How to Make a Two-Tone Walnut & Maple Charcuterie Board (Step by Step Guide)

DIY Charcuterie Board: A Simple Woodworking Project Anyone Can Build

Charcuterie boards are everywhere — from holiday gatherings to everyday kitchen décor — and they’re surprisingly simple to make. In this project, we’ll walk through how to build a gorgeous two‑tone serving board using walnut and maple.

This project is perfect for beginners, weekend woodworkers, or anyone looking to create a handmade gift that looks high‑end.

Materials & Tools

Lumber

• Maple (center panel)

• Walnut (side panels)

Tools

• Planer

• Jointer

• Table saw or miter saw

• Jigsaw

• Drill or drill press

• Router (for chamfer)

• Sandpaper (120 & 220 grit)

• Clamps

• Mineral oil (food‑safe)

 Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Prep and Plane the Lumber

The project starts with rough lumber, so the first step is sending each board through the planer to remove splinters and make the pieces easier to handle.

2. Cut and Joint the Boards

The design features maple in the center with walnut on each side. Joint the edges, rip the walnut in half, and size everything to achieve a final board around 11×22 inches, including the handle.

3. Glue Up the Panel

With all pieces milled and cut, glue the boards together. Use cauls to apply even pressure from top to bottom and ensure a seamless glue line. Let the panel dry overnight for best results.

4. Trim to Final Length

Once the glue is cured, trim both ends of the board at the miter saw to bring it to its final length of about 23 inches.

5. Shape the Handle

Using a simple shop trick, trace curves using scrap pipe or round objects to design a comfortable handle shape. Cut it out with a jigsaw for smooth, flowing lines.

6. Drill the Hanging Hole

To make the board easy to store, drill a hole at the top center of the handle. A drill press works great, but a handheld drill is perfectly fine too.

7. Add a Chamfer

Run a small chamfer using a router around both sides of the board. This softens the edges and gives the board a polished, professional look.

8. Sand the Board Smooth

Sand the entire board with 120 grit, then raise the grain with a damp cloth. Once dry, sand again with 220 grit for a silky finish.

9. Apply a Food‑Safe Finish

Use white mineral oil to bring out the natural beauty of the walnut and maple. Apply generously and let the board soak it in before wiping off the excess.

Final Thoughts

This two‑tone charcuterie board is simple, elegant, and surprisingly quick to make. With just a few tools and some basic woodworking techniques, you can create a handmade piece that sells for $80–$100 online — or becomes a cherished gift for someone special.