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Construction styles

Four ways we build a top.

Each construction style answers a different question — about how the top will look, how it'll wear, and how it'll be used.

End grain construction — wood ends facing upEnd Grain Construction

End Grain

The cross-section of the wood facing up. The blade slides between the grain instead of cutting across it — which is why end grain is the right call for any top you'll use for cutting or chopping. It stays sharper, longer, on a forgiving surface.

Best for: butcher blocks, prep islands, kitchens that get used.
Thickness: 2.25″–6″.

Edge grain construction — narrow strips joined on their edgesEdge Grain Construction

Edge Grain

Long, narrow strips of wood joined on their edges. The result is a clean linear pattern with serious structural strength — and a price point that's friendlier than end grain for large surfaces. No joints under 12 feet.

Best for: bar tops, large kitchen counters, tables, islands.
Thickness: 1¼″–6″. Board widths 0.75″–2″.

Flat grain construction — wider boards laid flatFlat Grain Construction

Flat Grain

Wider boards laid flat so the natural figure of the wood reads in long, sweeping lines. The most decorative look — and the one most people picture when they imagine a hardwood countertop or table.

Best for: dining tables, conference tables, statement counters.
Thickness: 1¼″–2.5″. Board widths 4″–10″.

Butcher block countertop in walnut end grainButcher Block

Butcher Block

The classic — built specifically for prep work. We use end grain construction with a Food Safe Mineral Oil finish so you can cut directly on the surface, and re-oil it about once a month to keep it loved.

Best for: kitchens that work hard.

Wood species

Eighteen hardwoods, in stock.

Domestic and exotic — African Mahogany, American Cherry, Ash, Hard Maple, Hickory, Iroko, Jatoba, Peruvian Walnut, Quartersawn White Oak, Red Oak, Santos Mahogany, Sapele Mahogany, Tigerwood, Walnut, White Oak, Wormy Soft Maple, Wenge, and Zebrawood. Pick one — or let us recommend based on use, color, and budget.

Walnut

Walnut

Rich chocolate brown, soft grain, ages beautifully.

Hard Maple

Hard Maple

The classic butcher block. Pale, tight grain, extremely hard.

Cherry

Cherry

Warm pink-to-red, darkens with light over years.

African Mahogany

African Mahogany

Deep red-brown, straight grain, classic furniture look.

Santos Mahogany

Santos Mahogany

Darker, denser cousin — extremely hard and stable.

Sapele

Sapele

Mahogany family, with a shimmering ribbon figure.

Teak

Teak

Natural oils make it ideal for water-prone areas.

Zebrawood

Zebrawood

Striking dark-on-light stripes. A statement-maker.

Hickory

Hickory

Bold contrast between heart and sap. Tough as anything.

Jatoba

Jatoba

"Brazilian Cherry" — orange-red, extremely durable.

Oak (Red & White)

Oak

The American classic. Open grain, takes stain well.

Shedua

Shedua

Deep golden-brown with subtle ribbon figure.

Don't see what you want? Ask — we work with more species than we list here.

Customization

Tailored to your dimensions.

Any size, any shape

Built to your dimensions. With our proprietary invisible brackets, we can hold up to 8-inch overhangs without a visible support — meaning bar tops, islands, and breakfast counters that float the way you imagined them.

Three finish options

Satin Sheen Permanent Finish — water, stain, and chemical resistant. GREENGUARD certified, formaldehyde-free. Available in dull or satin. Right for surfaces you won't cut directly on.

Food Safe Mineral Oil — for butcher blocks and prep surfaces. Re-oil every 1-2 months, depending on use.

Custom stains — stock colors or color-matched to your sample.

Sinks, cooktops, edges

Undermount sinks are no problem — every top is sealed against water damage. Edge profiles, drainboards, and integrated trivets are all on the table. Bring your detail; we'll engineer it.

Lifetime warranty.

Every Southside countertop and butcher block is covered against manufacturing defects for as long as you own it. Standard, never an upcharge.

Warranty terms
Common questions

Quick answers, before you ask.

Is wood safe to use as a cutting surface?

Yes. Research shows bacteria dies within four minutes on wood — versus thriving on plastic. End grain construction with a Food Safe Mineral Oil finish is the right setup for prep.

Will my top withstand water and stains?

Tops with our Satin Sheen Permanent Finish are water, stain, and chemical resistant. Mineral oil finishes are softer — they need regular upkeep and quick spill cleanup.

Can I put hot pans directly on the surface?

We discourage it. Direct heat from stovetop cookware can burn the wood and damage the glue joints. Use a trivet.

How long until you can deliver?

Two to four weeks. It's the fastest lead time in the industry — because one shop owns the whole build, from board selection to packing the crate.

Ready to talk about your top?

Send dimensions, photos, and your wishlist. We'll come back with options, pricing, and an honest lead time.

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