There are multiple answers regarding the Frequently Asked Question, “What is the most common thickness for wood and butcherblock countertops?”
The thickness of wood countertops depends on the construction style chosen for the countertop. There are three construction styles available for wood countertops: End Grain, Edge Grain, and Flat Grain.
End Grain ButcherBlock Countertops Thickness
End Grain ButcherBlock Countertops have a minimum thickness of 2 1/2″
End Grain is the premium construction style and our recommended surface for direct food preparation. Wood Countertops made in End Grain construction are known as ButcherBlock Countertops. End Grain Butcher Block Countertops have a minimum thickness of 2 1/2 inches.
Pictured below is a Sapele Mahogany End Grain ButcherBlock Countertop with a thickness of 2 1/2 inches. This Butcher Block Countertop was designed for the Newton Centre Project by This Old House® Television Show.
Sapele Mahogany ButcherBlock used for the Newton Centre Project by This Old House® Television Show is 2 1/2 inches thick.
ButcherBlock Countertops are not limited to thickness. Below is a picture of a Sapele Mahogany Butcher Block that is 7 1/4 inches thick. This butcher block countertop was designed by Past Basket Design.
Sapele Mahogany Butcher Block 7 1/4 inches thick designed by Past Basket Design
Edge Grain Wood Countertops Thickness
Edge Grain Wood Countertops have a minimum thickness of 1 1/2″
Wood Countertops made in Edge Grain construction are very stable and make a great surface for any countertop. These countertops are available in thicknesses of 1 1/2 inches up to 8 inches or greater.
Below is a picture of a Teak Wood Countertop with a thickness of 1 1/2 inches. This countertop was designed by Julie Fergus American Home.
Teak Wood Countertop with a thickness of 1 1/2 inches, designed by Julie Fergus American Home
Heavier thicknesses are available for Edge Grain Wood Countertops, but are unusual. Pictured below is a White Oak Wood Countertop made in Edge Grain Construction that is 2 3/4 inches thick. This countertop was designed by Kitchen and Bath Concepts of Pittsburgh.
White Oak Wood Countertop with a thickness of 2 3/4 inches, designed by Kitchen and Bath Concepts of Pittsburgh.
Flat Grain Wood Counters Thickness
Flat Grain Wood Counters commonly have a minimum thickness of 1 13/4″
Wood Counters made in Flat Grain construction are generally preferred for a fine furniture aesthetic surface. Flat Grain Construction is also commonly known as Wide Plank. These counters are available with a thickness of 1 3/4 inches.Table tops, desks tops, bar tops and select countertops are frequently manufactured in this construction style.
Pictured below is a Sapele Mahogany Wood Counter that has a thickness of 1 3/4 inches. This wood counter was designed by Donna Venegas of Venegas and Company for the Auburndale Project by This Old House® Television Show.
Sapele Mahogany Wood Counter with a thickness of 1 3/4 inches; designed by Donna Venegas of Venegas and Company for the Auburndale Project by This Old House® Television Show
Other thicknesses are available for Flat Grain Wood Counters, but they are unusual. The Sapele Mahogany Wood Bar Top pictured below was made in Flat Grain construction and has a thickness of 1 1/2 inches. This bar top was designed by Dominic Ciccimaro.
Sapele Mahogany Wood Bar Top with a thickness of 1 1/2 inches, designed by Dominic Ciccimaro
You can see images of wood countertops with different thicknesses and construction styles in the Grothouse Image Library.
About The Grothouse Lumber Company
Established in 1994, the Grothouse Lumber Company has grown to become one of the most technically advanced and creative manufacturers in the wood surfaces market. Our custom-built wood countertops can be configured with a myriad of available options, including 60+ wood species, and 30 edge profiles. Our specially-formulated Durata; permanent finish is one of the most durable and waterproof protective coatings currently available on the market today.
