Why you need to consider putting wood countertops in your home
Wood countertops or “butcher blocks” add instant character to a home–– combining the perfect amount of rustic charm and natural beauty. What many people don’t know are the various types of wood, finishes and customizations you can make–– not to mention the competitive pricing compared to granite or quartz. We’re here to address your wood countertop questions head-on.
Spoiler alert: yes, you can chop directly on (some of) them.
The first thing you should know about wood countertops, is that there are three types.
Depending on the desired function you have in mind, will decide on which one to select. The three different types to choose from are edge grain, face grain, and end grain. Here is a diagram to illustrate the side of the wood which is used to craft the countertop.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the three different types of wood countertops:
Edge Grain
Edge grain is exactly what it sounds like–– when you use the edge (thickness) of the board to make the countertop, revealing a tight grain. This is also a great option for cutting boards. Meaning, it is durable enough that you can safely cut directly on it!
If you are wanting a very unique and creative option that can be used to gift friends and family as a cutting board, we crafted this board using multiple species of wood and it created a beautiful rainbow effect.
Face Grain
Face Grain is when wood countertops are built using the width of the boards, revealing a natural pattern of swirls. Though there are durable types of wooden countertops, face grain is not recommended for those who wish to chop directly on the surface.
Here is a beautiful example of an oval face grain top for an island that was crafted out of Black Walnut.
End Grain
An end grain countertop is made using the end of the board. It is similar to an edge grain, but typically requires much thicker pieces. This technique is known for its character, as it reveals the interior of the board.
Staves– what are they exactly?
Staves (as we call them) are the horizontal pieces glued together to create the overall width of the countertop. They can vary widely in dimension, ranging anywhere from 1.5” wide to 6” wide, or even larger depending on the desired aesthetic.
There are two main types of staves: full-length and butt joint (a.k.a. staggaared). Full length staves can vary in length, but are pieces of wood that run the full length of the countertop. Butt joint staves are simply where two edges or faces come together whether.
Different types of wood customizations
Wood Species
There are a multitude of wood species you can choose for your countertop, however Maple and Walnut are the most popular for their strength and durability. Both are equally modern as they are homey. If you prefer more of a rustic charm, Knotty Alder or White Oak countertop options give any space a true natural, unfiltered feel.
Slab Options
The two main slab options are live edge and standard–– or bullnose––edge. A live edge slab incorporates the natural edge of the wood into the slab–– including any natural cracks or rough, uneven edges. A standard edge is even, smooth and without any imperfections. Live-edge is considered a flat grain surface and we would not recommend using the surface for chopping. If you are interested in a live-edge countertop, then please reach out to us directly and we can either set up time for you to visit our shop and browse our slab selection or we can send pictures for you to shop online.
If you have more questions, then we are ready to answer. Below are a few FAQs we receive when ordering a wood countertop:
Do wood countertops come already sealed?
No, but we are more than happy and able to seal it if requested.
Can you do custom sink cut-outs?
We do not cut out for the sinks as this is the best done on site.
Can I chop directly on the countertop?
Yes! Just keep in mind the grains we recommend.
How does pricing work?
Pricing is based on the wood species, overall square footage and the time it takes to glue up the countertop. Simply call or email us if you have specific pricing questions.
Looking for inspiration to get your project moving forward? We got you covered.
This is a great example of edge grain construction from The Fox Group.
Looking for another beautiful chopping surface? Here is a beautiful White Oak End Grain install from The Grit and Polish.
And if you really don’t want to get knife marks on your countertops (we don’t blame you) but you are really wanting to add warmth in your kitchen, laundry room or butler’s pantry then the flat grain wood countertop construction is perfect for you. Here is a stunning Walnut install from Chris Loves Julia.
Ready to get started with a beautiful wood countertop, then click below to get a quote today.