How Many Cutting Board Strips Do I Need?
The number of cutting board strips you need depends on the finished board width, the strip orientation, and whether you want a thinner face-up board or a thicker on-edge cutting board. This guide is based on Jeff Mack Supply cutting board wood strips, which measure approximately 1.75" wide x 3/4" thick before sanding, trimming, glue cleanup, or additional milling.
The Simple Answer
If you are using Jeff Mack Supply cutting board strips, each strip adds approximately 1.75" of board width when glued face-up, or approximately 3/4" of board width when rotated on edge.
Face-Up Layout Formula
Finished board width ÷ 1.75" = estimated number of stripsThis layout creates an approximately 3/4" thick board before sanding and finishing. It is a good option for serving boards, cheese boards, charcuterie-style boards, and lighter-duty cutting boards.
On-Edge Layout Formula
Finished board width ÷ 0.75" = estimated number of stripsThis layout creates an approximately 1.75" thick board before sanding and finishing. It is a better option when you want a thicker, more substantial cutting board.
These calculations are starting points. Final board size can change slightly after glue-up, trimming, sanding, flattening, and finishing.
Face-Up vs On-Edge: This Is the Big Decision
Before calculating how many strips you need, decide how you want to orient the wood. The same strip can be used two different ways. Face-up uses the 1.75" face to build width quickly and creates a thinner board. On-edge uses the 3/4" thickness to build width more slowly and creates a thicker cutting board.
Face-Up Layout Strip Count
In a face-up layout, the wider 1.75" face of each strip is visible on the top of the board. This is the easiest way to build width with fewer pieces.
| Number of Strips | Approx. Board Width Before Cleanup | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 5 strips | Approx. 8.75" | Small serving boards, cheese boards, small gifts |
| 6 strips | Approx. 10.5" | Small cutting boards and compact kitchen boards |
| 7 strips | Approx. 12.25" | Standard everyday cutting boards |
| 8 strips | Approx. 14" | Larger serving boards and wider cutting boards |
| 9 strips | Approx. 15.75" | Large boards with more layout presence |
| 10 strips | Approx. 17.5" | Large cutting boards or statement serving boards |
| 12 strips | Approx. 21" | Oversized boards or multiple smaller projects |
Face-Up Layout Summary
Choose the face-up layout if you want a thinner board, a serving board, a cheese board, or a charcuterie-style board. It uses fewer strips to reach your finished width.
On-Edge Layout Strip Count
In an on-edge layout, the strips are rotated so the 1.75" dimension becomes the board thickness. This creates a thicker board, but each strip only adds about 3/4" of width.
| Number of Strips | Approx. Board Width Before Cleanup | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 5 strips | Approx. 3.75" | Small accent panels, narrow boards, test glue-ups |
| 6 strips | Approx. 4.5" | Narrow boards or accent sections |
| 7 strips | Approx. 5.25" | Small utility boards or design sections |
| 8 strips | Approx. 6" | Small thick cutting boards |
| 9 strips | Approx. 6.75" | Compact thick boards |
| 10 strips | Approx. 7.5" | Small butcher-block-style boards |
| 12 strips | Approx. 9" | Thicker cutting boards with more usable width |
On-Edge Layout Summary
Choose the on-edge layout if you want a thicker cutting board with a more substantial feel. You will need more strips than a face-up layout because each strip contributes less width.
How to Choose the Right Strip Layout
Both layouts can work well. The best choice depends on the type of project you want to make and how thick you want the finished board to feel.
Choose Face-Up For
Serving boards, cheese boards, charcuterie boards, thinner cutting boards, beginner projects, and layouts where you want to show off more face grain.
Choose On-Edge For
Thicker cutting boards, butcher-block-style boards, heavier kitchen boards, and projects where you want a more substantial feel.
Choose Mixed Packs For
Testing different species, building your own custom kit, experimenting with layouts, or making multiple small projects from one pack.
Example Strip Counts for Common Projects
Here are some practical examples using Jeff Mack Supply cutting board strips.
Small Face-Up Serving Board
Use 5–6 strips for a board around 8.75" to 10.5" wide before cleanup. This is a good size for cheese boards, gifts, and smaller serving boards.
Everyday Face-Up Cutting Board
Use 7–8 strips for a board around 12.25" to 14" wide before cleanup. This is a practical size for many home kitchens.
Large Face-Up Serving Board
Use 9–10 strips for a board around 15.75" to 17.5" wide before cleanup. This gives you more space for food presentation and a more substantial look.
Thicker On-Edge Cutting Board
Use 12 strips for a board around 9" wide before cleanup. Add more strips if you want a wider thick cutting board.
How Many Strips Should You Order?
The safest approach is to calculate your target width, then add a few extra strips for trimming, layout choices, and colour balancing. Cutting boards are visual projects, so having extra pieces gives you more freedom to create a better-looking board.
-
Choose your finished board size.
Decide the approximate width and length you want after trimming and sanding. -
Choose face-up or on-edge.
Face-up creates an approximately 3/4" thick board. On-edge creates an approximately 1.75" thick board. -
Use the correct width calculation.
Face-up adds about 1.75" per strip. On-edge adds about 3/4" per strip. -
Add extra strips.
Add 1–3 extra strips for smaller projects and more if you are doing a large board, mixed-species layout, or multiple boards. -
Dry-fit before gluing.
Lay the strips out first so you can adjust grain, contrast, species placement, and final design before committing to glue.
Mixed Packs Are Great When You Want Options
If you are not sure which species combination you want, a mixed pack is the easiest way to start. It gives you a variety of hardwood colours and grain patterns so you can build your own layout instead of being locked into one fixed cutting board kit.
Species Options for Cutting Board Layouts
Jeff Mack Supply cutting board strips are available in a variety of domestic and exotic hardwood options. You can choose individual species or use mixed packs to create your own custom cutting board layout.
Classic Cutting Board Woods
Maple, walnut, cherry, ash, and curly maple are great choices for timeless cutting board layouts with clean contrast and natural warmth.
Colourful Accent Woods
Padauk, purpleheart, roasted purpleheart, canary wood, leopardwood, black limba, and wenge can add colour, contrast, and visual interest.
Build Your Own Kit
Instead of buying a fixed cutting board kit, choose the species, lengths, and quantities you want for your own custom design.
Length Matters Too
Strip count helps determine the width of your board, but the strip length helps determine the finished board length. These cutting board strips are available in multiple lengths, including 12", 18", and 24" options.
| Strip Length | Good For | Planning Note |
|---|---|---|
| 12" | Small boards, cheese boards, gifts, and test layouts | Great when you want a compact project or want to try a few species. |
| 18" | Everyday cutting boards and serving boards | A versatile length for many common DIY cutting board projects. |
| 24" | Larger boards or multiple smaller projects | Useful when you want more material to trim, crosscut, or customize. |
Planning Tip
Start slightly oversized whenever possible. After glue-up, you may want to trim the ends, square the board, flatten the surface, round the corners, add a bevel, or sand through the grits before applying a cutting-board-safe finish.
Common Mistakes When Ordering Cutting Board Strips
Most mistakes happen when people calculate the exact finished size without allowing for layout changes, cleanup, and the difference between face-up and on-edge orientation.
Mixing Up Thickness and Width
Face-up and on-edge layouts use the same strip differently. Make sure you calculate using the dimension that will become the board width.
Only Buying the Exact Amount
Exact counts leave no room for trimming, defects, grain selection, colour balancing, or changing the layout before glue-up.
Forgetting the Finished Look
A cutting board is not just a math problem. Extra strips help you create a better design with more intentional colour and grain placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Jeff Mack Supply cutting board strips?
Each strip is approximately 1.75" wide x 3/4" thick and is available in multiple lengths. Final board size may vary after trimming, sanding, glue cleanup, or additional milling.
How many strips do I need for a face-up cutting board?
Divide your target board width by 1.75". For example, 7 strips will create a board that is approximately 12.25" wide before trimming and cleanup.
How many strips do I need for a thicker on-edge cutting board?
Divide your target board width by 0.75". For example, 12 strips will create a board that is approximately 9" wide before trimming and cleanup.
Can I use the strips two different ways?
Yes. You can glue the strips face-up to create an approximately 3/4" thick board, or rotate them on edge to create an approximately 1.75" thick board before sanding and finishing.
Should I order extra cutting board strips?
Yes. Extra strips give you more flexibility for trimming, sanding, grain selection, colour balance, and layout changes before glue-up.
Are these the same as a cutting board kit?
They can be used to build your own cutting board kit. Instead of receiving a fixed set of species, you can choose the exact hardwood strips, lengths, and quantities you want.
Do the strips come finished?
No. These are unfinished wood strips. After glue-up, sanding, and flattening, apply a cutting-board-safe finish before using the board.
Ready to Build Your Cutting Board?
Choose individual hardwood strips, build your own mixed-species layout, or start with a mixed pack. Whether you want a simple maple and walnut board, a colourful exotic wood cutting board, or a thicker on-edge board, Jeff Mack Supply cutting board strips make it easy to plan your project.
