Nate’s Notes: Reflections of a Remodeling Contractor
A recent kitchen remodel followed kosher dietary restrictions, including keeping meat and dairy separate. Accordingly, the design incorporated two dishwashers and a three-basin sink to prevent foods from mixing.
Our client indicated she uses two cutting boards and sometimes needs to cover sinks to prevent one type of food from going in the “wrong” sink. We found a three-basin sink that worked for her because it accommodated her largest cooking pot and has separate sinks for meat and dairy.
The client selected cherry for the cabinetry, so I showed her a sample of Sapele, a tropical hardwood similar in color to the cherry stain used on the cabinets. It’s also durable and resistant to water damage. Happy for an excuse to visit my favorite hardwood supplier, I headed to Owl Lumber to choose from their impressive variety of wood in all species, shapes, and colors.
After installing the kitchen counters, I made a template for the cutting boards and glued together pieces of wood. Once the glue dried, I sanded them down, cut the cutting boards to shape, and cut a dado (a groove cut out in the bottom) to lock them into the counter cutout. I test-fit them to make adjustments for the corners for the sink radius. Then, I sanded them again and oiled them with vegetable oil.
When I delivered the finished cutting boards, they went into place with a pleasant “click” and no wobble. I was satisfied and glad to incorporate this personalized finishing detail into our clients’ new kosher kitchen.
