Butcher Block / Cutting Board

Traditionally almost all professional butcher-blocks are made of hard Maple. Maple is a very hard wood, white, clear grain and non toxic.  Ideally suited for food preparation. Obviously, if you are thinking of a somewhat larger block, it will require glue-up.  The glue you select should also be considered for many are also toxic if consumed.  ELMER'S CARPENTERS GLUE is a good selection for it also is rated as non-toxic. The downside to this glue is that it is not waterproof. In most cases, this is not a problem, for you would most likely never be soaking it in water.  The last thing to consider is the blocks' finish: here I would use multiple coats of MINERAL OIL, which can be purchased at a drug or grocery store. Apply each coat heavily and let stand until completely absorbed into the wood, that is until the sheen is gone. Three or four coats should do it.

 

Now, for further reference, I'm including some web sites that I hope will completely answer all of your questions on glues and exotic woods and their toxic properties:

 

Glue:

  Http://www.elmers.com/msds/me700_d.htm

 

Toxic Wood:

 

  Http://www.thewoodbox.com/data/wood/toxicityinfo.htm

 

  Http://www.woodworkerssource.com/wood_toxicity.php

 

  Http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/