3 Pros of Over the Sink Cutting Boards to Save Space and Ease Clean-Up
Having an over-the-sink cutting board adds extra counter space and makes clean-up easier by allowing scraps to be disposed of easily, but it may have limitations and fitting issues.
Do you struggle with limited counter space in a kitchen? Or would cutting your vegetables over the sink make it easier to dispose of in the garbage disposal?
Either way, having an over-the-sink cutting board is ideal to instantly add counter space to your kitchen while helping you with easy clean-up when cutting food.
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Pros of Over Sink Cutting Boards
Homeowners who invest in an over-the-skin cutting board are grateful they did and quickly discover there are many benefits to having one of these types of cutting boards.
Some of the pros to having an over the sink cutting board include:
Space Saving
An over-the-sink cutting board provides extra counter space needed when preparing meals and eliminates wasted counter space because of a cutting board.
Clean-Up
The cutting board over the sink allows for easy clean-up as you prepare food by pushing it directly into the garbage disposal or into a bowl to be dumped into the trash.
Easy to Clean
Over the sink cutting boards are easy to clean and will last long if made from quality material and adequately maintained.
Cons of Over Sink Cutting Boards
As with any household accessory, over-the-sink cutting boards also have negative qualities. Some of the cons to owning one of these cutting boards include:
Limitations
Only one cutting board may fit over the sink. You either need to constantly wash and sanitize it to prevent cross-contamination or have more cutting boards on the counter, which may defeat the purpose of an over-the-sink cutting board.
Improper Fitting
If the cutting board is not measured correctly, it could slip out of position and not perfectly fit securely over the sink.
Faucet Issues
Depending upon the size of the board, there could be a potential issue with water not flowing from the faucet without removing the board, which could be a hassle.
How do you measure for a sink cutting board?
Measuring for an over-the-sink cutting board ensures you have the correct size board to fit over the sink.
To start, measure the width of the sink, from left to right, exactly where you envision placing the cutting board.
For an exact measurement, not the fractions, such as 36-½” or 40-¼”. Next, measure the short side of the sink, from front to back, exactly how you did for the width.
Once you have the measurements, check with the company you plan to order it from to see if you need to add a ¼” to the dimensions to ensure it is secure or if they know how to add the additional length and width to the measurement, so the cutting board fits appropriately.
How do you measure for a drop-in cutting board?
To measure for a drop-in cutting board, take the measurements you have using the method above and subtract ¼” from the width and short side measurements.
How do you make a cutting board for a sink?
Making a cutting board helps ensure the style and design are exactly what you want and that the size is perfect for the board to fit correctly over your sink.
Materials needed to make a cutting board for a sink include oak and walnut boards from a local sawmill, rubber feet, wood glue, and butcher block finishing.
Tools needed to make the cutting board include a table saw, jointer, planer, sander, router, clamps, bandsaw, and a drill press with a Forstner bit.
Prep the Lumber
Cut the lumber to the desired length and width, depending on your chosen material. Next, plane the wood to the same thickness, typically less than one inch, such as ⅞”.
Next, run the boards through the jointer to ensure the edges are flat, and then rip the boards down to the desired widths using the table saw.
One example is having the walnut boards about one inch wide and the oak boards about two and one-half inches wide.
Gluing and Clamping
Once all the wood is prepped and correctly matches up without gaps, start gluing wood pieces together. Set strips on the end as the glue is applied and place the next board on it.
Continue until all parts of the wood strips are glued together and smoothed out. Next, lay the board flat, and using a combination of clamps, side-to-side and top-to-bottom, ensure enough pressure is applied to the board.
Clean up the Cutting Board
Allow the glue to dry for at least 48 hours, but it may take longer if there is a lot of humidity in the air.
When the glue is fully dry, remove the clamps and run the board through the planer a few more times until the board is approximately ¾” thick. Then, if needed, trim off the edges to ensure the board fits appropriately over the sink.
It may be necessary to chisel excess glue, depending on how much extra glue seeped out between the planks.
Corners and Cutouts
Use something round, such as a can, to mark the corners showing how they should be rounded. Next, cut a bulk of material away and then use a disc sander to clean up and round the corners.
Adding a cutout to the board allows you to push scraps into a bowl in the sink or down the garbage disposal.
Where you place the cutout depends on the size and shape of your sink. Cut out a hole in the board that measures about three inches deep and six inches wide in the desired location on the board.
Rounding the Edges and Sanding
Using a ¼” round-over bit, set to a shallow depth, round the outside edges of the cutting board. Next, sand the entire board using sandpaper until it is smooth.
Finish the Board
Place a few coats over the entire cutting board using butcher block conditions. Apply generously and let each coat dry for about 20 minutes.
When dry, buff the board with a dry, lint-free cloth. Repeat this step about three to four times.
If desired, add rubber feet to the bottom of the board. Center the rubber feet on each corner, approximately one inch from the edge.
What is the best surface for a cutting board?
The best material for a cutting board is one that does not damage or dull knives and is easily cleaned.
Materials used to make cutting boards include wood, plastic, bamboo, marble, and glass. Wood is a solid surface that is very durable and does not dull a knife’s blade.
Plastic cutting boards, made from high-density polyethylene or polyvinyl acetate, are the most common cutting boards in kitchens because they are tough to cut on while still gentle on knives.
Plus, plastic cutting boards are more affordable, dishwasher safe, and come in various colors. However, the biggest issue with plastic cutting boards is that once they are cut, they stay cut and tend to stain.
Bamboo is an alternative to wood cutting boards. They are resilient to scarring and absorbing liquid and are made from a renewable resource.
Marble and glass cutting boards are pretty when used as serving trays; however, it is not recommended to use these boards for cutting food.
Which cutting boards are the most sanitary?
All cutting boards need to be taken care of to ensure they remain clean and sanitary; however, some cutting boards are more sanitary than others.
The most hygienic cutting boards are made from materials that can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, such as wood and bamboo.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, bamboo cutting boards seem to be sanitary and can easily be cleaned using hot soapy water. To help retain the moisture within the bamboo, apply a coat of mineral oil after cleaning.
