When building an end grain cutting board, choosing the right glue is one of the most important steps in making sure your project lasts. Cutting boards go through a lot of stress in the kitchen — moisture, temperature changes, knife contact, repeated cleaning — so the adhesive you choose needs to hold strong over time. In this video, we take a close look at glue selection for cutting boards and highlight what makes certain glues better suited for this type of woodworking project than others.
End grain boards are especially demanding because the wood fibers naturally want to pull apart along the glue lines. A strong, reliable adhesive helps prevent joint failure and ensures your board stays solid and stable. Many woodworkers reach for Titebond III because it is waterproof and food-safe when cured, but there are other options (Titebond II) worth considering depending on your climate, workflow, and personal preferences.
We discuss what to look for in a cutting board glue, including open time, waterproof rating, strength, ease of use, and cleanup. Understanding how glues behave during clamping and curing can make a major difference in your final result. Even the best glue won’t perform well if the surfaces aren’t prepped correctly, so the video also touches on joint preparation, proper clamping pressure, and how long to allow the glue to set before flattening and finishing your board.
Whether you're making your first cutting board or refining your process for efficiency and durability, having confidence in your adhesive choice is key. The right glue helps your work last longer and stand up to daily kitchen use — just remember, never put a wooden cutting board in the dishwasher.
Watch the full video to learn what makes a glue suitable for cutting boards and how to choose the one that fits your project and workflow best.