Treat the chef on your list to butcher block done better. A nice thick chunk makes a hard-wearing prep surface, and a few strokes of a jigsaw transform it into a unique conversation piece.
To build a This Old House logo-shaped cutting board 12 inches wide by 14 inches high get one 1½-inch hardwood butcher block cut 14 inches square. Download the template of the TOH logo house shape here.
Other downloadable cutting board templates shapes include a Georgian House Template here, and a Row House Template here.
Step 1: Download the Template
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Using a restickable glue stick, adhere the template to the butcher block.
Step 2: Make Large Cuts
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With a straightedge and a pen or pencil, extend the lines on the template to the edge of your block to create guides for your jigsaw. Using a jigsaw fitted with an aggressive-tooth blade, cut out the form, stopping short at the corners.
Step 3: Trim the Corners
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Finish cutting out the corners with a fine-tooth pull saw.
Step 4: Apply Conditioner
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Season the board with butcher-block conditioner. Apply three to four coats to finish.