How to Make a DIY Wood Serving Board
Updated: Jan. 18, 2023Making a wood cutting board is a great Saturday project.
- Time
- Complexity
- Cost
- A full day
- Beginner
- Less than $20
Making a wood cutting board assembly steps
Learn how to make your own cutting board with the following step-by-step instructions.
Photo 1: Mark the curves
Drill 1/2-in. holes centered 3/4 in. in from the ends of the walnut strips. Then lightly clamp all five boards together so you can scribe the arcs on the ends.
Slice, dice and serve in style on this easy, cutting-edge project from Chris Ryland. Before you start making a wood cutting board, we’ll show you a simple way to dry-fit the parts, scribe the arc and then glue the whole works together. We used a 4-ft. steel ruler to scribe the arcs, but a yardstick or any thin board would also work. Be sure to use water-resistant wood glue and keep your tray out of the dishwasher or it might fall apart. And one more thing: Keep the boards as even as possible during glue-up to minimize sanding later.
Required Tools for this Project
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
- Cordless drill
- Forstner drill bits
- Jigsaw
- Miter saw
- Orbital sander
- Safety glasses
- Tape measure
Required Materials for this Project
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.
- Four 3/4-in. x 3/4-in.-diameter dowels (for feet)
- Three 20-in. x 3-1/2-in. maple boards
- Two 23-1/2-in. x 1/2-in. x 3/4-in. walnut strips (handle strips)
- Two 5-in. x 1/2-in.-diameter dowels (handles)
