How to Make Fallen Tree Cutting Boards

By
Martha Stewart Editors
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Martha Stewart Editors

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The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing.

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Updated on December 1, 2018

Turn fallen tree trunks into elegant cutting boards with this how-to from "The Martha Stewart Show" crafter Hosanna Houser.

Resources: Howard Butcher Block Conditioner and all tools available at The Home Depot.

What You'll Need

Materials

  • Recovered fallen tree trunk
  • Chainsaw
  • Safety glasses
  • Palm sander
  • 50-grit and 120-grit sandpaper
  • Tack cloth
  • Food-safe butcher block conditioner
  • Clean, soft cloths

Instructions

  1. Cut tree into slabs ranging from 1 inch to 2 inches thick. Let wood dry out for approximately one month. Tip: Cut more slabs than needed in case some pieces split while drying.

  2. Wear safety glasses while working with the slabs. Using a palm sander, sand with coarse (50-grit) paper. Finish sanding with a finer (120-grit) paper. Wipe off dust with a tack cloth.

  3. Use a clean, soft cloth to rub food-safe butcher block conditioner into wood. Let conditioner soak in for at least 20 minutes; wipe off excess and buff the wood to a nice sheen. Repeat as necessary, applying three to four coats of conditioner to season the surface.

Originally appeared: THE MARTHA STEWART SHOW, JANUARY 2011
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