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Countertop Construction StylesThere are three basic construction styles available for your wood countertop: End grain, edge grain, or flat grain. Each style has its own distinctive look and application. Each particular style is outlined below. End Grain Construction
End grain is generally ten times harder than edge grain butcherblock and is ideal for applications where looks and functionality are important. Knives keep their edge far better when used on end grain tops because the blade slides between the the wood fibers much like cutting into a firm brush. An added benefit is that end grain does not show knife marks quite as readily as flat or edge grain tops. End grain tops are perfect for flanking a stove or cooktop! View samples of our end grain wood tops >>> Edge Grain Construction
View samples of our edge grain wood tops >>> Flat Grain Construction (a.k.a. Wide Plank)
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End
grain construction (shown at left) is the premium construction style
and our recommended surface for direct food preparation. In end grain
construction, small wood pieces stand vertically to show only the ends
of the wood. This style
of butcherblock is significantly harder to
manufacture
than other construction styles, requiring a level of skill and craftsmanship
not found
with most commercial suppliers. The pieces are generally
random sized, although sizes will vary depending on the species and sizes
of wood available at the time of manufacturing. Grothouse can also assemble
a variety of patterns using end grain construction, such as borders,
checkerboards, or stripes. End
grain is the construction style of choice for upscale applications.
In
an edge grain top, the wood pieces are laid out with long strips running
lengthwise along the top (shown at right). All strips
will be continuous with no joints, unless the length of the top is excessive.
In such instances we will discuss this on a case-by-case basis with you.
The
pieces are generally 1-1/2” to 1-3/4” wide, although widths will vary
depending on the species and sizes of wood available at the time of
manufacturing.
This style of
top
is very stable and makes a great surface for counters. These tops are
available in thicknesses of 1-1/2" up to 8" or greater. Heavier thicknesses
are available but unusual.
In
a flat grain top the wood pieces are premium-clear wide plank flat sawn
boards. The pieces are generally wider in size (see image at left).
Widths will vary depending on the species and sizes of
wood available at the time of manufacturing and will be random sized
unless otherwise specified. Table tops, desks tops, bar tops and select
countertops
are frequently manufactured using this method. These tops are generally
preferred for a fine furniture aesthetic surface. These tops are available
in a thickness of 1-3/4". Other thicknesses are available but rare;
please 
