Materials and Safety

Solid wood is the foundation of our work. Depending on the project, a finished surface may also include adhesive, small knot or void fills, and the selected finish system.

We choose these materials for the specific surface, use case, and finish requirements. A countertop, island top, table, shelf, or commercial bar may call for different construction and finishing decisions.

Adhesives

Wood surfaces are built from carefully selected boards and joined with wood adhesive appropriate for the construction. Adhesive selection matters because wood expands and contracts with humidity changes. The surface has to be built in a way that respects that movement.

Fills and Epoxy

Some boards may include small knots, checks, or natural voids. When appropriate, these areas may be filled for stability, cleanability, or appearance.

Fills are not used to hide poor material. They are used selectively when the character of the board is worth preserving and the finished surface will still perform as intended.

Finishes

The finish is selected based on the surface and how it will be used. A working kitchen surface, dining table, commercial bar, and decorative shelf do not all need the same finish.

Finish selection affects maintenance, water resistance, repairability, sheen, feel, and how the wood will age over time.

Food Contact and Daily Use

For kitchen and serving surfaces, material and finish choices should be matched to the intended use. Some surfaces are designed for direct food contact. Others are finished as furniture-grade or architectural surfaces and should be protected from cutting, standing water, heat, and harsh cleaners.

If a surface will be used for food preparation, commercial service, or heavy daily use, that should be discussed before ordering.

A Note About Wood

Wood is a living material. It reacts to moisture, temperature, humidity, sunlight, and use. Movement, color variation, grain variation, and changes over time are normal.

Good results depend on the right species, construction, finish, installation, environment, and care.

Questions About a Specific Project?

If your project has food-contact requirements, commercial use, sink cutouts, unusual dimensions, or specific finish needs, please contact us before ordering. We can help determine the right material and finish approach for the surface.

Finish Selection Guide

Select a finish based on how the surface will be used and maintained over time.

Mineral Oil & Organic Beeswax

Best for: Frequent chopping
Maintenance: Frequent, easy
Feel: Soft, natural matte
Repairability: Excellent

Pure Tung Oil

Best for: Infrequent chopping
Maintenance: Periodic, more involved
Feel: Satin, warmer tone
Repairability: Good

Rubio Monocoat™

Best for: General use surfaces
Maintenance: Low
Feel: Matte, raw wood appearance
Repairability: Localized repairs possible

Impermio™ Film Finish

Best for: High moisture / heavy use
Maintenance: Minimal
Feel: Sealed, protected surface
Repairability: Not spot-repairable

How to Choose

  • Choose Mineral Oil & Organic Beeswax for active chopping surfaces that can recover from wear over time
  • Choose Pure Tung Oil for reduced maintenance with occasional cutting and a warmer, naturally evolving appearance 
  • Choose Rubio Monocoat™ for low-maintenance, general-use surfaces without direct cutting
  • Choose Impermio™ Film Finish where moisture resistance and long-term protection are the priority

View Full Finish Guide →

Edge Profile Guide

Use this guide to compare available edge profiles. Final shaping may vary slightly based on thickness and project requirements.

Drawings are shown on 1 ½” thick material for reference. Profiles may appear slightly different on thicker pieces.

Standard

Squared
   

Eased
1/16" Radius

Pencil
1/8" Radius

Small Roundover 3/16" Radius

Medium Roundover 1/4" Radius

Large Roundover
3/8" Radius

Extra-Large Roundover
1/2" Radius

Bevel

High Design

These profiles require additional shaping and may affect final pricing.

Bias

Shark Nose

Sting Ray

Drift

Crescent

Reverse Demi

Traditional

These profiles require additional shaping and may affect final pricing.

Bullnose

Roman Ogee

Traditional Ogee

Cove and Bead

Roundover with Bead

Looking for a custom edge profile?

We can create many custom profiles beyond the options shown here. Some can be made with existing tooling, while others may require custom tooling, additional design time, and added cost. Contact us before ordering if you have a specific profile in mind.