7-10%...is normal. Around a sink is fine if it's done correctly..
Butcher block joinery
Hi there!
First-time poster, long time reader
I'm working on a butcher block countertop island. When it is finished it will be 8ft by about 5ft. There is an 8"x16" post and a sink in the middle of the island. (I know that butcher block is not ideal for a sink placement, but our budget is dictating a more affordable material.) I'm starting with 2 pre-fab, acacia, face grain slabs. To give us a little more overhang for the eat-at part of the island, I was thinking of joining an 8" piece of face grain lumber to the seam (which would also line up with the massive post in the middle of the island--if that helps picture it). My plan is to join the lumber with biscuits, wood glue, and bar clamps (pretty standard stuff...with a few tricky moments here and there). My question to the community--
1) when I'm choosing the lumber for this joinery how concerned should I be about moisture levels? I've found a local mill that kiln dries to 10%, but I was thinking a little lower MC, like 6%, would be better for inside finish work.
2) I've joined large pieces before and made tables, doors, etc but this is a pretty big/expensive project, and wanted to ask if there are other thoughts or lessons learned.
3) any suggestions on wood type for this add-in? I love contrast. The acacia is a little more blonde/red than a nutty brown I was expecting.
Note: It's been a decade since I've done any serious carpentry work and my uncle, who is my biggest cheerleader and thought partner, recently passed. I know this isn't the most complicated question, and appreciate the collective forum wisdom.
First-time poster, long time reader
I'm working on a butcher block countertop island. When it is finished it will be 8ft by about 5ft. There is an 8"x16" post and a sink in the middle of the island. (I know that butcher block is not ideal for a sink placement, but our budget is dictating a more affordable material.) I'm starting with 2 pre-fab, acacia, face grain slabs. To give us a little more overhang for the eat-at part of the island, I was thinking of joining an 8" piece of face grain lumber to the seam (which would also line up with the massive post in the middle of the island--if that helps picture it). My plan is to join the lumber with biscuits, wood glue, and bar clamps (pretty standard stuff...with a few tricky moments here and there). My question to the community--
1) when I'm choosing the lumber for this joinery how concerned should I be about moisture levels? I've found a local mill that kiln dries to 10%, but I was thinking a little lower MC, like 6%, would be better for inside finish work.
2) I've joined large pieces before and made tables, doors, etc but this is a pretty big/expensive project, and wanted to ask if there are other thoughts or lessons learned.
3) any suggestions on wood type for this add-in? I love contrast. The acacia is a little more blonde/red than a nutty brown I was expecting.
Note: It's been a decade since I've done any serious carpentry work and my uncle, who is my biggest cheerleader and thought partner, recently passed. I know this isn't the most complicated question, and appreciate the collective forum wisdom.
