This order was very special to me. A friend of mine requested a cutting board that can be used for cutting on one side and a serving tray when flipped over. I had made other cutting boards like this, but she requested something that challenged me. She asked that the cutting board would be in the shape of Puerto Rico. This was something I had never done before and no idea how I was going to do it, this feeling is one of the reasons I love what I do. This build was so much fun and the customer was pleased with the results.

This cutting board was entirely made with Rainbow Poplar. After many cuts and glue ups, I was left with a solid wood blank. I ran multiple passes through the planer to get the blank ready for the scroll saw. With the requested measurements I printed off a reference sheet of Puerto Rico that came out to 6 pages. Using spray adhesive I attached the sheets to the blank and it was ready for the scroll saw. The scroll saw allowed me to make sharp detailed cuts to achieve the design. I sanded the board down to 180 grit then sprayed it with water to raise the grain. After the grain was up I sanded down to 320 grit. The last steps were 3 coats of Walrus cutting board oil with 8 hours between coats, then 2 polished coats of Walrus cutting board wax.

Benefits of Poplar Wood

• Durability: Although softer than maple or walnut, poplar is still a sturdy choice for cutting and food prep.

• Gentle on Knives: Its soft surface reduces wear on knives, helping them stay sharp longer.

• Low Porosity: Poplar is less absorbent and more moisture-resistant, which helps reduce bacterial growth.

Maintenance

Caring for a poplar cutting board is easy. Regularly oil it with food-grade mineral oil to enhance its look and extend its life. Avoid soaking it or using a dishwasher, as too much moisture can warp the wood.