Charcuterie Board With Coffee Grounds Filler

Charcuterie or serving boards are very trendy (and expensive) right now. You don’t need a piece of prime lumber to make one with. This board has a large bark inclusion with a void but it’s still usable. I’ve been filling in gaps like this for years.

Supplies

For this project you’ll need:

A board of some kind, I used some cherry I’ve had for years.

A jig saw

A drill with appropriate bits

Titebond 3 glue

Coffee grounds, dried

Putty knife

Sandpaper

Food grade mineral mineral oil

Step 1: Design the Shape That Best Suits the Grain

I use chalk to outline the best look for the board. This step is strictly your artistic design, there is no right or wrong as long as it is pleasing to your eye.

Step 2:

Step 3: Time to Cut It Out

Using a jigsaw or bandsaw, cut out the basic shape of your board.

Step 4: Fill in the Gaps

Titebond 3 is waterproof glue. It’s used to glue up cutting boards and for exterior projects. This board had a crack the ran completely through it. I started by working the glue completely through the crack. Then I added a layer of coffee grounds on top of the glue. Then make a puddle of glue and work coffee grounds into it, mixing it well. Continue to fill in the gaps with the “coffee grounds putty”. Allow the putty to dry for several hours and repeat on the other side.

Step 5: Sand and Sand Some More

Once the coffee putty dries overnight, sand everything smooth. It is possible that there will be voids that will need more coffee putty. Once it is sanded flat, fill in any voids with more coffee putty and wait for it to cure.

Step 6: After Sanding

After sanding it should be flat and void free. Once I realize I can “save” the board, I move on to finishing it.

Step 7: Almost Finished

I drill the hole in the handle. The hole in this board is 1-1/2”. Don’t make the hole too big or the handle could break out. (Don’t ask me how I know this). I rounded over the edge with a round over bit and gave the entire board a good hand sanding with 220 grit.

Step 8: Finishing Up

The only thing left to do is oil the board. I used Howard’s cutting board oil but you could also use food grade mineral oil which is much cheaper. Apply the oil and let it soak in for 10-15 minutes and wipe off any extra.

Don’t put the board in the dishwasher. Replenish the board with oil if it begins to lose it’s luster.

Enjoy your hard work.