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Writer's pictureBrian Pocek

Live Edge Charcuterie Boards: A Guide to Making Your Own

Updated: Apr 21



Virginia Tech Walnut Charcuterie Board with Hard Maple Inlay of the Writing "VT Virginia Tech"

Charcuterie boards are a beautiful and functional way to display your favorite meats, cheeses, and other snacks. They can be made from a variety of materials, but live edge boards made from wood are particularly popular for their unique look and natural feel. Here, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about live edge charcuterie boards and give you the information you need to make your own.

How to Make a Live Edge Charcuterie Board:

  1. Start by selecting a piece of wood that has a distinctive edge. Popular options include walnut, maple, cherry, and oak.

  2. Cut the board to size, ensuring that the edge you want to show is the longest side.

  3. Sand the board to remove any rough spots or sharp edges. You'll want to start with a coarse grit sandpaper and gradually work your way up to a finer grit.

  4. Decide whether you want to leave the bark on the board. If you do, make sure to sand it as well to make sure it's smooth and won't catch on anything.

  5. Choose a food-safe finish for your board. Popular options include mineral oil, beeswax, and food-grade mineral oil.

  6. Apply the finish to the board, making sure to cover all surfaces thoroughly. Let the board dry completely before using it.

What Wood Should Not Be Used for Charcuterie Boards: It's important to use wood that is safe for food use. Some woods, such as pine and cedar, contain resins that can be harmful if ingested. Other woods, such as redwood and sequoia, are naturally high in tannins that can give your food a bitter taste. To be safe, stick with wood species that are known to be food-safe, such as walnut, cherry, and oak. How to Finish a Live Edge on a Wood Charcuterie Board: To achieve a smooth, finished look on your live edge board, you'll want to sand it thoroughly and apply a food-safe finish. Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Sand the board using progressively finer grits of sandpaper until it's smooth to the touch.

  2. Clean the board to remove any dust or debris.

  3. Apply a food-safe finish to the board, making sure to cover all surfaces. Let the finish dry completely before using the board.

Do You Leave the Bark on a Live Edge Charcuterie Board? It's up to personal preference whether to leave the bark on a live edge charcuterie board. If you choose to leave it on, make sure to sand it thoroughly so it's smooth and won't catch on anything.

How to Seal Wood for Charcuterie Board: To seal a charcuterie board, you'll want to use a food-safe finish. Popular options include mineral oil, beeswax, and food-grade mineral oil. Simply apply the finish to the board, making sure to cover all surfaces, and let it dry completely before using the board.

What Do You Seal a Homemade Charcuterie Board With? The best finish to use on a homemade charcuterie board is one that is food-safe. Popular options include mineral oil, beeswax, and food-grade mineral oil. Is Food Safe for Charcuterie Board? To ensure that your charcuterie board is safe for food use, it's important to choose a finish that is labeled as "food-safe." Some popular food-safe finishes include mineral oil, beeswax, and food-grade mineral oil. You can also find commercial food-safe wood finishes at most hardware stores.

Should I Oil My Wooden Charcuterie Board? Yes, oiling your wooden charcuterie board is a good idea to keep it moisturized and looking its best. Make sure to use a food-safe oil, such as mineral oil or food-grade mineral oil.

What Is the Best Finish to Put on a Live Edge Table? The best finish for a live edge table will depend on your personal preferences and the look you're trying to achieve. Some popular options include clear finishes, such as polyurethane or lacquer, as well as natural finishes, such as mineral oil or beeswax. Ultimately, the best finish for your live edge table will depend on the type of wood you're using and the look you're trying to achieve.

In conclusion, live edge charcuterie boards are a beautiful and functional way to display your favorite snacks and are a fun DIY project to make at home. Just make sure to choose a food-safe wood and finish, and you'll be able to enjoy your homemade charcuterie board for years to come.

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