Step 1

Before countertop installation begins, ask the installer to take special care of any drops. If required, cut the butcher-block drop to remove saw marks and notches.

Jason Kisner

Smooth the perimeter of material with an orbital sander, removing only blade marks and high spots, and take care not to reshape the piece.

Jason Kisner

Once shaped, smooth the perimeter of material with an orbital sander, removing only blade marks and high spots, and take care not to reshape the piece.

Jason Kisner

Sink-drop Butcher Block

Before countertop installation begins, ask the installer to take special care of any drops. If required, cut the butcher-block drop to remove saw marks and notches.

Photo By: Jason Kisner

Smooth the Butcher Block Edges

Smooth the perimeter of material with an orbital sander, removing only blade marks and high spots, and take care not to reshape the piece.

Photo By: Jason Kisner

Smooth Board Perimeter with Sander

Once shaped, smooth the perimeter of material with an orbital sander, removing only blade marks and high spots, and take care not to reshape the piece.

Photo By: Jason Kisner

Shape the Butcher Block

Before countertop installation begins, ask the installer to take special care of any drops. If required, cut the butcher-block drop to remove saw marks and notches. Once shaped, smooth the perimeter of material with an orbital sander, removing only blade marks and high spots, and take care not to reshape the piece.

Step 2

Secure the butcher block to a work surface with padded clamps. Using a 3/8” roundover bit and working slowly, run the bit along the perimeter of the butcher block on both the top and bottom edges.

Jason Kisner

Next, examine the butcher block to determine its top side. On the bottom side, center a 4"- to 6"-wide mark along each shorter edge.

Jason Kisner

Next, examine the butcher block to determine its top side. On the bottom side, center a 4"- to 6"-wide mark along each shorter edge. Using the 1/2" cove bit and starting in the center of each mark, work out to remove the length to create finger-holds.

Jason Kisner

Using the 1/2" cove bit and starting in the center of each mark, work out to remove the length of material to create finger-holds. Using a piece of sandpaper, remove any burned or burnished spots.

Jason Kisner

Route Cutting Board

Secure the butcher block to a work surface with padded clamps. Using a 3/8” roundover bit and working slowly, run the bit along the perimeter of the butcher block on both the top and bottom edges.

Photo By: Jason Kisner

Measure for Cove Cut

Next, examine the butcher block to determine its top side. On the bottom side, center a 4"- to 6"-wide mark along each shorter edge.

Photo By: Jason Kisner

Route Out Finger-holds

Next, examine the butcher block to determine its top side. On the bottom side, center a 4"- to 6"-wide mark along each shorter edge. Using the 1/2" cove bit and starting in the center of each mark, work out to remove the length to create finger-holds.

Photo By: Jason Kisner

Routed Finger-holds

Using the 1/2" cove bit and starting in the center of each mark, work out to remove the length of material to create finger-holds. Using a piece of sandpaper, remove any burned or burnished spots.

Photo By: Jason Kisner

Route the Cutting Board

Secure the butcher block to a work surface with padded clamps. Using a 3/8” roundover bit and working slowly, run the bit along the perimeter of the butcher block on both the top and bottom edges.

Next, examine the butcher block to determine its top side. On the bottom side, center a 4"- to 6"-wide mark along each shorter edge. Using the 1/2" cove bit and starting in the center of each mark, work out to remove the length.

Using a piece of sandpaper, remove any burned or burnished spots.

Step 3

Apply Oil to Butcher Block

Oil Your Butch Block

Using steel wool and smoothing out the wood grain, rub down the entire board in a circular motion. Using a clean cotton towel, apply the butcher-block oil liberally and per the label. Once dry, enjoy!

Photo by: Jason Kisner

Jason Kisner

Finish the Cutting Board

Using steel wool and smoothing out the wood grain, rub down the entire board in a circular motion. Using a clean cotton towel, apply the butcher-block oil liberally and per the label. Once dry, enjoy!