Learn how to make a charcuterie board with woodworking by following these simple steps. With this guide, you’ll be able to make a beautiful and unique charcuterie board that will impress your guests.

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Introduction

If you love to entertain, then you know that one of the most popular party food trends right now is the charcuterie board. If you’re not familiar with the term, charcuterie is a French word that refers to cured meats, typically pork. A charcuterie board usually includes a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and other accompaniments like olives, nuts, and fruit.

One of the things that makes charcuterie boards so popular is that they can be customized to fit any party theme or season. For example, you could make a Halloween-themed board with spooky cured meats and cheeses or a Christmas-themed board with festive fruits and nuts.

Another reason charcuterie boards are so popular is that they’re relatively easy to assemble. However, if you want your board to look truly impressive, it’s worth taking the time to learn how to make a charcuterie board with woodworking. With a little bit of practice, you can create beautiful wooden boards that will make your guests say “wow!”

Tools and Materials

Tools:
-Ruler or measuring tape
-Square
-Circular saw
-Miter saw
-Table saw
-Chisel
-Hammer
-Nail set
-Cordless drill
-1/8″ dowel bit
-Paintbrush or foam brush
Materials:
-(3) 1″ x 6″ x 6′ boards (I used pine)
-(2) 1″ x 2″ x 6′ boards (I used pine)
Wood glue
80 grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Paint or wood stain (I used Minwax in Weathered Oak and Minwax in Classic Gray)
Polyurethane (I used Minwax in a semi-gloss finish)

Step One: Choose Your Wood

Charcuterie boards come in all shapes and sizes, but the one thing they have in common is that they’re all beautiful. If you’re looking to add a charcuterie board to your home, there are a few things you need to know before you get started.

The first step is to choose your wood. There are a variety of woods that can be used for charcuterie boards, but the most popular options are maple, cherry, and walnut. You’ll want to select a wood that is smooth and has a nice grain pattern. Once you’ve selected your wood, it’s time to get started on your project.

Step Two: Cut the Wood to Size

Now that you have your wood, it’s time to cut it to size. For this charcuterie board, I wanted it to be about 12” x 16”. I started by cutting my 2” x 12” piece of lumber down to 16” long using a miter saw . Then, I cut the 12” long piece in half so that I had two 6” wide pieces.

Step Three: Drill Holes for the Knives

Use a drill bit that is just slightly larger than the circumference of the handle of the knives you will be using. Drill four evenly spaced holes into the top of the cutting board, making sure that they are not too close to the edge. Be extra careful not to drill too deeply – you don’t want the knives to go all the way through the board!

Step Four: Assemble the Board

Now that all of your pieces are cut, it’s time to start assembling the board. You’ll want to start by attaching the two long side pieces to the two short side pieces using wood glue and clamps. Make sure the boards are flush with each other and that the corners are square.

Once the glue has dried, you can sand the edges of the board smooth. Then, using a router or chisel, round over all of the edges of the board. This will give your charcuterie board a nice finished look.

Finally, you’ll want to finish the board by applying a food-safe finish. I like to use a mixture of beeswax and mineral oil, but you can also use a polymerized tung oil or regular tung oil. Just apply a few coats of finish, letting each one dry completely before applying the next. Once the finish is dry, your charcuterie board is ready to use!

Step Five: Finish the Board

Now that your charcuterie board is all put together, it’s time to finish it. You can use any type of food-safe finish, but we recommend using a natural oil like beeswax or mineral oil. Apply a generous amount of finish to the board and spread it evenly with a clean cloth. Let the board sit for about 15 minutes, then wipe off any excess finish. Let the board dry overnight before using it.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make a charcuterie board with woodworking, it’s time to put your skills to the test! Gather your materials, choose your design, and get started on creating a beautiful and functional charcuterie board that will be the envy of all your friends.