15 Easy DIY Butcher Block Cutting Board Ideas

Last updated on October 18, 2023

Here are 15 different ways to make a DIY butcher block cutting board, each with a different set of materials and tools.

Building a butcher block cutting board is a relatively simple woodworking project that can be completed in a few hours.

Unlike a regular cutting board, this project is actually a piece of butcher block. It’s more durable and heavy-duty. But that makes it also more challenging to make.

If you have scrap leftovers from your kitchen butcher block countertops, this is the perfect chance to use them.

These tutorials will provide you with all of the information you need to know in order to build a successful project.

How to Make an Edge Grain Butcher Block Cutting Board

Tutorial: instructables.com

Expected cost: $20-30

Materials:

2×4 lumber
Titanbond III glue
Clamps
Circular saw
Table saw
Sandpaper
Stain
Safe mineral oil or beeswax

This project is a tutorial on how to build an edge-grain butcher block. It is a fairly simple project that does not require too many tools or much woodworking experience.

Tutorial: oldtownhome.com

Expected cost: This project should cost less than $20.

Materials:

Scrap Butcher Block Wood
Sander
Sandpaper

This project is a great way to use up some leftover wood from a previous project. It’s a simple matter of cutting the wood to size and then sanding it down to create a smooth surface.

This project is perfect for anyone who wants to create their own custom cutting boards or cheese boards.

Tutorial: hardwoodreflections.com

Materials:

Butcher block
Tape measure
Circular saw
Miter saw

This project entails making cross cuts, rip cuts, and miter cuts in a butcher block. It is not difficult to complete, but it is important to be precise when measuring and cutting the wood.

How to Make an End Grain Butcher Block Cutting Board

Tutorial: thisoldhouse.com

Expected cost: $30

Materials:

Miter saw
Table saw
Scrap wood

This project is a bit more difficult than some of the others, but it is still doable for most people. It will take around 9 steps to complete, and you will need some tools, such as a miter saw and table saw.

The cost for this project will be relatively low since you can use scrap wood.

Tutorial: thewoodwhisperer.com

Expected cost: This project should cost around $30 to complete.

Materials:

Wood board
Tablesaw
Miter saw
Paint

This project is a great way to hone your milling, glue-up, and tablesaw skills. It is perfect for those who are relatively new to woodworking.

The finished product makes for a great gift!

Tutorial: instructables.com

Expected cost: $50-$100

Materials:

Wooden boards
Glue
Sandpaper

This project is a tutorial on how to make an end grain butcher block cutting board. It is a bit challenging, but can be completed with some patience and attention to detail.

You will need to have access to a few wood species, some glue, and sandpaper.

Tutorial: instructables.com

Expected cost: $20-$30

Materials:

2×4 Wood
Miter saw
Table saw
Wood glue
Clamps
Sandpaper
Finishing oil

This project is a bit more difficult than the average Instructable, but it is still doable for someone with some experience using power tools. It requires the use of a miter saw, table saw, surfacer/planer, radial arm saw, and random orbit sander.

The project will result in two cutting boards – one rectangle and one square.

Tutorial: instructables.com

Expected cost: $50-$100

Materials:

1×4 lumber
end grain cutting board
saw
wood glue

This project is an intermediate woodworking project that requires a variety of tools. It is not recommended for beginners.

The project entails building an end grain cutting board with juice grooves and handholds. It will take several hours to complete and will require patience and attention to detail.

Tutorial: instructables.com

Expected cost: This project should cost less than $20.

Materials:

One log
A saw
A measuring tape
A hammer
A chisel
A drill
A jigsaw
A clamps
Wood glue
Sandpaper
Paint or a sealant (optional)

This project is not difficult to complete, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. You will need to be careful when cutting the pieces of wood from the log, and make sure that they are all the same size and shape.

Once you have assembled the rows of blocks, you will need to be careful when gluing them together, making sure that there are no gaps between them.

Tutorial: hometalk.com

Expected cost: $30-$40

Materials:

thick wood
wood glue
sanding paper
stain or paint (optional)

This project is a bit challenging but can be completed with a little patience and attention to detail. You will need to cut the wood to the proper dimensions, glue it all together, and then sand it down to create a smooth surface.

How to Make a Striped Butcher Block Cutting Board

Tutorial: diypete.com

Materials:

1 Walnut board 4″x16″x1″
1 Maple Board 4″x16″x1″
1 Cherry Board 4″x16″x1″
Wood glue

Using three types of wood makes an attractive pattern for a cutting board. The project will take cutting the wood into strips and gluing them together.

Tutorial: therodimels.com

Expected cost: $50

Materials:

Wood strips
Titebond III waterproof wood glue
Clamps
Sandpaper
Butcher block oil

This project is not too difficult, but it does require some basic woodworking skills. You will need to be able to use a table saw and/or chop saw to cut the wood strips to size, and a sander (orbital or sheet) to sand the boards smooth.

If you want to add a decorative edge to your cutting board, you will also need a router. As far as materials go, you will need wood strips (of a hardwood species), Titebond III waterproof wood glue, clamps, sandpaper, and butcher block oil.

The most time-consuming part of this project is waiting for the glue to dry between each step. Make sure you allow plenty of time for the glue to set before moving on to the next step.

Tutorial: hometalk.com

Expected cost: $10-$20

Materials:

1×2 red oak
1×2 poplar
wood glue
other supplies

This project is perfect for summer. It’s a great way to add some personality to your garden, and it’s easy to make. You’ll need 1×2 red oak and 1×2 poplar, wood glue, and a few other supplies.

How to Make a Butcher Block Cutting Board with Handles

Tutorial: chatfieldcourt.com

Expected cost: This project will cost around $50 to complete.

Materials:

Old leather belt
Wooden board
Wood glue
Ruler or measuring tape
Saw
Sandpaper
Stain or paint (optional)

This project is a bit more difficult than your average DIY project, but it is still doable for most people. You will need to have some basic woodworking skills and knowledge in order to complete it.

The project entails making a cutting board from scratch, using an old leather belt for the handles. It will take some time and effort to complete, but the end result will be worth it!

How to Make a Bevel Edge Butcher Block Cutting Board

Tutorial: borkwoodblog.com

Materials:

Table saw
Miter saw
Doweling jig
Clamps
Sandpaper
End grain cutting board blank

This project is not for beginners, but it is also not an advanced woodworking project. If you are familiar with your power tools and have made a few projects using various hardwoods, you should be able to build an end grain cutting board.

This project will require the use of a table saw, miter saw, doweling jig, and clamps. You will also need to be able to sand the board smooth by hand or with a power sander.