Photo Gallery

CHERRY 

The heartwood (wood in the center of the trunk) of cherry varies from rich red to reddish brown and will darken with age and upon exposure to light. In contrast, the sapwood (the outer rim of wood, directly behind the bark) is creamy white. The wood has a beautiful grain, a fine, uniform, satiny and smooth texture, and naturally may contain brown pith flecks and small gum pockets. 

HICKORY 

Hickory sapwood (the outer rim of wood, directly behind the bark) is white to cream-colored, while the heartwood (wood in the center of the trunk) is tan, brown, or reddish brown. The extreme contrast in color between the heart and the sapwood makes hickory easy to differentiate from other wood species.  Many customers like the appearance of contrasting bands of color.   If you do not like the light and dark woods mixed together you probably should steer clear of this choice in wood species.  It is a dramatic wood style with inevitable color contrasts that are part of the nature of this wood.

MAPLE

Maple wood has a fine, uniform texture with cathedral grain patterns.  It’s light color, smooth grain, and strength make maple a popular choice in busy kitchens. In its natural state, it can brighten a room.  Maple is often chosen as a Butcher Block cutting surface because of its durability and strength.  

SAPELE MAHOGANY

The heartwood (wood in the center of the trunk) of the Sapele Mahogany wood species is a golden to dark reddish brown. Color tends to darken with age.  One hallmark of Sapele Mahogany is its ribbon-like grain pattern that can have an almost holographic effect.  Because of this desirable grain pattern, most Sapele is milled in the quarter-sawn cut  making it difficult to find cathedral grain boards.

WALNUT 

Walnut heartwood (wood in the center of the trunk) can range from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Color can sometimes have a purple cast.   The sapwood (the outer rim of wood, directly behind the bark) is pale yellow-beige to nearly white.  Grain is classically cathedral, but some variation in grain patterns, such as burls and crotches can also be found. Walnut has a medium texture and moderate natural luster.  The combination of sapwood and heartwood makes for a beautiful and lively showpiece. 

CHARACTER-GRADE WHITE OAK

Our character-grade white oak countertops embrace a rustic, natural beauty that is full of personality. Each board is hand-selected for its distinctive grain, color variation, knots, and other character marks, creating a surface that is truly one of a kind. Natural knots and superficial cracks are carefully filled with black epoxy, adding stability while highlighting the unique character of the wood.

Character-grade white oak offers much of the warmth and charm of reclaimed wood, but with fewer rustic markings. Its relaxed, timeworn appearance makes it a natural fit for a wide range of kitchen styles and an ideal choice for those looking to bring warmth, texture, and an organic feel to their space.

In order to showcase the wood's beauty, character-grade white oak is only available in plank-style countertops.

BIRCH

Birch is known for its lively, attractive appearance and natural color variation. The sapwood ranges from creamy white to pale yellow, while the heartwood can vary from light brown to deeper reddish-brown tones. It is not uncommon to see striking contrasts between lighter and darker areas within the same board, giving birch plenty of character and visual interest.

Because birch can be difficult to source in longer lengths, it is best suited for smaller countertops and projects with shorter spans. Longer plank-style countertops may require butt seams when available board lengths are not sufficient. 

NAUTICAL-STYLE 

At Sprague Woodworking, our nautical-style countertops are most often crafted from alternating strips of maple and quarter sawn mahogany. The natural contrast between the light maple and rich mahogany creates a distinctive linear pattern inspired by traditional boat decking.

This combination offers a clean, tailored look while showcasing the natural color and grain of both wood species. The result is a custom wood surface with a subtle nautical character that works especially well for kitchen islands, bar tops, and other spaces where the countertop is designed to make a statement.

RED OAK 

Red oak is a strong, durable hardwood known for its prominent grain patterns and warm, natural coloring. Its sapwood ranges from creamy white to light brown, while the heartwood varies from pinkish-red to medium brown. Red oak features a distinctive, open grain with sweeping cathedral patterns that give each countertop character and visual interest.

At Sprague Woodworking, we craft custom red oak countertops that showcase the wood's natural beauty and timeless appeal. Red oak's durability makes it well suited for everyday use, while its ability to accept stains allows for a wide range of finishes, from light, natural tones to rich, darker shades. Whether used in a traditional kitchen, farmhouse-inspired space, or rustic setting, red oak brings warmth, character, and lasting beauty to any design.