As a woodworker, making gifts for loved ones is a real joy. It adds an extra layer of meaning to our projects. I mean, sure, we could buy something from the store, but there’s just something so satisfying about making something with our own two hands.
The serving boards we’re making today are simple but impressive. These ones are on the smaller side, but they’re still great. Whether you’re setting out snacks for a movie night or hosting a fancy dinner party, a handmade serving board adds a nice touch.
Let’s get into it.
Cut List
Hardwood | Qty | Dimensions (Inch) | Thickness |
Serving Board 01 | 1 | 10 x 4-3/4 | 1/2 |
Serving Board 02 | 1 | 9-3/4 x 6 | 1/2 |
Materials
Item | Qty | Specification |
Wood stain | 1 | optional |
Wood varnish | 1 | polyurethane |
Sandpaper | 3 | 150, 220, and 320 grit |
Tools
- Circular Saw
- Drill
- Clamps
- Sander
- Scroll Saw or Jig Saw
Process
Step 1
Cut pieces that are 1/4 inch wider and longer than the final dimensions of the serving board.
It’s a good idea to make these serving boards out of hardwood rather than softwood like pine. I opted for oak, just because my local lumberyard lacks hardwood options. As a matter of personal preference, I incorporated walnut strips for added variety. So while the original design features one type of wood, I found these accents give it an extra touch of personality.
Now, the good thing about this project is you can make changes like this and embellish it how you like. So if you feel like adding more types of hardwood to give it a little bit more color, or maybe making a bigger size, that’s absolutely fine.
Step 2
Place the printable pattern on the wood and carefully trace the contour. Then, use a scroll saw to cut out the shape along the drawn line.
Step 3
Mark and drill the holes.
Step 4
Carefully round the edges using a router with a 1/8 inch round-over bit to achieve a smooth finish.
Step 5
Sand the edges of the serving board using 150-grit sandpaper, then proceed to sand all surfaces with 220-grit sandpaper for a refined look.
Step 6
Optionally, apply stain to enhance the color of the wood.
Step 7
Finish the serving board by applying polyurethane varnish at least twice for protection. After the first layer of varnish, sand all surfaces with 320-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.
Pro Tip: When using this project for cutting boards, skip the varnish and go for mineral oil instead. While both are food-safe, varnish can get cut by knives, leading to wood slivers in your food.
Final Thoughts
I have to say, making these DIY serving boards has been a blast. They’re not only useful but also a lot of fun to put together. They’re also pretty easy to make, so even beginner woodworkers can tackle this.
There are so many possibilities with this project as well. You can add more wood types for a dash of color and variety, or even make it into a wackier shape if you like. Whether you’re making them as gifts or for your own entertaining needs, these serving boards can add a special touch to any occasion.
Rich is a second-generation woodworker, having grown up in his dad’s workshop, “making sawdust.” Fifty years later, he’s still studying and working on improving his own woodworking skills, while also helping new woodworkers “catch the bug” for the smell of fresh sawdust. While Rich has done some custom woodworking projects, his greatest thrill is helping the next generation of woodworkers along, regardless of their age. His background as an engineer and a writer just adds to his ability to teach his true passion, woodworking.
