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Cutting board with a frame?

Bio-Vizier · 7 Sep 2026 at 00:29 · permalink

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.

BruhhClumsy · 7 Sep 2026 at 00:38 · permalink

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

podsosnik21 · 7 Sep 2026 at 00:42 · permalink

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

chupakabrikK · 7 Sep 2026 at 00:47 · permalink

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?

Monc_rer · 7 Sep 2026 at 00:59 · permalink

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

DarkQuack · 7 Sep 2026 at 01:06 · permalink

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

Bio-Vizier · 7 Sep 2026 at 01:27 · permalink

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

Bio-Vizier · 7 Sep 2026 at 01:28 · permalink

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

Monc_rer · 7 Sep 2026 at 01:28 · permalink

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.

Bio-Vizier · 7 Sep 2026 at 01:36 · permalink

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.

kken2333 · 7 Sep 2026 at 04:32 · permalink

# 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.

Wolf_Hello_World · 7 Sep 2026 at 19:50 · permalink

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