You can make this handsome serving board in one weekend! Check out the simple how-to steps and make one for yourself or for a gift.
Introduction
Looking for a woodworking project that will provide years of use and satisfaction? Make this beautiful wood serving board. This is a simple project, perfect for the beginning woodworker. With just a few hours of work, you'll have a handmade serving board ready for your next gathering.
Materials: $30
Time: 2 days
Skill Level: Beginner
Cutting List
| KEY | QTY. | PART | DIMENSIONS |
| A | 2 | Serving board side | 3/4″ x 18″ x 6″ |
| B | 2 | Foot | 3/4″ x 3/4″ x 11″ |
Project step-by-step (9)
Step 1
Cut stock to length
- Cut everything to width on the table saw.
- Pro Tip: If you don’t have a table saw, some lumberyards will cut your stock to width. Alternatively, home centers often have pre-milled lumber in varying widths.
- On the miter saw, cut all the parts to length.
Step 2
Make the feet
- Draw the shape of the feet following the example. The actual shape of the curves is not important, so you can add your own style!
- Cut the profile on your band saw. If you don’t have a band saw, a jigsaw will do the trick. Just be careful with the narrow boards.
- Sand out any saw marks left behind from cutting.
Step 3
Glue up the boards
- Spread a bead of glue on both edges and spread it out with your finger or a brush, so it’s an even film of glue.
- Clamp the two halves side to side.
- Clean off any glue squeeze out.
- Pro Tip: Wait about 10 minutes before scraping off the glue. Wiping it off immediately risks clogging the grain pores of the surrounding wood, affecting the finish.
- Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.
Step 4
Round over the corners
- Mark the curves with a pencil.
- Pro Tip: Use a quart-size paint can as your guide for drawing the arcs.
- With a jigsaw or bandsaw, round off the corners of the serving board.
- Sand the cuts smoothly to remove any saw marks.
Step 5
Attach the feet
- Apply small dots of wood glue to the feet and set them 1-1/2 in. from each end and centered on the serving board.
- It’s not important to clamp the feet, just move them back and forth while applying a little pressure, then make sure they’re set straight and let them be.
- Clean off any squeeze-out and let the glue set up for a couple of hours before moving on to the next step.
Step 6
Sand the serving board smooth
- Starting with 100-grit sandpaper, sand the board on all sides. Progress up to 220-grit sandpaper.
- Slightly round over all the edges to remove any sharp corners.
Step 7
Apply a finish
- Finishes for serving boards should be food-safe yet durable.
- Use mineral oil for a simple finish that will require routine maintenance.
- For more durable protection, choose an easy-wiping urethane, like General Finishes Gel Top coat.
- Pro Tip: Stay away from Tung oil. It’s not recognized by the FDA as food safe.
Step 8
Drill holes for the handles
- Cabinet drawer pulls make perfect handles for a serving tray. There are so many styles to choose from, it’s easy to find one that suits your aesthetic.
- Using the handle as a guide, center it on the serving board and mark the holes 1-1/4 in. from the end of the board. This should put the screws through the feet, providing even more strength.
- Drill the holes using a 3/16-in. drill bit.
Step 9
Attach the handles
- Attach the handles, from the underside of the board, with machine screws.
