How to Measure Your Sink for a Custom Over the Sink Cutting Board
Founder of Woods and Wax with over a decade of business and marketing experience and several years building handcrafted hardwood cutting boards in Utah
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
Unlike standard cutting boards, over the sink cutting boards are designed to span your sink opening. If the board is too small, it may shift during use. If it’s too large, it may not sit securely on the sink edges.
Taking accurate measurements ensures:
- Safe food preparation
- Maximum workspace
- Better stability
- A clean custom appearance
- Long-term usability
Tools You’ll Need
Before measuring, gather:
- Tape measure
- Pen or pencil
- Paper for notes
- Camera or smartphone (optional)
Step 1: Measure the Width of Your Sink
Measure the distance from one inside edge of the sink to the other.
If your sink opening measures 16 inches wide, you’ll want a cutting board designed to securely rest on both sides while providing enough overhang for stability.
Step 2: Measure the Length
Measure from the front edge of the sink to the back edge.
This measurement helps determine how much working space you can comfortably create without interfering with faucets or backsplashes.
Step 3: Account for Faucets and Accessories
Many kitchens include:
- Pull-down faucets
- Soap dispensers
- Water filtration systems
- Sink-mounted accessories
Make sure your cutting board design allows adequate clearance around these features.
Step 4: Consider Board Thickness
Thicker hardwood cutting boards offer:
- Greater durability
- Better resistance to warping
- Longer lifespan
- More premium appearance
Most quality hardwood over the sink cutting boards are approximately 1 inch thick.
Choosing the Right Wood Species
The wood you choose affects both appearance and performance.
Popular options include:
Maple
Known for durability, light color, and excellent food preparation performance.
Walnut
Offers rich dark tones and timeless beauty.
Cherry
Develops a beautiful patina over time and adds warmth to any kitchen.
White Oak
Provides exceptional strength and moisture resistance.
Why Handmade Custom Boards Matter
Every sink is slightly different. A handmade custom board can be built specifically for your kitchen dimensions.
At Woods & Wax, every board is handcrafted in Utah from carefully selected hardwoods and finished with food-safe mineral oil and beeswax to help protect the wood while showcasing its natural beauty.
Final Thoughts
A custom over the sink cutting board is one of the easiest ways to add workspace to your kitchen. By taking a few simple measurements, you can ensure your board fits properly and provides years of reliable use.
Before ordering, double-check all dimensions and consider how you use your kitchen daily. The right custom board can make meal preparation more efficient while adding handcrafted beauty to your home.
Over-the-sink boards are convenient—but for serious cooking, a high-quality wooden cutting board is still the best choice.
👉 Upgrade your kitchen prep setup with woodsandwax.com.
This article was written by Jonathan Riedel, founder and CEO of Woods and Wax. He has been a woodworker over the last few years in Utah.