Is there any way to make a cutting board with one type of wood as a frame on all sides? I'm worried about expansion. But if I leave expansion joints, it's not really food safe.

Not a typical “frame” but you might be able to pieces to the ends of the board. Think end grain to end grain glue up to maintain grain direction and help with wood movements

Take this with a grain of salt, haven’t made a board like this before

There's a reason you don't see cutting boards made this way.

Sure. You just run the grain in the same direction on all sides. So two sides will have the grain running in the "wrong" direction. And then what's the point of the frame?

You do it if it’s all end grain. Like this. https://www.westcoastboards.ca/product-page/maple-walnut-15x21-ready-to-ship-1

Why? What's your motivation to go that way since you know it's problematic?

That's the look I am looking for but not end grain. It seems that this is not realistic.

Just a different look and was hoping there was a way. Thought I would ask the collective and see if I was missing something.

Ahh yeah if it’s not end grain it’s gonna be very risky lol. You could maybe do breadboard ends. I don’t have much experience with them though to be certain.

Ya, I was thinking that too. But seems like it's a bad idea for a cutting board. Possible food or microbiome getting caught in there.

# Here's an example of a board I did using a "frame" idea. It's maple and padauk, 24 x 36, a full sized counter top board. You can see the 10 dowels I used to hold the edging into the end grain of the slats. It's been in constant use for over 3 years and doesn't appear any worse for the wear. Maybe it'll provide OP with an idea or two.

very unique. Not really a cutting board kinda guy, but I like this one.