How to Build Your Own Butcher Block for Food Preparation

A natural wood butcher block is not only appealing to the eye, but it is extremely utilitarian; every chef appreciates having the best cutting surface available. A butcher block prevents premature knife blade wear and lengthens the time between knife sharpenings. Butcher blocks can cost over a hundred dollars, but for a fraction of that cost the handy do-it-yourselfer can have the satisfaction of building a block to any size and shape specifications. A home-built butcher block can be made of practically any hardwood available. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

How to Build Your Own Butcher Block for Food Preparation

1

Lay the 1-3/4" x 22" strips of hardwood side by side to form a 17" x 22" rectangle. Place waterproof wood glue on both sides of the edges where each of the strips touch. The two end pieces do not need glue on their outside edges. Clamp with wood clamps until the glue oozes out between the strips. Allow the glue to dry for at least 24 hours.

2

Unclamp the board and use the electric table saw to cut 1-3/4" strips perpendicular to the original strips. Lay these strips out so the end grain is facing up and repeat the gluing process as in Step 1. Re-clamp the new block and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours.

3

Unclamp the block and round the edges by using a router or sanding it with 40-grit sandpaper until it is smooth. Use an electric sander with 60-grit sandpaper and sand all sides until smooth. Repeat sanding with 80- and 120-grit sandpaper until all sanding marks are gone.

4

Use a soft damp cloth to remove any sawdust that may be left on the butcher block. Glue the rubber feet to each corner of the bottom of the butcher block.

5

Treat the sides, top and bottom of the butcher block with mineral oil and allow the oil to penetrate for thirty minutes before wiping the butcher block dry with a clean soft cloth.