Wood Countertop Design Options

• Construction Styles
• Finish Options
• Wood Species/Order Samples
• Edge Profiles

J. Aaron Custom Wood Countertops are made to your specifications then shipped ready to install. All cutouts, holes, and any other necessary actions are done in our factory making the tops very easy to install with little experience required.

Construction Styles (how a wood countertop is put together)

Style	Description	Positives	negatives
Plank Style	Plank style construction is the lamination of wide planks of wood together to form the width of the countertop. Each board is the entire length of the countertop with the only glue joints running length wise. The individual boards range from 2 inch to 6 inch wide.	It is considered the most decorative construction style because of its grain movement. Some people consider this almost a furniture style countertop, though it is very durable and holds up well in even harsh kitchens. It is also priced the best because it requires less work and less scrap than the other two styles.	It is limited to 1 3/4 inch thick for many species, though some can go up to 2 1/4 inch thick. Mineral oil can not be used on this style of countertop as it puffs the grain and makes the surface feel furry. Does not make a good butcher block.
Edge Grain Butcher Block	Edge grain construction is when the counters width is made up of 1-3/4 inch wide laminated strips. Many people also call this type of construction butcher block. The wood, in this case, has been rotated to a vertical position making the grain structure different than a plank style top. It produces a more linear look. Like plank style construction the wood slats are the entire length of the countertop.	It has a harder work surface than the plank style top because the grain structure is tighter. This makes for a great cutting surface and food prep area. Thickness is not dictated by the available thickness of the available lumber. We can make tops from 1 1/4 inch thick up to 5 1/2 inch thick.	It is more expensive than a plank style top because more scrap is produced in the making of it and there is more labor involved.
End Grain Butcher Block	End grain construction is made up of small blocks of wood turned on end and laminated together. This too is often referred to as butcher block because of it's durable work surface. It is the most intricately constructed countertop.	It has a very tight grain making it an extremely hard work surface. Excellent for chopping on and heavy use. Again this construction style is not dictated by available wood thicknesses. It can be produced from a minimum of 1 3/4 inch thick up to 5 1/2 inch thick.	The demanding fabrication of these countertops makes them the most expensive of the three.

finish options for wood countertops

• Conversion varnish is our standard finish. This is sprayed on and provides the best protection against water & oil. The ideal finish for most countertop uses. It permanently and completely seals the wood protecting it from staining and water damage. It also offers significant scratch resistance when compared to raw wood. The finish soaks deep into to wood fiber reinforcing it. You should not cut on this surface but it is fine if food comes into contact with it.
• Tung-oil is a very durable finish made from tung-oil and resins that soak deep into the pores of the wood protecting it from water and other house hold liquids. It has a soft sheen and a beautiful natural look. It's easy to apply with a cotton rag and will need re-applied once or twice a year to maintain its protective qualities. Once dry it is safe for food contact.
• 100% food safe mineral oil or butcher block oil is the ideal product for butcher block tops that are intended to be cut on. It must be routinely (every three to four weeks) re-oil to maintain its functionality and beauty. It is a matte finish and has much less protective qualities than conversion varnish or tung-oil but is is easy to repair and designed to patina with age an use. It is not recommended for countertops with sinks.

Our standard wood selections for wood countertops, butcher block and kitchen islands

Species	Plank Style	Edge Grain	End Grain
American Cherry $10 each plus S&H
Antique Heart Pine $10 each plus S&H		Edge grain Heart Pine Picture not available	End grain Heart Pine Picture not available
Brazilian Cherry $10 each plus S&H
Bubinga $10 each plus S&H		Edge grain Bubinga Picture not available	End grain Bubinga Picture not available
Canary Wood $10 each plus S&H		Not Available	Not Available
Hard Maple $10 each plus S&H
Hickory $10 each plus S&H	Plank Hickory Picture not shown
Iroko $10 each plus S&H
Paduak $10 each plus S&H		Edge grain Paduak Picture not shown	End grain Paduak Picture not shown
Sapele $10 each plus S&H			End grain Sapele Picture not shown
Teak $10 each plus S&H
Walnut/Black Walnut $10 each plus S&H
Wenge $10 each plus S&H		Edge grain Wenge Picture not shown	End grain Wenge Picture no shown
Zebra Wood $10 each plus S&H

Ordering custom samples

Ordering instructions	Custom sample 1	Custom sample 2	Custom sample 3
Use these forms to order custom and/or distressed samples. Just let us know what species, profile, finish you would like. If you want it distressed please specify that as well. Max of 60 words. (Note: Custom samples are $25 plus S&H.)	Description of sample	Description of sample	Description of sample

Standard Edge Profiles (custom profiles are also available)

Download a printable PDF page of profiles

Conclusion

As with any project the details are important. With this information you can get a firm grip on what is available and what to ask for. We never let our customer order a countertop or island top without going over everything with them prior to placing the order. Above all J. Aaron is a custom wood countertop manufacture here to serve you and make sure you get the product you want.