Paul Grothouse Custom Tables and Furniture

Construction

A variety of construction styles give you the look and functionality you need.

End Grain

End Grain ConstructionEnd grain is the premium butcherblock material and our recommended surface for chopping or to achieve a premium and unique look. This construction is significantly harder to manufacture than edge or flat grain and requires a level of skill and craftsmanship not found with many commercial suppliers. End grain is also called butcherblock, chopping block and checkerboard

  • Knives stay sharper as the blade cuts between the cells of the wood, not against them
  • Surface is self healing and hides knife marks
  • Can be completely sanded and renewed if treated with food grade oil finish
  • The individual pieces of wood are random sized unless otherwise specified
  • A variety of patterns are possible
  • Enormous sizes can be produced without seams
  • Minimum thickness is 2-1/2”, no maximum thickness
    • This construction seasonally expands and contracts in width and length

Edge Grain

Edge Grain ConstructionThis construction style is the most stable of the three outlined. Edge grain is most commonly used for countertops and work surfaces. Multiple species can be combined to create a striped appearance.

  • Suitable for chopping, but will show knife marks more readily
  • Continuous length boards without butt joints
  • Width of boards will be random unless otherwise specified; typically 1-1/2" to 1-3/4" wide
  • Can be completely sanded and renewed if treated with food grade oil finish
  • Typically the least expensive construction
  • Minimum thickness is 1-1/2”, no maximum thickness
  • This construction seasonally expands and contracts in width only

Flat Grain

Flat Grain ConstructionTable tops, desk tops, bar tops and countertops are frequently manufactured using flat grain construction. This style is generally preferred for a fine furniture aesthetic surface and highlights the natural grain of the wood.

  • Not recommended for chopping, as it readily shows knife marks
  • Continuous length boards without butt joints
  • Width of boards will be random unless otherwise specified
  • Can be completely sanded and renewed if treated with food grade oil finish
  • Applied edges available for a thicker appearance
  • Typically 1-3/4" thick
  • This construction seasonally expands and contracts in width only