A kitchen counter with glass jars of flour and sugar, wooden utensils in a glass jar, rolling pins, a wooden cutting board, and white kitchen tools in a holder, all arranged on a marble surface.

I absolutely love all of the scallops showing up in cottage home decor right now. From furniture details to trim and accessories, that soft, feminine scalloped edge feels both timeless and charming. I’ve been dreaming about the beautiful scalloped cutting board from Ballerina Farm for quite some time, but at nearly $300, it just isn’t in my budget anytime soon, if ever. Instead of giving up on the idea, I decided to make my own scalloped cutting board.

I designed the scalloped border myself and found a super affordable piece of wood that gives me the same look for a fraction of the price. With Skip’s help on a few power tools and just a few hours of time, this DIY project came in at under $20 for two boards. I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out. They look beautiful styled in the kitchen, layered on open shelving, or used as center pieces for entertaining.

This scalloped cutting board has quickly become one of my favorite handmade home décor projects, and I’m excited to walk you through how to make one yourself.

A vintage-style kitchen with white shelves holding jars, plates, a clock, and pottery. Dish towels, utensils, and oven mitts hang below. Two glass jars and a white pitcher sit on the marble countertop.

Supplies

For this project, you can choose materials based on whether you plan to use your board strictly for styling or as a functional cutting board.r this recipe

  • Pine wood or teak wood (food safe)
  • Fusion Mineral Paint Stain and Finishing Oil (Color Cappuccino)
  • Paintbrush
  • Soft cloth or paper towel
  • Painter’s paper or drop cloth
  • Beeswax or hemp oil sealer if making the board food safe (optional)
  • Jig saw
  • Drill
  • 3/16 Drill Bit
  • Orbital sander
  • 60 grit sandpaper
  • 120 grit sandpaper
  • Free scalloped cutting board printable template
  • Pen or pencil

Shop the supplies

Food Safety Information

To make your scalloped cutting board food safe, choose a food safe wood such as teak and finish the board with a natural sealer like beeswax or hemp oil. Always follow the manufacturer’s curing times and recommended reapplication guidelines for the product you’re using to ensure the board is properly sealed, protected, and safe for everyday use. Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure food safety. When in doubt, use the board for serving with parchment paper, serving dishes or as decorative home decor.

A bright, cozy kitchen with white cabinets, open shelves holding dishes, jars, and decor, a black chair in the foreground, and a small stove topped with glass canisters and a white pitcher.

Why You’ll Love These

  • This scalloped cutting board is incredibly versatile. It works as a functional cutting board, a serving board, or a decorative accent in your kitchen. The scalloped edge and curved edges add a custom, high-end look that feels right at home in cottage-style spaces.
  • You’ll also love how budget friendly this project is. Creating two boards for under $20 makes it a great option for handmade gifts, seasonal styling, or updating your kitchen décor without overspending.
  • Best of all, this DIY project allows you to customize the size, stain color, and finish so it perfectly fits your home décor style.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cut Your Wood to Size

Begin by cutting your piece of wood to the desired length. For this scalloped cutting board DIY, we simply cut one long board in half, which gave us two cutting boards measuring approximately 16×24 inches. This size works beautifully for serving, styling, or everyday kitchen use and allows you to maximize one piece of wood.

Step 2: Print and Cut the Scalloped Template

Print the free scalloped cutting board printable template and carefully cut out each section. The template includes three scalloped border pieces for the sides and a single rounded piece for the ends of the board. This step helps ensure consistent scallops across the entire board.

A pair of gold-handled scissors and a sheet of paper with curved outlines rest on a light wooden board. The paper includes a logo and website information in the center.
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Step 3: Trace the Scalloped Design

Using a pen or pencil, trace the template directly onto the board. Place the three scalloped sections evenly along each side to create a balanced scalloped edge. Use the rounded template piece on both ends to form smooth round ends. Take your time here so the scalloped border feels even and well-proportioned.

A person uses scissors to cut along a curved line on a sheet of white paper with printed text, placed over a wooden surface.
A hand uses gold scissors to cut a curved shape out of white paper on a light wood surface. Another scalloped-cut piece of paper lies nearby.
A wooden surface with a white paper semicircle above three white paper scallop shapes arranged in a row. The wood has visible natural grain patterns.
A person traces a scalloped pattern onto a wooden board using a piece of white paper and a blue pencil.
A piece of light-colored wood with visible grain patterns and a knot, resting on a white surface. Pencil-drawn scallop shapes are sketched along the bottom edge of the wood.

Step 4: Cut the Scalloped Edge

Start by drilling holes into the board at the point where the scallops meet to make cutting easier. Next, carefully cut out the traced scallop design using a jig saw. Move slowly along the curved edges, especially where the scallops dip inward.

A close-up of a red plastic case containing various drill bits, neatly arranged in slots, with size markings visible on the black interior panel. The case is open and resting on a wooden surface.
A person holds a small drill bit near a wooden plank with pencil markings. An open red and black drill bit set lies on a workbench beside the wood.
A person holds a red power drill and prepares to drill a hole into a light-colored wooden board, with one hand steadying the board and the other holding the drill vertically above it.
A close-up of a light wooden board with pencil markings and drilled holes, likely prepared for further woodworking or assembly. The board rests on a concrete floor.
A person uses a handheld jigsaw to cut through a piece of light-colored wood, guiding the saw along a curved line. The person’s hand and part of the tool are visible.
A person’s hand rests on a smooth, unfinished wooden plank with visible wood grain and knots. The person is wearing a dark shirt with sawdust on it, suggesting woodworking activity.
A close-up of a jigsaw cutting through a piece of light-colored wood, following a curved pencil line marked on the surface.
A person wearing a dark, sawdust-covered shirt holds a light-colored wooden plank with pencil markings and wood shavings on it.

Step 5: Sand the Entire Board

Start by drilling holes into the board at the point where the scallops meet to make cutting easier. Next, carefully cut out the traced scallop design using a jig saw. Move slowly along the curved edges, especially where the scallops dip inward.

Step 6: Apply Stain or Sealer

Finish the board by applying stain or sealer. For this project, I used Fusion Mineral Paint Stain and Finishing Oil in the color Cappuccino to achieve a deep, rich brown finish. Next, wipe off the excess stain evenly using a soft cloth or paper towel. If you want your scalloped cutting board to be food safe, seal it with beeswax, hemp oil or a quality board wax and refer to manufacturers time for curing.

A hand holds a can of Fusion brand stain and finishing oil in front of a light-colored wooden board with a scalloped edge.
A hand holds a paintbrush, applying dark wood stain to the bottom edge of a scalloped, light wood board. An open can of stain is visible in the lower left corner.
A hand uses a white cloth to apply dark wood stain to a scalloped-edge wooden board, with part of the wood still unstained. A paintbrush and open stain can are nearby on a brown surface.

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Tips for Making a Scalloped Cutting Board

  • If this is your first time cutting curved edges with a jig saw, practice on a scrap piece of wood first. This helps build confidence and ensures smoother cuts on your final board.
  • Sand more than you think you need to. The scalloped border and round ends look best when they are extra smooth.
  • If you plan to add handles or attach pieces using pocket holes, make sure to plan that step before staining or sealing the entire board.
  • For food safe boards, reapply board wax or oil regularly to maintain the finish and protect the wood according to product recommendations.
Two glass jars filled with sugar and flour, each with a wooden scoop, sit on a wooden tray in a bright kitchen. A copper bundt pan, oven mitt, and wooden utensils in a white pitcher are in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this scalloped cutting board be used for food prep?
Yes, as long as you use a food safe wood like teak and finish it with beeswax, hemp oil, or board wax.

Is pine safe for cutting boards?
Pine is best used for serving boards or decorative home décor pieces rather than heavy cutting.

Do I need advanced woodworking skills?
No. This project is beginner friendly, especially with a little help on the power tools.

Can I change the scallop size?
Absolutely. Adjust the template to create larger or smaller scalloped edges depending on your style.

A rectangular wooden cutting board with scalloped edges, featuring natural wood grain patterns and knots, placed on a white marble surface.

Tips from My Experience

  • When sanding with a higher grit sandpaper, be especially cautious around the scalloped edges. It’s easy to over sand the curves, which can soften or distort the scalloped edge you worked so hard to create. I recommend using light pressure and checking your progress often to maintain crisp, defined curves.
  • If you plan to use your scalloped cutting board for serving food, adding a layer of parchment paper between the board and the food is a great extra step. This helps protect the surface of the board, prevents staining, and keeps your finish looking beautiful longer, especially when serving items that may release moisture or oils.
  • For a more natural, wood-forward look, consider using a lighter stain or simply sealing the board with beeswax or hemp oil. This allows more of the wood grain to show through and highlights the natural character of the piece. I chose a darker stain for this project and absolutely love the rich, moody finish, but it does hide some of the natural beauty of the wood. Both options are beautiful, so it really comes down to the look you want to achieve.
A neatly arranged kitchen shelf with upright white plates, a vintage clock, hanging oven mitts, a copper mold, glass jars with flour and sugar, a mug of utensils, and striped dish towels.

This scalloped cutting board is such a rewarding DIY project and a beautiful way to bring cottage charm into your kitchen. If you make one, I’d love to see it. Follow along on social media at @returninggrace, tag me in your project photos, or leave a comment and tell me how you styled yours.

salutation with a signature Wishing you grace, Stephanie
Meet Stephanie

Hi, I’m Stephanie—a lifelong creative, homebody at heart, and the hands behind Returning Grace. I believe home should feel like your favorite place, and I’m passionate about helping you create spaces filled with warmth, character, and charm. From simple DIYs and seasonal crafts to cozy recipes and vintage-inspired decor, I share approachable ideas to make your home feel beautifully lived in. I love thrifting, styling old finds in fresh ways, and documenting our home remodeling adventures along the way.
 
I’m honored to have served as the 2024 American Farmhouse Style Brand Ambassador and to share my love for cottage farmhouse living with a community that values creativity, comfort, and meaningful design.

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Stephanie Leleux of Returning Grace

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