How to Restore Cutting Boards

How to Restore an Old Dry/Split Cutting Board 

Hello all! Happy Holidays! Sorry I have not posted so much lately- I have been working on a BIG project that has taken up a lot of my free time. More on that project later- but lately, I have been on this cutting board kick....making them, refinishing them, researching them. There is nothing like a good cutting board to be the backdrop of either a cheese and fruit display or just for everyday use. Lets be honest, after some time they dry up, crack, split, and get all gross with bacteria. Instead of throwing them away I decided to give restoring them a whirl. 

This little sad cutting board was my first target, I believe it is made with walnut and oak, this may have initially been a wedding gift from when I was married so it is at least 7 years old, and has taken a beating. 

Lots of cut marks, pretty ratty looking. 

Cracked handle.

Here's what I did:

First I brought out my orbital sander. The goal here was to sand the snot out of it until all of the knife marks were sanded out, and more of the pretty wood grain was exposed. 

I used 120 grit sand paper.

Then 220, I sanded both sides. Once I got to the 220 see how much better the board was already looking?

220 grit

Then, it was time to fix the crack in the handle. I used Titebond III wood glue, non-toxic, waterproof, all of that stuff.

I smeared it in the crack with a piece of cardboard edge. 

Glue sitting on another cutting board project of mine-
see... I am going through a cutting board phase. 

Then I clamped it with a mini-clamp and let dry, bout 30 minutes, 

then sanded around the handle with 220 grit sandpaper. 

Clamped very tightly. 

Next after vacuuming the dust from the board and wiping down with a very lightly damp cloth, I added oils to it to condition it and protect it. I just added a few drops and rubbed in with a rag, the wood was so dry it soaked up almost immediately. 

Butcher Block Cutting Board Oil, just picked it up at HD.

I allowed it to sit for about 10-15 minutes and buffed it out with a rag. Then repeated the step. I conditioned the board about two times a day for 2 days. I am pretty happy with the results. The knife marks were almost completely gone and the handle turned out great, seamless after sanding. 

Getting better.

Here are some after photos of my cutting board. Sorry they are from nighttime- but I can only really blog when the little ones are asleep. 

Much Better huh??

Even the edges look better. 

Hope you like this tutorial! Stay tuned for more cutting board tutorials soon!

Happy Building-

Kristen