Hi all! Remembering my 5th grade at school, it suddenly dawned on me. We haven't talked about cutting boards yet. But this is an extremely popular tool in the kitchen, which can be made from wood, plywood, and sometimes even from natural stone. As you can imagine, the theme of the day will be a DIY cutting board.
It is not necessary to use complex drawings or ingenious templates. But it is still more correct to create an accessory according to predetermined sizes.
Modern types of boards allow you to choose from a wide range. Some people buy plastic ones, others take wooden options, as well as wood derivatives.
I had a whole set of plastic, rather expensive boards in my kitchen. But in the end they were easily scratched and soon became unusable. I decided to make several boards of different sizes with my own hands. I came up with the decor on the fly. It turned out quite easy and beautiful. It literally took 2 days to make, as things dried out, other things came up, and so on.
Key qualities of a good board
When choosing a kitchen surface for cutting, you need to think about the qualities of the product that the product must meet. The correct cutting board must meet the following requirements:
- minimally dulls the cutting part of the knife;
- not inclined to absorb water or odors;
- is resistant to damage when exposed to cutting tools;
- resistant to destruction and loss of aesthetics over time;
- not susceptible to colonization by harmful microorganisms;
- stable, non-slip.
To summarize, it becomes clear that the item should be convenient to use and not contribute to damage to surrounding objects or working tools. It will also not be superfluous to pay attention to the appearance, which should please and correspond to the interior.
Criteria for choosing the right accessory
Each potential purchase must be evaluated according to the parameters indicated above. The compliance conditions should not be neglected. All products offered for sale can be easily grouped according to a number of characteristics. Evaluating each criterion will help you make the right decision.
Surface preparation
In order for the applied paint to adhere better, it is necessary to sand the surface. Regular sandpaper will do for this.
For greater effect, it is recommended to first go over the entire area with coarse sandpaper. And after that, repeat the operation, but with fine-grained sandpaper.
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Tree
The classic, most common material for kitchen worktops is wood. You can make this cutting board yourself. You can take a piece of regular board or plywood. It is preferable to make products from solid wood. This will ensure environmental friendliness, safety, and durability of the product.
Cutting boards are made from different types of wood. Soft options made of pine or birch, after active use, begin to crumble and absorb moisture and aromas.
Such products are prone to rapid deformation and are only suitable for cutting bakery products. Durable, moisture- and odor-resistant, durable oak, acacia, and hevea are popular.
Wooden cutting boards are made either from a single piece of wood or by gluing. Low-quality specimens are easily destroyed under the regular influence of a knife, crack, dry out, and change the relief. Wood products require special treatment and care.
End cutting boards can be classified as a separate group. They are made by gluing pieces of hardwood located diagonally. They have interesting aesthetics and excellent performance.
Advantages of decoupage
This technique has a number of special advantages. These include:
- bright visual effect;
- simplicity. Beautiful decoupage of boards is accessible to any diligent person;
- relative cheapness of materials;
- durability of the applied drawings.
Silicone
The silicone version is universal. Usually the boards are made in the form of rugs. They are compact and maneuverable. The material is resistant to temperature influences.
However, the product is only suitable for working with soft products. You cannot cut them with an overly sharp knife. This risks damaging the surface.
During use, scratches and abrasions appear, which negatively affect the aesthetics. The option is ideal as a camping or additional option.
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Speed up blow drying
If you don't have enough time, you can use a hairdryer to speed up the drying of the paint. The device must be placed at a distance of at least 30 centimeters from the product, and the air flow should not be too hot. The minimum or, in extreme cases, average speed of the device will be enough.
Product form
The choice of board shape is always individual. You need to evaluate the potential ease of working with the item you like. If an item is needed for active use, then it is better to stick to standard forms:
- rectangle;
- circle;
- oval.
You can buy a cutting board of an unusual configuration for decoration. Options are sold in the form of silhouettes of animals, vegetables, and fruits. Such products may have not only an unusual shape, but also a unique design. Options are generally not suitable for active functions.
Special attention is paid to serving items. They may not only have a non-standard shape, but also have various holes, recesses, sides, and grooves. In this case, choose an option to perform specific tasks.
Selection of material
The ideal material for a homemade cutting board is plywood.
- Waterproof plywood should be avoided as it is treated with non-food chemical impregnations.
- Plywood with a thickness of 10 mm without knots and other defects is suitable.
Popular sizes
When purchasing, be sure to carefully evaluate the size of the product. Dimensions, like shape, are important for convenient use. Large boards are inconvenient to wash and store. With compact versions it is difficult to cut and simultaneously cut up a large volume of products.
When choosing, they are often guided by the purpose of the product. In the kitchen you definitely need universal boards, the format of which is similar to a sheet of A4 paper.
An object with an increased length is suitable for cutting meat and fish, cutting herbs. To work with the dough you need a large panel, which is twice the size of a standard board.
For those who prefer not to cook at home, a product in a universal format is sufficient. Otherwise, options are selected that satisfy the needs.
If you don’t want to buy accessories separately, you may prefer a whole set of cutting boards. The kit usually contains products of common formats. Often the set is complemented by a special stand for easier storage.
General characteristics of devices
The main purpose of a cutting board is to cut food. Experts recommend purchasing not one, but twelve boards for one kitchen. This is the best option. These are, first of all, sanitary and hygienic requirements. Let's figure out why exactly this amount.
- Bacteria. Using a sharp knife involves leaving micro scratches on the surface. This applies to all popular models, without exception. With active use, the number and depth of scratches on the surface increases. They become a haven for pathogenic bacteria that are present in fresh meat, poultry or fish. During heat treatment, pathogenic microorganisms are destroyed. However, the use of detergents does not guarantee the complete disappearance of bacteria from the surface of the structure. The following products cut on the device, which do not require heat treatment, can become “infected” and cause human poisoning.
- Smells. All food products have an individual aroma. Gradually, the surface becomes filled with odors, and even vinegar cannot remove them. The most “odorous” foods are considered to be onions, garlic, and salted fish. To prevent the chopped cheese from containing a garlicky flavor, you should use a different board.
- Options. There is no point in using a large device for slicing sausage, and it is inconvenient to cut meat on a small device. Therefore, housewives prefer to have five to six options of boards available, differing not only in size, but also in configuration, as well as in the material of manufacture.
Expert advice boils down to the following: you need to purchase at least 4 cutting boards for your home:
- for raw meat;
- for fish;
- for a variety of products;
- for bread.
The number of boards, as well as knives, can be any, but not less than four. Popular models with additional functions are available. They have different surfaces, so after using one to cut meat, you can turn it over and cut fruits or vegetables on the other surface.
What types of designs are there?
All products produced by manufacturers vary in shape. On sale you can find oval, round, rectangular, square products reminiscent of vegetables, fruits, fish, and complex geometric shapes. The latter are mostly handmade. Made from wood. Intended to be presented as a gift.
The best products are of a classic (rectangular or round) shape. They are comfortable and practical. The most popular sizes are 10*15 cm or 30*40 cm. Large utensils are used in restaurants to serve food. Round models are more suitable not for cutting food, but for table setting. They are convenient for serving pies, pancakes, pizza, and serving dishes with barbecue or fried sausages.
Models with a small groove are available. Don't think that this is a decorative element. The depression is necessary so that the juices from the food do not spread over the table, but accumulate in the groove. You can find products with protruding handles that are comfortable to hold while cooking. They allow you to attach the structure to a hook. If the place where the goods are stored is a box or cabinet, then you should discard the handles.
What should you pay attention to in order to avoid mistakes when choosing a product? For functionality. The following types of models are produced:
- For bread with a bread box. Design elements: round cutting board with lid. You can not only cut the baked goods, but also store them. The line includes devices for pies and pizza. Look beautiful on the table.
- For cutting baguette. They are very popular among those families who often buy baguettes. The device helps to cut into neat slices of equal sizes. This is especially important when the baked goods are fresh, and it is desirable to keep the crispy crust intact. You have to work with a saw blade.
- For the cheese. They are available in several types: complete with knives for different types of cheese or with a built-in knife and fishing line. You can find classics and new items on sale. Only natural wood (bamboo) is used in production.
Material of manufacture
The main characteristic of the product is the material of manufacture. Manufacturers produce the following types of products:
| Kinds | Description |
| Glass | Appeared relatively recently. The variety is impressive. Thick tempered glass is used in production. One of the sides is equipped with a bright picture. The positive aspects include: • resistance to mechanical damage; • originality of the design solution; • ease of care; • reasonable price. The negative points are: • one-sided models; • require careful handling; • may break if dropped from a height; • cutting food is accompanied by unpleasant sounds; • knives become dull quickly. A review of reviews shows that the products are suitable for any kitchen interior. |
| Plywood | The cheapest "wooden" option. The layers are connected using resin and glue. The manufacturer guarantees the safety of using plywood structures until the first layer is cut through. Positive points: • budget option; • natural wood; • both surfaces are working. Negative properties: • absorb odors and moisture; • require thorough washing; • may get wet in water; • with active use they begin to crumble; • no diversity; • must be stored only in a dry place; • Scratches may appear. Despite the list of disadvantages, plywood models are present in almost every kitchen. They are a worthy alternative to wooden structures, only cheaper. Once the product becomes unusable, it can be replaced with a new one. |
| Plastic | Polypropylene is used in the manufacture of most products. There is complete safety when interacting with the products. Belongs to the category of inexpensive and practical. Advantages: • soft; • the average price is acceptable; • variety of colors, sizes, shapes; • double-sided surface; • aromas and liquid are not absorbed; • Can be washed in the dishwasher; • high wear resistance and elasticity; • dry quickly. Disadvantages: • cannot boast of a rich appearance; • with active use they begin to crumble; • low wear resistance; • release of toxic components during operation; • cannot tolerate high temperatures. However, the product is present in any kitchen as an auxiliary device. It’s not a pity to throw away cracked utensils and buy new ones. |
| Wooden | Which product is better to buy? Of course, the classics, which many prefer. Wooden products have been known since time immemorial, but even today they have not lost their popularity. Experts advise purchasing them due to the following positive properties: • environmental friendliness; • safety; • variety of design solutions; • souvenir options; • “homey” appearance; • a huge range of colors and tree species for production. The disadvantages include: • fear of moisture; • high cost; • rapid wear; • absorb foreign odors and juices. Products are produced in three ways: • from glued bars; • end; • from an array. |
| Fake diamond | The products are extremely popular. The composition used in production is a mixture of acrylic and synthetic polyester resin. There are also dyes and all kinds of inclusions. They look rich, but in functionality they resemble plastic products. At the same time, the cost is too high. Positive characteristics include: • heavy weight (do not slide on the table surface); • ease of use; • originality of design (the pattern resembles granite). Disadvantages: • scratches appear soon; • crumbs of material may get into food and cause discomfort. |
| Bamboo | Bamboo is not a tree, but a grass, so models made from it are placed in a separate category. The characteristics are not inferior to wood. A distinctive feature is that it does not absorb moisture well. End structures cannot be made from it. |
| A natural stone | The models are distinguished by their aesthetics, environmental friendliness, durability, moisture resistance, and safety. They have increased strength and high dead weight. They withstand high temperatures, so they are often used as a stand for hot dishes. Decorate the kitchen in any style. How much does the product cost? A lot of money, so not every family can afford such luxury. The best option for a gift. The negative points include: • rapid dulling of the cutting edge; • unpleasant sound during cutting of food. |
Size and color of designs
The most common and in demand are rectangular cutting boards, on which you can work with several products at the same time, placing the cuts along the edges. The optimal length, width and thickness of the product is 40*25*2 (3) cm. Products with large parameters are suitable for working with dough. Small products will help you cut lemon slices for tea. If you need to cut meat, you should use a plastic structure 4 centimeters thick. Thin devices are not suitable for these purposes.
In Europe, there is a strict gradation of cutting boards according to their intended purpose. In this case, the color scheme is a fundamental factor:
- The blue color suggests working with seafood.
- The green product is suitable for cutting vegetables.
- Red products are intended for the damp Cape;
- Yellow products are used for portion cutting of raw poultry.
- The white color makes it clear that only dairy products should be placed on the surface.
On store shelves you can find a convenient set consisting of boards with different purposes and sizes. To make it easier to remember the functionality, the surface is decorated with thematic pictures. The market is filled with sets with a stand, kitchen knives, a masher, a sharpener, a grater, a spatula, ceramic and glass containers for cutting food.
How to choose the right products
Everyone's selection criteria are different. Give some expensive natural wooden or stone products, others will suit inexpensive plastic structures, but in large quantities, others opt for hanging fixtures or with an interesting pattern, and still others like flexible accessories. Much depends on what tasks will be assigned to the product.
The functions of all produced souvenir cutting boards are as follows:
- used as a decorative element for table setting;
- allow you to cut food;
- act as a stand for hot food;
- are a decorative element, especially if they are made in an interesting form (fish, ham, pumpkin, and so on).
Which company's products are better, everyone determines for himself. However, there are certain nuances that should not be overlooked:
- Dimensions. Depends on the purpose of the utensil. For bread, large sizes are not needed; for meat, the optimal option is 20*40 cm. It is convenient to roll out the dough on products that almost completely cover the table. It is more convenient to cut greens and onions on wide models.
- Form. The best products are rectangular in shape. It is convenient to work with rounded structures, regardless of whether there are edges or not.
- Material of manufacture. Traditional products are wooden. They are hygienic and environmentally friendly, wash well, including in the dishwasher, and retain their original qualities for a long time. Plastic is not the worst option. They are practical and lightweight, with advanced functionality, multi-colored, and suitable for any kitchen interior.
- Design. It has no effect on functionality, but is pleasing to the eye. Especially if the models are painted with ornaments or patterns.
Where to buy a product is not a difficult question. Specialized retail outlets will offer a large assortment. You can order a product online in an online store, after making sure that the seller is honest.
Color and design
If we consider the cooking process seriously, then appearance is of no small importance. For work, it is better to choose neutral colors without pictures. The following options are great:
- white, gray, beige;
- brown;
- black.
Basic colors will help you work without distractions. Red makes it difficult to work with raw meat. Green is not suitable for cutting greens, vegetables and fruits of a similar color.
The presence of a picture will lead to inattention when working with products. They simply miss various defects that need to be removed.
Which ones and how much to buy for household use
If we take into account sanitary standards, the number of working kitchen boards should be at least 12 pieces. For a simple family kitchen in an apartment this is too much. The following options are sufficient:
- for bakery products;
- universal for different products;
- for fish;
- for meat.
When purchasing, be sure to take into account the upcoming load. Thin objects (1–2 cm) are not suitable for cutting meat, fish, and solid foods. For serious loads, use options at least 3–4 cm thick.
If you think about the material of manufacture, then for raw meat and fish it is better to use high-quality plastic or hard wood. For hot products, wood, silicone, glass, ceramics, and stone are suitable.
Second coat of paint
After applying the first layer, the board needs to be dried. The paint dries completely in a maximum of 2 hours. If the layer is thin, this will take 30 minutes.
Next you need to apply a second layer of acrylic. To do this you need to use a sponge. The sponge does not leave streaks on the surface being painted, which is typical for a brush.
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Additional functionality of boards
From the photos of cutting boards you can see that there are a wide variety of models on sale. Some specimens seem unsuitable for traditional cutting of culinary ingredients.
In addition to options with standard functions, there are the following types:
For serving. They do not cut on the board, but serve food. Most often, the panels are used for various cuts and snacks. Serving rolls on boards is popular. There are specialized options for various rituals (wine, tea).
Hot stand. Heated pots and pans are placed on the boards. Not every specimen is suitable for this purpose. Most often they use solid wood, glass, and stone. Such use is contraindicated for plastic.
Interior decor. Unusual, bright, beautifully designed pieces will be an excellent interior decoration. The appropriate option is selected by color and design. It is important to compare the appearance of the product with the style of the room.
Weighing products. To perform such a function, a thing needs a special design. This option is ideal for those who watch their figure, health, or like to cook according to recipes with precise proportions.
In addition, there are special designs that will help in the household. The sieve board attracts attention. Convenient to wash and cut ingredients at the same time.
Folding boards will be a good solution if you need to move. They are convenient to take with you outdoors. Special boards for the sink help save space. The boards, complemented by a drawer, will ensure the collection of crumbs when cutting bakery products.
The right kitchen board will improve the quality of culinary processes. Work will become more pleasant and convenient. When choosing, many nuances are taken into account, knowledge and compliance with which makes the task easier and guarantees an excellent result.
Dry method
It is simpler and recommended for beginners. First, you need to very carefully cut out the image so that there are no burrs at the edges. After this, you can proceed to applying it to the surface.
The image is glued to the board using glue, which is carefully applied with a brush.
The drawing should lie flat on the board without forming folds. If the latter do occur, you can remove them with a rubberized roller or spoon.
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