Tabletop Endgrain Butcher Block Specs

[Ward Green]

I have been considering a butcher block as my next project. I would love to create a butcher block island, but I think that project is a little on the advanced side for my experience. So I am opting to test my skills on a table top block as a possible gift. I have a few questions I am hoping someone can help answer.

What size is too big for a table top butcher block? For clarity, let suppose the kitchen size is maybe 10 ft X 15 ft.

I like the idea of hefty blocks - like 2 plus inches. For a butcher block 18in X 18in X 2in, what is the kind of weight I can expect to be moving around the kitchen? What is the idea size for a table top butcher block? And about how much money can I expect to spend on the various options of hardwood for such a project?

 

[Jeff]

I don't like the idea of "best this" or "ideal size" for this or that because circumstances, form, and function are different for each of us. How does a 10' x 15' kitchen figure into your planning ideas for a butcher block cutting board? :dontknow:

Here's some information from your 18" x 18" x 2" about potential weight and pricing. Maybe about $30-40 tops for wood materials only (buy more for potential expansion or mis-cuts).

18" x 18" x 2" = 648 cubic inches = 0.375 cubic feet.

	lbs/cu ft
Hard maple	44
Soft maple	38
White oak	47
Black walnut	38

Prices. There's also a board footage (bf) calculator. Your dimensions = 4.50 bf.

https://hardwoodstore.com/lumber-prices

I sent this video to you earlier but here it is again in case you missed it.

http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/how-to-make-a-butcher-block-cutting-board/

 

[Ward Green]

I don't like the idea of "best this" or "ideal size" for this or that because circumstances, form, and function are different for each of us. How does a 10' x 15' kitchen figure into your planning ideas for a butcher block cutting board? :dontknow:

Hey Jeff, Thanks for the response. Just for the reason you mentioned, there are a lot of variables at play and I wanted to make it more specific: I do not want to make a cutting board too big. You have limited counter top space in smaller kitchens.

I sent this video to you earlier but here it is again in case you missed it.

http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/vide...cutting-board/

I do remember the link you sent me. And I have watched so many videos on butchers blocks. I think you provided me the missing information I did not have on building an end grain butchers block.

 

[KenOfCary]

I have made several of the Woodwhisperer versions of this cutting block both for my wife and for relatives. They have been very well received and are a very good starter project for creating an end-grain cutting board and for learning the basics. He provides very detailed video instructions and there are even kits that you can buy from Bell Forest Products if you like.

 

[Raymond]

Ward, I have a 20 wide x 15 deep x 1-3/4 thick teak edge grain cutting board. It has been a good CB for about 10 years now.

Use cardboard cut to different widths and depths to see what looks and feels like the best size before you go chopping and cutting the wood. That's what I did and, of course, the wife liked the size stated so that is what she got.

 

[Ward Green]

Does anyone have a opinion on which woods look best together to create the checkerboard pattern for a butcher block?

 

[Jeff]

Here's a few guidelines from one of our members (The Board Smith) but I don't know if he's still a member.

http://www.theboardsmith.com/boardsmith-faqs-2/

Also take a look at these boards and then go to the "Choose Options" to see a bit more detail about their boards, species, dimensions, finish.

https://www.armanifinewoodworking.com/end-grain-butcher-block-countertops/

 

[MarkE]

Does anyone have a opinion on which woods look best together to create the checkerboard pattern for a butcher block?

I've made a few boards using Maple and Cherry with a Walnut border.

This one is Maple and Cherry with a Cherry border.

 

[jlwest]

I buy my bigger pieces from John Boos (there are several distributers also). High quality and good product.
https://www.johnboos.com/Index.asp?s=r

 

[Tarhead]

How do you deal with swelling and the borders? I would be afraid they would split.

 

[dupont6480]

Ward,
Really depends on customer. I made a Purple Heart and Maple and have had several people request the same. . .
Tim