The Trees: About Butcher Block Woods

Calico Hickory

Calico Hickory, also known as Shagbark Hickory, grows in the Eastern United States. It has a Janka hardness of 1,880 lbf and weighs about 50 lbs/ft3. The tree grows to a height of 65-100 feet. Calico Hickory Heartwood is light brown/red to medium brown/red. The sapwood is pale brown with yellowish hues. Grain varies from straight to wavy with an open pore structure. Calico Hickory is unmistakably colorful and attention grabbing when used in countertops.

 

Cherry

Cherry, also known as American Cherry or Black Cherry, grows in the Eastern United States. Cherry has a Janka hardness of 950 lbf And weighs about 35 lbs/ft3. The tree grows to a height of 50-100 feet. Cherry Heartwood is a pinkish-brown color when first cut. Over time (months) and exposure to light, it oxidizes to a deeper golden brown/red. Cherry sapwood is a pale yellow in color, and easy to distinguish from Heartwood. American Cherry has relatively straight grain and a closed pore structure. Cherry is a desirable wood for countertops and furniture. Sustainably sourced in the United States.

 

Hard Maple

Hard Maple, also known as Rock Maple or Sugar Maple, grows very well in the U.S. We source our Hard Maple from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where the climatic conditions are most favorable to its growth and performance. Hard Maple has a Janka hardness of 1,450 lbf and weighs about 44lbs/ft3. Unlike many other hardwoods, the sapwood of he Hard Maple is more useful than its contrasting shaded heartwood. The tree grows to a height of 80-115 feet. The sapwood is mostly white in color, with parts being cream colored. The wood has a fine and even texture. The hardwood is able to resist shock, giving it an advantage over many other hardwoods out there.  It has a closed pore structure and is a preferred wood for countertops and furniture. Sustainably sourced in the United States.

 

Walnut

Ours is American Black Walnut, which grows primarily in the Eastern U.S. Walnut is, by all accounts, beautiful. Walnut has a Janka hardness of 1010 lbf And weighs about 38 lbs/ft3. The tree grows to a height of about 120 feet. Walnut Heartwood is brown to dark brown in color with occasional gray and reddish hues. The sapwood ranges from yeoolw-gray to creamy White. Walnut is known for its beautiful, pronounced grain patterns which vary between straight and wavy. American Black Walnut is an excellent choice for countertops and furniture. Sustainably Sourced in the United States.

 

White Oak

White Oak, not to be confused with Red Oak, grows in the Eastern U.S. White Oak has a Janka hardness of 1350 lbf And weighs about 47 lbs/ft3. The tree grows to a height of  65-85 feet. White Oak’s color is in the light to medium brown range. It is straight grained with an open pore structure and very durable. White Oak is widely used for countertops, furniture and more. Sustainably Sourced in the United States.