the clamps and leaving it to cure.
Sanding and Prepping the Surface
After the glue has dried, the board is removed from the clamps and scraped clean. Tim then sands the entire surface, starting with 120 grit and working up to 320 for a silky smooth feel.
Before the final sanding pass, he wets the board to raise the grain. Once it dries, a final sanding knocks down the raised fibers, resulting in a softer and more refined surface.
A trim router is used to add a chamfer around the edges. This small detail improves both comfort and aesthetics, giving the board a crisp finished look.
Finishing Options and Wood Care
To protect the board, Tim applies a hydrating wood finish that nourishes the surface and enhances the grain. While mineral oil is a common choice, this project uses a more complete wood care serum designed specifically for cutting boards.
He explains how regular maintenance—such as reapplying oil and using cleaning soap—can extend the life of the board. As a bonus, Tim shares that he’s giving away a wood care kit that includes oil, wax, and cleaner for long-term upkeep.
Final Details and Rubber Feet
To finish the board completely, Tim adds rubber feet to the bottom corners. These small additions help prevent the board from sliding during use and also keep it elevated off damp countertops.
They also add a professional touch that makes the board feel more polished and intentional.
A Practical and Beautiful Shop Project
What begins as a rough slab ends up as a refined, functional kitchen tool. The edge grain orientation gives it strength, while the live edge origin adds a story and character to the build.
Tim’s process highlights the importance of patient preparation, solid tools, and understanding the material. It’s a project that teaches core skills and leaves you with a useful item you’ll reach for daily.
Please support Tim by visiting his website: https://www.casualbuilds.com/.