Each tree is uniquely beautiful and so is each board that comes from them. No two are alike, and that’s perfect! It’s important to understand how lumber is cut in relation to grain direction when selecting a construction style for your project. The options we offer are designed to enhance certain features and/or present different looks for the same wood species. Oak, for example, can have several different looks depending on how the grain is presented on the top of your counter. The below graphics and explanations will help with your selection, and the Cafe sales team is always available and happy to answer any questions.
Logs are cut strategically at sawmills to maximize usability and minimize waste. This results in a variety of beautiful looks, but don’t feel overwhelmed, by the time you’re done with page, you’ll be an expert. Below are some graphic representations that show how grain is presented depending on which cut is utilized.
Our construction options consider how lumber is cut with the goal of offering different looks for each species. Also, if you plan to cut directly on the counter, some options are better than others. Below are explanations with pictures.
- Euro Star is our most popular, bestselling option. The random layup with finger-joined staves creates a stable panel with the “Butcher Block” look most customers want. Euro Star is specially designed to be the most warp and crack resistant wood countertops option available on the market. Edge grain is presented on the top of the panel for a tight grain look. Planks are 40mm/1.58″ wide and individual pieces range from 8” to 36” approximately. Euro Star is also the most cost-effective option if you have a tight budget with several thickness options to choose from. Another great characteristic of Euro Star is that it’s available in lengths up to 16ft without a seam!
- Continuous Stave is like Euro Star except the staves run the full length of the panel. There are no intermediate finger-joints if lumber is available in the length of your counter, and if not, we can strategically add them for the best look. Edge grain is presented on the top of the panel and plank width is 40mm/1.58”. This makes for a cleaner look, more refined look. Continuous Stave style is ideal for custom thickness up to 6”, and great for floating shelves. Because Continuous Stave and Euro-Star styles present edge grain on the face of the panel, they can handle cutting directly on the counter better than plank styles.
- Euro Plank style is perfect to show big, beautiful wood grain because face grain is presented on the top side of the panel. This option is exceptionally eye catching, but not ideal for cutting directly on the countertop. Plank width for Euro Plank style is 5” and greater depending on overall depth of your counter for consistent plank width. You can also specify a plank width if you prefer. Standard thickness is 40mm/1.58”, but we can build up edges to 80mm/3.14” thickness if your design calls for it. North American Black Walnut in Euro Plank style is popular for both residential and commercial applications because the tone and graining are stunning!
- End Grain style ideal for cutting directly on the counter and has the “checkerboard” look. This style is reminiscent of the traditional French farmhouse chopping block. The minimum thickness for End Grain style is 3” for stability and special accommodations must be made for extended overhang. Maximum thickness is 6”, but thicker options are possible upon special request. End Grain style is perfect for islands, or portions of islands, and has a unique look that draws the eye. Each square in the counter is approximately 1-1/2” x 1-1/2” as a standard, but larger End Grain is available in certain species of wood.
Live Edge is becoming more and more popular in today’s kitchen designs. We keep a stock of Live Edge Slabs in house for custom fabrication and have a network of suppliers if our stock doesn’t fit with your project. Each slab is unique with a lot of character and make excellent tabletops, floating shelves, mantels, and countertops. Please reach out to our sales team if you’re interested in seeing our Live Edge slab inventory.
Because Café Countertops only offers hardwood species suitable for countertops, any of our standard options hold up well to daily use. Softer woods like Pine are not ideal for work surfaces. We are a custom wholesale fabricator, and other wood species are available upon request. Below is the Janka Hardness scale which shows some common woods in a hierarchy based on their resistance to denting and scratching.
