How to Build a Wood Butcher Block

Wooden butcher blocks are a classic kitchen item that can be used "as-is" as a cutting board or mounted over cabinetry as a countertop surface. A butcher block consists of a series of wooden blocks that are glued together to form a work surface. The end grain of the blocks form the work surface because it will not dull knife blades as quickly as other grain configurations. Build a 2-inch thick 12-by-12-inch piece to create a portable butcher block for your kitchen. Use walnut and maple to create a pleasing checkerboard pattern on the butcher block surface.

18 maple blocks, 2-by-2-by-2-inch
18 walnut blocks, 2-by-2-by-2-inch
Wood glue
Frame clamp
Damp cloth
Orbital sander, fine-grit sanding pad
Tack cloth
Mineral oil cloth rag

Instructions

- 1
  Place the maple and walnut blocks in six rows of six to form a 12-by-12-inch square assembly. Alternate the blocks so that they form a checkerboard pattern. Place the end grain of each block facing up. You can identify the end grain by looking at the blocks. The end grain will have curved rings instead of straight grain lines.
- 2
  Apply wood glue to the sides of the blocks, one at a time, where they adjoin the other blocks, and press the assembly together.
- 3
  Center a frame clamp around the block assembly and tighten the clamp. Wipe off any excess glue that oozes out with a damp cloth. Allow the glue to dry at least 24 hours.
- 4
  Remove the frame clamp from the butcher block assembly. Sand all surfaces of the assembly using an orbital sander equipped with a fine-grit sanding pad, until it is completely smooth.
- 5
  Wipe off the dust left from sanding with a tack cloth just before you are ready to apply the finish. Rub mineral oil into the butcher block with a cloth rag. Allow the oil to penetrate the surface for five minutes and wipe off the excess oil with the cloth rag.

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