Fact sheet and FAQ

• Wood Countertops and Butcher Blocks are hygienic. A New York study found that "the cellular structure of Maple is actually Bacteriostatic" (kills germs). Most woods in fact have the same quality.

Structure

• We use Premium Select Woods
• Only 7% of the tree is selected for our Premium Wide Plank Tops.
• Our wood is Kiln Dried to 6% humidity.
• Each board is re-straightened 3 times in all dimensions before being used.
• All boards (planks) are continuous , no butt joints are allowed.
• On very long tops we do need to include overlapping joinery for engineering due to length.
• The glue bond we develop is stronger than the actual wood structure. The board members are designed to move slightly in time and maintain their joint strength and integrity for many decades to come.
• Countertop corners are mitered and have bolted reinforcement machined within.

Thickness

• Solid stock only from 3/4" up to 6". The most common thickness ordered are: 1¼" 1½" 2" 2¼" 2½"
• End Grain Chopping Block is available in 2" thru 12" thickness. (3" and 4" are most often ordered). The larger the overall size, the thicker the top must be for stability.

Thickness

• Premium Wide Plank Tops: All hand selected boards are 5"-8" wide of unblemished premium woods. These tops have our "Marine Oil finish"ä. It is extremely tough, waterproof, and requires little maintenance. Continuous runs, no butt joints. Various colors. Color matched finishing is available. These have become our most popular and "classic" tops. They are often seen in magazine photos. Colors available , Species available
• Our "Marine Oil finish" ä has a hand rubbed sheen. It may be renewed by a homeowner using our Marine oil surface restorer. This process permits marks, scratches, and stains to be scrubbed off and a fresh coat of finish to be applied and rubbed out. This is the only finish in the marketplace to have this property. The result is a charming finish that shows age gracefully and with glowing warmth.
• Marine oil is Waterproof, Alcohol proof, Lemon and lime proof, and food safe. It will not stain or ring. It will handle boiling water.
• Standard Plank Tops: Boards are 3"-5" wide of good quality woods. Tight knots, some light grain, and pith marks are acceptable.
• These have a 4 coat Waterlox finish that requires only occasional maintenance. It is fairly waterproof and may be recoated as needed.
• Edge Grain Tops: Composed of 1 3/4" parallel staves. These tops are sealed and oiled in our shop. The wood is randomly selected and is meant to be cut, chopped upon, and used for heavy food prep. These must be maintained with regular oiling. . Also known as Narrow Plank or Production block.
• End Grain Chopping Block: Vertical facing wood members typically 1¾" x 1¾". Looks like patterned and random offset squares. These tops are sealed and oiled only. They must be maintained with regular oiling. A series of light and dark toned woods may form a pattern reflecting the order of cutting and gluing up. This is a charming look and reflects the traditional methods still used to make this type of block.

Edges available

• Large format ogee, Eased square, Radiused, Waterfall, Bullnosed, Small and Medium ogee.
• Angled back or Just about anything you can draw.
• Knives can be made for custom profiles.

Available edge profiles

Maintenance

• Premium Wide Plank Counters come with a hard, durable, Waterproof Marine Oil finish that may be maintained with Wieman's Creme or Lemon Pledge.
• We supply a complimentary bottle of Wieman's Furniture Creme with each job. Monthly is recommended. We can also send a bottle of our food safe Finish Restorer to reduce scratches and bring back a hand rubbed sheen.
• Standard Plank: Recoat every six months with Waterlox brand wood finish.
• Edge Grain: Use Butcherblock dressing oil, Linseed, Tung, or Mineral oil. These tops loose moisture readily and must be maintained monthly. More often in winter. From Cutting or Chopping your counter will acquire a "Country "look. You can dress your top using the same Butcher Block oil (supplied with our tops). Butcher Block dressing oil is based on linseed oil and is non toxic. Mineral oil will due as well. After much wear Edge Grain tops may be sanded through the grades from 120 to 220 and re-oiled to achieve a new look.
• End Grain: Oil weekly with any of the above. These tops loose moisture readily and must be maintained monthly. More often in winter. From Cutting or Chopping your counter will acquire a "Country "look. You can dress your top using the same Butcher Block oil (supplied with our tops)Butcher Block dressing oil is based on linseed oil and is non toxic. Mineral oil will due as well. After much wear End Grain tops may be sanded through the grades from 120 to 220 and re-oiled to achieve a new look.

Samples

Call and order some of our In stock samples. They are $25 each. The cost will be credited toward your project. ( Some minimum project size may apply.)

Sinks

• Under mount Sinks, Farm Sinks, and Routed tapered drain patterns are often done and hold up extremely well in our Premium Wide Plank countertops.
• Cut-in or Self Rimming sink patterns are cut in our shop or can be done at installation.

Template and Installation

• Templating and Installation from Philadelphia to Boston by our own in - house professionals. We do not sub out this important work.
• You may provide a full size paper, plywood, foam core, or hardboard template to us by mail or UPS.
• You may provide plans, specs or drawings (use a ruler please) by fax.
• You may email us with PDF drawings or Autocad dwg. files
• You may send us your own full size template marked up for our shop.
• You may ship us a series of template pieces for us to reassemble here.
• We will provide you with shop drawings for approval prior to fabricating in order to make sure that all details are correct.
• If you need material, finish, or color samples they will be provided for your approval.

Orders

• Pricing is done by layout and specs only (fax them to us at 800 244 5432).No verbal quotes are given.
• Please provide plans, specs or drawings (use a ruler please) by fax.
• Delivery time is 2 to 4 weeks (varies with season) from approved shop drawing and determined at time of actual order only.
• We currently pack and ship throughout the U.S.
• Terms: 50% deposit to commence, balance COD at install or prior to shipping. MasterCard, Amex, and Visa accepted.