What is the purpose of C-channel in wood tops?

Steel C-channel is installed into the underside of solid wood countertops to help control natural wood movement. It increases stiffness, helps keep long tops flat, reduces the risk of cupping or bowing over time, and provides additional support at overhangs or across wide spans. This reinforcement is especially useful on islands and large, heavy tops.

What is the difference between wood color and stain color?

Wood color refers to the natural tone of the species itself, such as the chocolate-brown of walnut or the pale, neutral look of white oak. Stain color is a tinted finish applied on top of the wood to darken, lighten, or shift the tone while still allowing the grain to show. Using stain lets you achieve a specific design look while still choosing the wood species based on performance and character.

Hardwood Countertops

Q: Are wood countertops food safe?

Yes, properly finished hardwood countertops are food safe. When sealed with a non-toxic, VOC-free finish, the wood surface is protected from moisture and food absorption, making it safe for everyday kitchen use. For heavy cutting and chopping, an end-grain butcher block is often considered the most hygienic option.

Q: How are wood countertops shipped?

Most wood countertops are shipped via insured freight and packaged in heavy-duty protective materials, often including foam, corner protection, and a crate to prevent damage in transit. Smaller tops may ship with parcel carriers. Freight deliveries are typically curbside and require a signature on delivery.

Q: What is the difference between face grain, edge grain and end grain wood countertops?

Face-grain countertops use wide boards showing the natural cathedral and flowing grain patterns and are ideal for islands and bar tops. Edge-grain countertops are built from narrower strips turned on edge, creating long, straight lines with excellent stability for long runs. End-grain countertops, often called butcher block, show a checkerboard pattern with wood fibers pointing upward, offering the highest durability for chopping and heavy use.

Q: What are solid wood countertops?

Solid wood countertops are made entirely from real hardwood boards rather than veneer, laminate, or engineered cores. The top is built from full-thickness wood that is milled, glued, sanded, and finished as a single solid surface, giving it greater longevity, repairability, and character over time.

Q: What are butcher block countertops?

Butcher block countertops are built from many smaller pieces of wood joined together, typically in end-grain or edge-grain construction. End-grain butcher block shows a checkerboard pattern and is highly durable and forgiving on knives, making it ideal for serious cooking and food prep. Edge-grain butcher block uses long, narrow strips and offers a clean, linear look with excellent stability.

Q: What is the common thickness for countertops?

Most hardwood countertops range from about 1.25 to 1.75 inches thick. Standard residential tops are commonly 1.25–1.5 inches, while premium or more dramatic designs may use 1.75–2 inches. End-grain butcher block can be even thicker, often 2–4 inches, for maximum durability and visual impact.

Q: How do you measure the depth of a countertop?

To measure countertop depth, measure from the back wall to the front edge of the finished surface. Standard kitchen cabinets are usually 24 inches deep, so most countertops end up at 25–26 inches including the overhang. For islands, bars, and custom layouts, the depth can be increased to allow for seating or extra workspace.

Q: How much overhang should a countertop have?

Standard kitchen countertops typically have a 1 to 1.5 inch overhang beyond the cabinet face. For bar seating or island overhangs, 8 to 12 inches is common, often with brackets or hidden supports. Wall-to-wall or flush installations may have little to no overhang, depending on the design and adjoining surfaces.

Q: Are wood countertops durable?

Yes, wood countertops are very durable when built from quality hardwoods and finished correctly. Species such as walnut, white oak, maple, and cherry perform well in kitchens, bars, and commercial spaces. Durability is influenced by the wood species, grain orientation, finish system, humidity control, and whether reinforcement like steel channels is used on longer spans.

Premium hardwood countertops handcrafted in New York. Custom sizes for kitchens, islands, and bathroom vanities. Walnut, White Oak, Black Oak, Maple & more — shipped nationwide.

Why Choose Hardtwood Countertops?

Every Hardtwood countertop is handcrafted in New York using real, solid hardwood and precision custom sizing down to fractional inches. We select premium, luxury-grade lumber, reinforce each top for long-term stability, and finish everything with durable, 100% VOC-free protection that’s safe for homes and commercial spaces.

Enjoy easy online ordering with live customization, free nationwide shipping, and quality built strong enough for bars, restaurants, offices, and high-traffic interiors. Matching shelving and tabletops are available to complete your space with a unified look.

Our Process

Consultation or Direct Online Order

Start your project with a quick consultation or place your order online if you already know your dimensions. Both options ensure accurate sizing and the right wood species and finish.

Material Selection

We personally hand-select each board to ensure exceptional grain quality, consistency, and color tone before production begins.

Fabrication

Once approved, your project moves into production — precision-milled, sanded, and finished in-house for unmatched accuracy and craftsmanship.

Delivery

Your finished piece is securely packaged and delivered directly to you, ready for installation or immediate use.

FAQ

Wood Countertop Frequently Asked Questions

Are wood countertops food-safe?

Yes — properly finished hardwood countertops are food-safe. At Hardtwood, every countertop is finished with 100% VOC-free hardwax oils, meaning the surface is safe for daily kitchen use, including food prep. The finish seals the wood, prevents absorption, and creates a natural, non-toxic protective barrier. If you want a surface specifically for cutting or chopping, choose end-grain butcher block, which is naturally the most hygienic style.

Finish Technical Data Sheet

Finish VOC Free Laboratory Report

Finish Safety Data Sheet

How are wood countertops shipped?

Countertops are shipped nationwide via insured freight, packaged in heavy-duty foam, corner protection, and reinforced crating to prevent damage. Smaller tops may ship parcel, but most countertop orders are crated and delivered curbside. Freight shipments include full tracking and require a signature to ensure safe delivery.

What is the difference between face grain, edge grain, and end grain wood countertops?

Face Grain: Wide boards showing cathedral and flowing grain patterns. Best for kitchen islands, bars, and decorative surfaces.
Edge Grain Butcher Block: Narrow strips turned on their side, creating long, straight lines. More stable and resistant to warping — great for long countertops.
End Grain Butcher Block: The “checkerboard” butcher block look with wood fibers pointing upward. Extremely durable and ideal for chopping or heavy-use kitchens.

Each option has a different appearance, durability, and price point, helping you pick the right countertop for your space.

What are solid wood countertops?

Solid wood countertops are made from real hardwood boards, not veneer, laminate, or engineered products.

Every countertop is built from full-thickness wood that’s milled, glued, sanded, and finished in our shop. This gives you a surface that’s stronger, lasts longer, and develops character over time.

What are live edge countertops?

Live edge countertops keep the natural outline of the tree along one or both long sides instead of a straight, milled edge. You still get a fully sanded, sealed, and reinforced surface, but with organic curves, bark contours (or debarked edges), and unique character. They’re especially popular for islands, bars, and waterfall-style tops where the edge is on display.

What are butcher block countertops?

Butcher block countertops are made from many smaller pieces of wood joined together, typically in end-grain or edge-grain construction. End-grain butcher block shows a checkerboard pattern and is extremely durable and forgiving on knives, making it ideal for serious cooking. Edge-grain butcher block has long, linear strips with excellent stability and a cleaner, more contemporary look.

What is the common thickness for countertops?

Most hardwood countertops are 1.25" to 1.75" thick, depending on the species and design.

Standard: 1.25"–1.5"
Premium / Luxury: 1.75"–2"
Butcher Block: 2"–4" (end grain)

For long spans, islands, or high-traffic areas, a thicker top provides more stability and presence.

How do you measure the depth of a countertop?

Measure from the back wall to the front edge of the surface. Standard kitchen base cabinets are 24" deep, so most countertops finish at 25"–26", including the overhang. For islands, bars, or custom spaces, depth can range from 20" all the way up to 40"+ depending on design.

How much overhang should a countertop have?

Standard kitchen overhang: 1"–1.5"
Bar seating / islands: 8"–12" (may require brackets or support legs)
Wall-to-wall installs: 0" if ending into a cabinet or wall

For hardwood countertops, longer overhangs benefit from C-channel reinforcement or hidden steel supports.

Are wood countertops durable?

Yes — hardwood countertops are extremely durable when properly finished and maintained. Species like walnut, white oak, maple, and cherry perform exceptionally well in kitchens and commercial spaces. The durability depends on grain style, finish, humidity control, and whether the top includes reinforcement.

What is the purpose of C-channel in wood countertops?

C-channels are steel reinforcement bars installed into the underside of the countertop. Because wood naturally expands and contracts with humidity, C-channels help:

Prevent cupping or bowing
Keep long countertops perfectly flat
Strengthen overhangs
Maintain stability for decades

They are strongly recommended for islands, long spans, and species with greater seasonal movement like white oak.

What’s the difference between natural wood color and stain color?

Natural wood color is the authentic tone of the species — for example, walnut is chocolate-brown, white oak is pale and grainy, cherry deepens into a rich reddish brown.

Stain color is an added pigment applied to change the aesthetic while still showing the grain. Stains allow you to match your countertop to cabinets, flooring, or décor without limiting your wood species options.