Make SUPER CHEAP Wood Cutting Boards (Shockingly Good!)

Turn a cheap 2x4 into a cutting board that’s better than a professional end grain cutting board! I challenged myself to turn a 2x4 stud into a professional looking end grain cutting board. But how will it hold up to the demands of everyday use in the kitchen? To test this, I made a maple end grain cutting board in my workshop and then compared the two cutting boards. They were tested for their durability from a variety of knives, their ability to resist stains, and their stability after washing with soap and water. I was shocked at the results! Woodworking is expensive enough. It’s always great when we can figure out a way to make it a little cheaper. Maybe that’s a different tool or cheaper lumber. I hope this woodworking project provides some creativity and inspiration to get into your workshop to make something others say is impossible!

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Here’s a list of tools and materials that I used to make this project. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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This video was sponsored by Woodworkers Guild of America

[macerobinson]

"Every now and then I like a little bit hummas!" Hilarious! I just found your channel but that comment alone made me a fan.

[Goalsplus]

My wife's favourite chopping board is a small face grain pine one our daughter made 25 years ago. Its surface is concave now but it still gets a lot of use. It's light, small, thin and loved!

[bilbaggins]

Most important tip is right at the beginning! Use Tight Grained wood (US viewers, read "lumber"). Also use "hard" maple.
Personally I would have cut the original boards narrower then glue them up alternatively so when you do the end grain glue up, you get a much more interesting pattern. Also the more end grains the less likelihood of knife cut marks when in use. I also believe there will be less chance of warping occurring to the board down the track. But hey! It's your board & video... :-)

[zlvirag]

..thanks for this excellent, and entertaining post...I'm going to lumber store today, on the way to other destinations, and picking up a 2x6x8 ft pine board.
Am actually going to try an end grain board-first ever.
Have already made a couple of bread boards out of re-claimed fir(from old elevator), and gotta tell you, they are holding up really well.

[ArtisticEndeavors]

Hey - if nothing else, this makes for low-cost practice! ✌🏻🎨☕️

[drunkenhobgoblin]

There’s a company in Eastern Canada that produces tamarack/Larch end grain boards. It’s a dense softwood and their boards are sold worldwide

[poolcrusher]

I appreciate the test that you have performed here, granted it's not a bulletproof one. With that said, I'm impressed. I have wondered for several years about making cutting boards out of pine/fir, but never put the thought to action. You, sir, have restarted that thought process, especially as how I work predominately with pine/fir wood. Thanks

[michaelhines]

I made a 2x4 end grain board a few years ago. It came out great. the issue is years later even with proper care its warped. I think 2x4 is not dry enough from the store to work without warping. In the video he said he had it in his shop for months before using I think that's smart.

[greatgrandpaswoodworking]

Again great video. I do not make cutting boards but it was fun with good information to watch.

[MCsCreations]

Pretty interesting experiment, Billy! 😃
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[caafeministriesinc]

Well done, love the simplicity. I have made all of my boards out of hardwood. My next one will be pine like yours!

[josephperez]

Great video…. Showing beginners real word

[PeterMandel-ko]

I have had an end grain Larch wood cutting board that I have use every day for over 5 years and it has held up extremely well. Additionally, being a soft wood it is easier on your knife blades. I prefer it to any hardwood cutting board. If you compare non-end grain cutting boards, hard wood would hold up better but be much rougher on your knives, more resistant to the board being cut. The principle is that with end grain the knife blade is splitting between the fibers, as opposed to cutting across the grain, which would wear your blade down faster. Thus for every day use a softer end grain board would be best for your knives.

[didgey]

You deserve more followers! Great video!

[CeeJayTheth]

Thank you! I've gritted my teeth for years about people saying you *can't* make cutting boards out of pine. You damn well can and they're fine lol

[nwa]

What about the resin and pitch in pine. Over time I think that will effect the taste of food you cut on it

[svedalawoodcrafts]

My bread knife is a beast, it'll cut through the cutting board, workbench everything, hehe :-) This was actually a good comparison video. Thank you and enjoyed the comedy inlays, made it enjoyable to watch.

[gsilcoful]

That was very interesting and well done.

[benpappas]

Quick question from a newer woodworker. Are there treatment chemicals in a standard 2x4 that might raise some concerns?

[markduggan]

Great idea, I personally would make two, maybe even 3, one for fruit and veg, one for raw meat, and then one for cooked meat. I know I'm fussy, but I used to be in charge of a kitchen.