What is edge grain butcher block?
Edge grain countertops show the narrow edge of each board. Every strip runs the full length of the top, so the surface reads as one continuous set of stripes.
It's our widest-ranging construction, with the most species and sizes, and it works for kitchen counters, islands, bar tops, desks and commercial counters. For a different look, see end grain, wide plank or Signature Blended Grain, or compare all four in the table below.
How we build it
We plane and select each strip, glue the strips edge to edge, and sand the top and all four sides smooth. The underside isn't graded for appearance and may show minor marks. Add the High-Grade Bottom option when it will be visible, such as under a seating overhang. See how each construction is built in 3D.
Our Middlefield, Ohio, shop sits in the heart of one of the state's largest Amish communities. Every top we build reflects the skilled craftsmanship of our local Amish workforce. Hardwood Lumber Company has built hardwood products here since 1958. Read our story.
Choosing a species
Pick a wood for its color, grain and hardness, and compare species in our wood information guide. Every board is unique, and product photos show one example, so expect natural variation in color and grain.
- Domestic woods: Hard Maple, Walnut, Clear Cherry, Hickory, White Oak, Red Oak, Ash, Beech, Birch, Soft Maple, Poplar, Grey Elm, Clear Alder, Cypress and Douglas Fir.
- Premium walnut: Premium Walnut, made from 100% dark heartwood with no sapwood or knots, and Steamed Walnut, steamed for a more even tone.
- Rustic, character and figured grades: Rustic Hickory, Rustic Walnut, Rustic Maple, Rustic White Oak, Rustic Cherry, Character Cherry, Knotty Pine, Knotty Alder, Wormy Maple (Ambrosia), Curly Maple and Live Sawn White Oak.
- Imported and exotic hardwoods: Sapele, African Mahogany, Genuine Mahogany, Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba), Iroko, Makore, Black Limba, Spanish Cedar, Acacia, Purpleheart, Zebrawood, Wenge, Leopardwood, Tigerwood, Canarywood, Shedua and Burmese Teak.
- Mixed-wood designs: Maple/Walnut, Maple/Cherry and Maple/Cherry/Walnut blends, plus Maple with Walnut or Cherry accent strips.
Not sure which wood is right? Order wood samples before you commit, or browse finished tops in our countertop gallery and customer gallery.
Sizes, options and customization
- Custom size: enter your exact depth, up to 84", and length, up to the limit for your species.
- Island shapes: choose from 11 island top shapes, from curvy and arched fronts to stadium and ellipse tops.
- Thickness: 15 choices from 1" to 4-1/2". Go thicker for islands and statement tops.
- Edge profiles: 29 profiles, from a simple radius or bevel to ogee, cove and bead, and faux live edge. See all edge details.
- Finishes: acrylic polyurethane, full-fill polyester, mineral oil, Salad Bowl Finish or Rubio Monocoat in about 50 colors. Choose a flat, satin or semi-gloss sheen, one of 40 stain colors or a custom stain match. Compare wood finishes.
- Textures: hand planed, hand scraped, wire brushed, saw cut or distressed. See texture options.
- Cutouts and joints: CNC-cut sink and cooktop openings from your drawing, 45° angle cuts, waterfall miters and butt-joint prep with countertop bolts.
- High-Grade Bottom: the underside graded to match the top, for overhangs and open undersides.
How edge grain compares
| Construction |
Look |
Thickness |
Best for |
| Edge grain |
Long, even stripes |
1" to 4-1/2" |
Everyday counters, islands and bar tops |
| End grain |
Checkerboard of block ends |
Up to 4-1/2" |
Chopping stations and prep islands |
| Wide plank (face grain) |
Wide boards with full grain figure |
Up to 1-3/4" |
Tables, bars and display surfaces |
| Signature Blended Grain |
Random-length strips in mixed tones |
1" to 3-1/2" |
Long runs up to 192" and a lively, handcrafted look |
Ordering, lead time and shipping
Every countertop is made to order in Middlefield, Ohio, and ships in 2 to 3 weeks. Tops under 70 lb and 96" long ship by FedEx or UPS Ground. Larger tops ship on a pallet by freight, with liftgate or white-glove delivery available. See shipping and returns for details.
Each top carries a one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. To keep it, finish and install unfinished tops within one week of delivery, following our installation, care and maintenance guide.
Need a top sooner? In Stock tops ship the next business day. For project questions, call 1-800-798-1269, contact our sales team or request a custom quote.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between edge grain and end grain butcher block?
Edge grain shows the long edges of hardwood strips in even stripes. End grain shows the ends of short blocks in a checkerboard pattern. End grain is gentler on knives but costs more, so edge grain is the usual choice for full counters and islands.
Can I cut directly on an edge grain countertop?
Yes, but knives will leave marks over time. If you plan to cut on it, choose an oil finish such as mineral oil or Salad Bowl Finish. You can refresh it after a light sanding. Film finishes like polyurethane resist stains better but will show cuts.
How thick should a butcher block countertop be?
1-1/2" is the standard for kitchen counters. Thicker tops, from 2" up to 4-1/2", add stiffness for long spans and seating overhangs and give an island a heavier look. Ask our team about support for overhangs.
How long can an edge grain countertop be?
It depends on the species. Most domestic species run up to 138" or 162", and select species reach 186". For longer runs, we can prep two tops to butt-join with countertop bolts, or you can choose Signature Blended Grain, which reaches 192".
Can you cut a sink opening in a butcher block countertop?
Yes. Add a sink or cooktop cutout, upload a drawing with your dimensions, and we'll CNC-cut the opening before your top ships.
Do your countertops come finished?
Your choice. Tops ship unfinished unless you add a finish. Finish an unfinished top within one week of delivery to protect the wood and keep your warranty.
How long will it take to get my countertop?
Edge grain tops ship in 2 to 3 weeks, plus transit time. If you need one right away, In Stock tops ship the next business day.
