What is Signature Blended Grain butcher block?
It's edge grain butcher block with more character. Instead of one strip running the full length of the top, each row is made from several pieces of different lengths, joined end to end. The joints fall at random across the surface, so color, grain and character shift from piece to piece.
We make all of our own blended grain lumber in our Middlefield shop, from the same high-quality hardwood as our standard edge grain countertops. It's never made from scraps or bargain-grade offcuts. Every top is formaldehyde-free, unlike some lower-cost imported butcher block. The random lengths are a deliberate design choice, and they let us build tops up to 192" long.
Is Signature Blended right for your kitchen?
Signature Blended is the best choice when you want a handcrafted, varied look or a top longer than our other constructions allow.
- Best for: long perimeter runs, large islands, bar tops, and farmhouse or transitional kitchens where visible variety in the wood is part of the appeal.
- Plan for: a top that won't match any photo exactly, since no two are alike, and a maximum thickness of 3-1/2". For a calmer, more uniform stripe, see edge grain.
How we build it
We cut select boards into 1"-wide strips and join the pieces end to end in random lengths. Then we glue the strips edge to edge into one solid top 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 wood
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 hardwoods: Maple, Hickory, White Oak, Walnut, Ash, Cherry, Beech, Alder and Birch.
- Imported hardwoods: Sapele and African Mahogany.
Woods with strong natural contrast, like Hickory and Walnut, give the boldest blend. Maple and Birch give a softer, creamier one.
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 192".
- Island shapes: choose from 11 island top shapes, from curvy and arched fronts to stadium and ellipse tops.
- Thickness: 11 choices from 1" to 3-1/2". 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.
- Inset Stretcher Bars: an extra-cost option for tops 32" deep or more that helps control warping and seasonal movement.
How Signature Blended compares
| Construction |
Look |
Thickness |
Best for |
| Signature Blended Grain |
Random-length strips in mixed tones |
1" to 3-1/2" |
Long runs up to 192" and a lively, handcrafted look |
| Edge grain |
Long, even stripes |
1" to 4-1/2" |
Everyday counters, islands and bar tops |
| End grain |
Checkerboard of block ends |
2" to 4-1/2" |
Chopping stations and prep islands |
| Wide plank (face grain) |
Wide boards with full grain figure |
1" to 1-3/4" |
Tables, bars and display surfaces |
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 edge grain 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 is blended grain butcher block?
It's butcher block built from narrow hardwood strips in random lengths, joined end to end and glued edge to edge. The varied lengths give each row a mix of tone and grain, so the surface looks lively and handcrafted rather than uniformly striped.
Is Signature Blended a lower grade than edge grain?
No. It's built from the same high-quality lumber as our standard edge grain countertops. The difference is the look and the length. Random-length strips create a blended, one-of-a-kind surface, and they let us build tops up to 192" long.
How is Signature Blended different from big-box butcher block?
Big-box butcher block usually comes in a few stock sizes, species and thicknesses. Signature Blended is made to order in 11 woods, up to 84" × 192" and 1" to 3-1/2" thick. You choose the edge profile, finish, texture and cutouts.
How long can a Signature Blended countertop be?
Up to 192", or 16 feet, the longest top we make. That makes it a strong fit for long perimeter runs and large islands that would otherwise need two tops joined together.
Will my top look like the photos?
It will have the same character, but not the same exact pattern. Every board is unique and the strip lengths fall at random, so product photos show one example. Expect your own top to have its own mix of tone and grain.
Can you cut a sink opening in a Signature Blended 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. Around a sink, choose a sealed finish such as acrylic polyurethane or full-fill polyester. Our warranty doesn't cover mineral oil or Salad Bowl Finish tops installed around sinks, and the sink must go in with adhesive and a moisture barrier.
Is Signature Blended butcher block formaldehyde-free?
Yes. We make all of our own blended grain lumber in our Middlefield, Ohio, shop, so every Signature Blended top is formaldehyde-free. That sets it apart from some lower-cost imported blended butcher block. Every other countertop we make is formaldehyde-free too.
How long will it take to get my countertop?
Signature Blended tops ship in 2 to 3 weeks, plus transit time. If you need a top right away, In Stock edge grain tops ship the next business day.
