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Design Considerations

Why do high-end designers selling the world’s greatest kitchens feature wood countertops and islands? The most common answer is that wood offers design flexibility and warmth unmatched by any other countertop surface. Using wood allows you and/or your designer to create a unique statement of who you are and what you want your friends and family to think about your sense of style.

Our Design Considerations section presents the choices that a large number of designers and homeowners have considered. It is not an exhaustive list and we welcome your ideas. A section on sinks is included because many people continue to believe that you cannot use a sink with a wood countertop, and there are design considerations with wood that do not exist with other surfaces. Thickness is a design consideration that does not exist with other countertop surfaces so it is an important consideration especially with respect to WOW factor. Wood choices are really color choices since Craft-Art does not stain countertops used in the kitchen. Joints and seems along with grain direction are very visible in wood countertop applications and add to the ability to create interesting designs. Finally in our special features section things like trash covers, stainless steel set down rods, are presented for your information.

There are many reasons that make Craft-Art Direct countertops different from other wood countertops? If you would like to learn more about any of them, please note this on our Contact form and we will be happy to send you more information.

Distressing

Distressing is the process of creating the appearance that your wood top has been used for 100 years. This is done by using a variety of implements, from pipes to chisels, to make marks on the top. The marks are made where the most use would have taken place, near the edges and near sinks and cook tops. In order that the marks and dents can be seen, they are hand colored with a water-based dye before the waterproof finish is applied. The edge profiles are also sanded to create the sense of having been rubbed for a very long time.

A word about distressing since it is a design feature that is unique to Craft-Art. Distressing is an art and we will be happy to assist you in achieving your goals. Click here to have us send you additional details regarding the distressing process. Craft-Art Direct team members are always available to answer any questions and guide you through the process of creating fine custom-crafted wood countertops.

Wood offers more design options than most other surfaces. You can:

  • Use unique wood grain patterns to achieve a one-of-a-kind look.
  • Enjoy un-supported overhangs of 15” to 30” depending on thickness and construction style.
  • Have large island tops without seams.
  • Achieve striking color and tonal combinations using different wood species and construction styles.
  • Combine wood with other surfaces to create a stunning look.
  • Use thickness to get the “wow” response from friends and family.
  • Use unique shapes and complex edge profiles.

Overhangs

An overhang is the distance the countertop extends from the front of the drawer, the door fronts or the end panels. The standard overhang is ¾” to 1” for perimeter countertops and 1” to 1-1/2” for island tops.

Unsupported overhangs used for seating areas can be 15” to 18” deep. In some cases they can exceed 18”, depending on construction style, thickness and cabinet dimensions.

When End-Grain construction is used, which is not as rigid as Plank or Edge-Grain, and in certain other situations, Craft-Art Direct provides custom support solutions at no additional charge.