I’m purchasing a lake house that has laminate counters. Normally I just throw granite down but I wanted something more unique. 95% of my wood working is cutting boards so I’m leaning towards doing wood counters but have questions. There’s isn’t a lot of counter space. they will only be used on weekends so no heavy use.
I’m leaning towards zebra wood or walnut. I have a ton of zebra wood already and do have some 8/4 walnut but would have to buy more. The zebra wood is 4/4 and 5/4.
If I do zebrawood I’m thinking of going with facegrain and use 3/4 ply for a backer to get some more thickness. Then doing a 45 along the edges and wrap it with zebrawood on the edge to give a thick appearance. It would be 1/4” roundover. I would domino the zebrawood together and attach to plywood with glue. Would that hold up? Or rip into 1.5” strips and make a big cutting board. I need to check my boards to see how grain looks but I think face grain will look better since it will be more continuous.
if it’s walnut I would just use 6/4 or 8/4. Face grain or edge grain. Face grain always has me worried about cupping and it’s the least durable.
Finish would be waterlox on the entire thing. Some good photos below of different species.
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I’m leaning towards zebra wood or walnut. I have a ton of zebra wood already and do have some 8/4 walnut but would have to buy more. The zebra wood is 4/4 and 5/4.
If I do zebrawood I’m thinking of going with facegrain and use 3/4 ply for a backer to get some more thickness. Then doing a 45 along the edges and wrap it with zebrawood on the edge to give a thick appearance. It would be 1/4” roundover. I would domino the zebrawood together and attach to plywood with glue. Would that hold up? Or rip into 1.5” strips and make a big cutting board. I need to check my boards to see how grain looks but I think face grain will look better since it will be more continuous.
if it’s walnut I would just use 6/4 or 8/4. Face grain or edge grain. Face grain always has me worried about cupping and it’s the least durable.
Finish would be waterlox on the entire thing. Some good photos below of different species.
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