The Other Guys

We often get requests from customers looking for a "butcher block" countertop. The term "butcher block" refers to the layout of the wood in regard to its grain as well as its use. They were originally found in butcher shops and made of hard maple and either had an edge grain or end grain orientation. Most of the "butcher block" countertops available today are comprised of thin, random length edge grain boards of vastly varying color that are finger jointed and blended together to make a top. Think of your hardwood floors as a countertop, with skinnier pieces of wood. This type of top is the attempt of larger production facilities to mass produce a product without any attention to detail or craftsmanship. They are sold without finish, and only come in standard sized widths and lengths. What you get is an inferior product they refer to as "butcher block".   

MJ Martin Wood Countertops

We are happy to say that this is not how we do wood countertops. Our tops are "plank style", meaning the flat face grain of a board is what is visible in our tops. The planks run the full length of the top and are anywhere from 3"-8" in width on average. There are NO butt joints like the big box store tops. The real beauty and warmth of the wood is most visible in this style of top along with a more consistent and uniform color. All of our tops are designed to your exact specifications, hand made locally with sustainably sourced, hand selected lumber, and fabricated with food safe adhesives and finishes.