Construction Styles
Most wood countertops come in three different construction styles. This is simply how the boards are assembled to form the top. They each have their positives and negatives. They are plank style, edge grain, and end grain.
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" to 6" wide.
Positives
-It is considered the most decorative construction style.
-It is priced the best because it requires less work and less scrap than the other two styles.
Negatives
-It is limited in thickness. Most wood species are available up to a maximum of 1 3/4" thick, though some can go up to 2 1/4" thick.
-Because of its grain structure it produces the softest countertop surface of the three styles. This is not to say it's not more that hard enough to make an excellent countertop or desk top. Writing on it will not dent the wood.
Example of a plank style wood countertop
Edge grain construction is when the countertops width is made up of 1 3/4" wide laminated strips. 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.
Positives
-It has a harder work surface than the plank style top because the grain structure is tighter.
-Thickness is not dictated by the available thickness of the available lumber. We can make tops from 1 1/4" thick up to 5 1/2" thick.
Negatives
-It is more expensive than a plank style top. Expect to pay at least 10% more for the same thickness.
Example of a edge grain style wood countertop
End grain construction is made up of small blocks of wood turned on end and laminated together. It is the most intricately constructed countertop.
Positives
-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" thick up to 5 1/2" thick.
Negatives
-The demanding fabrication of these tops makes them the most expensive of the three.
Example of a end grain style wood countertop |
