Cutting Board Planning Guide
How Many Wood Strips Do You Need for a Cutting Board?
The number of wood strips you need for a cutting board depends on the finished board size, the strip dimensions, and whether you build the board face-up or rotate the strips on edge.
This guide helps you estimate how many cutting board wood strips to order, compare face-up and on-edge layouts, and plan a DIY cutting board, edge grain cutting board, charcuterie board, or serving board before you start glue-up.
Quick Answer
Our cutting board strips measure approximately 1.75" wide x 3/4" thick. If you glue the strips face-up, each strip adds about 1.75" of board width and creates an approximately 3/4" thick board before sanding and finishing.
If you rotate the strips on edge, each strip adds about 3/4" of board width and creates an approximately 1.75" thick board before sanding and finishing. For many beginner cutting boards, 6–9 strips face-up or 10–16 strips on edge is a practical starting range.
First, Choose Your Strip Orientation
The same cutting board strips can create two very different board styles depending on how you orient them during glue-up.
Face-Up Layout
Glue the strips edge-to-edge with the wider 1.75" face showing. This creates an approximately 3/4" thick board before sanding and finishing.
Best for thinner cutting boards, face grain boards, serving boards, cheese boards, and charcuterie boards.
On-Edge Layout
Rotate the strips onto their edge so the 1.75" dimension becomes the board thickness. This creates an approximately 1.75" thick cutting board before sanding and finishing.
Best for thicker edge grain cutting boards and boards that feel more substantial.
Cutting Board Strip Count Chart
Use this chart to estimate your board width before trimming, sanding, flattening, glue cleanup, or additional milling. Final dimensions may vary slightly depending on your process.
| Number of Strips | Face-Up Approx. Width | Face-Up Approx. Thickness | On-Edge Approx. Width | On-Edge Approx. Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 strips | 8.75" | 3/4" | 3.75" | 1.75" |
| 6 strips | 10.5" | 3/4" | 4.5" | 1.75" |
| 7 strips | 12.25" | 3/4" | 5.25" | 1.75" |
| 8 strips | 14" | 3/4" | 6" | 1.75" |
| 9 strips | 15.75" | 3/4" | 6.75" | 1.75" |
| 10 strips | 17.5" | 3/4" | 7.5" | 1.75" |
| 12 strips | 21" | 3/4" | 9" | 1.75" |
| 14 strips | 24.5" | 3/4" | 10.5" | 1.75" |
| 16 strips | 28" | 3/4" | 12" | 1.75" |
Tip: Order a few extra strips if you want more layout flexibility, if you plan to trim heavily, or if you want to remove any pieces that do not fit the final design.
Common Cutting Board Strip Counts
Here are a few simple planning examples using strips that are approximately 1.75" wide x 3/4" thick.
Small Serving Board
A face-up layout using 5–6 strips creates a board around 8.75"–10.5" wide before trimming.
Medium Cutting Board
A face-up layout using 7–9 strips creates a board around 12.25"–15.75" wide before trimming.
Thicker Edge Grain Board
An on-edge layout using 14–16 strips creates a thicker board around 10.5"–12" wide before trimming.
How to Calculate Strip Count
To estimate how many cutting board strips you need, start with your target board width and divide it by the width each strip adds in your chosen orientation.
Face-Up Formula
Target board width ÷ 1.75" = approximate number of strips needed.
On-Edge Formula
Target board width ÷ 0.75" = approximate number of strips needed.
Round up if the number lands between two strip counts. It is usually better to have an extra strip available than to come up short during layout.
Example Strip Counts
Example: 12" Wide Face-Up Board
12" ÷ 1.75" = 6.85 strips. Round up to 7 strips for a face-up board that starts around 12.25" wide before trimming.
Example: 12" Wide On-Edge Board
12" ÷ 0.75" = 16 strips. This creates a thicker board that starts around 12" wide before trimming.
Example: 15" Wide Face-Up Board
15" ÷ 1.75" = 8.57 strips. Round up to 9 strips for a board that starts around 15.75" wide before trimming.
Should You Buy Individual Strips or a Mixed Pack?
If you know exactly what design you want, individual strips give you the most control. You can choose specific species like maple, walnut, cherry, padauk, purpleheart, wenge, canary wood, and more.
If you want variety and a kit-style option, a mixed pack is a great choice. Our 16-pack and 50-pack mixed cutting board strips include random species so you can experiment with layouts and create your own design.
16-Pack Mixed Strips
A good option for experimenting, creating a smaller board, or getting a variety of species in one pack.
50-Pack Mixed Strips
Better for making multiple boards, trying more layouts, or keeping extra strips on hand for future projects.
Tips Before Ordering Cutting Board Strips
- Decide whether you want a thinner face-up board or a thicker on-edge board.
- Choose your finished board width, then work backward using the strip count chart.
- Order extra strips if you want more layout options or plan to trim heavily.
- Keep your first design simple if you are new to making cutting boards.
- Use accent strips to add contrast without making the board feel too busy.
- Remember that final size may change after sanding, trimming, flattening, and finishing.
Helpful Cutting Board Guides
Shop Cutting Board Supplies
Once you know how many strips you need, choose your wood, plan your layout, and finish the board with the right sanding and finishing supplies.
Cutting Board Strip Count FAQ
How many strips do I need for a cutting board?
It depends on the board size and strip orientation. For a face-up board, each strip adds about 1.75" of width. For an on-edge board, each strip adds about 3/4" of width.
How many strips do I need for a 12 inch wide cutting board?
For a face-up board, about 7 strips creates an approximately 12.25" wide board before trimming. For an on-edge board, about 16 strips creates an approximately 12" wide board before trimming.
How thick will my cutting board be?
If the strips are glued face-up, the board will be approximately 3/4" thick before sanding. If the strips are rotated on edge, the board will be approximately 1.75" thick before sanding.
Should I order extra cutting board strips?
Ordering a few extra strips is a good idea if you want more design flexibility, plan to trim heavily, or want to remove any pieces that do not fit your final layout.
Is a 16-pack enough for a cutting board?
A 16-pack gives you enough strips for many layout options. It can create a very wide face-up layout or an approximately 12" wide on-edge board before trimming.
Plan Your Cutting Board Before You Order
Decide your board size, choose your layout orientation, then order the hardwood strips you need to build a custom cutting board, charcuterie board, or serving board.
