Solid Wood Countertops
and Panels
Our solid wood countertops, made in Quebec, are the discerning choice for connoisseurs. Embrace the natural beauty and versatility of these exquisite pieces, which are meticulously designed to complement your kitchen's decor.
The chef within you will find inspiration in the elegance of our solid wood countertops. Food preparation will become a pleasure on this work surface that, well maintained, will last for years.
Our solid wood panels built with strips of wood glued together are mainly used as kitchen countertops but can also be made as stair treads, tabletops, shelves, workstations, and more. Thus, the terms panel and countertop are used interchangeably.
When choosing a countertop/panel, there are many important decisions to be made, such as appearance, wood species, thickness, layout, edge profile, and finishing.
Appearance
To meet your specific needs and budget, we offer four options for surface appearance of your countertop.
Depending on your project's configuration, you may have only the top surface visible. If you have an island with an overhang, or a waterfall countertop, both the top and underside may be visible.
If both sides are visible, they can be free of both cracks and large knots. If only one side is visible, the hidden side may have knots, cracks, or other less desirable traits. These can be either filled, or left unfilled.
For a rustic look on the exposed face, we can arrange a selection of wide wood strips that highlight the true nature of the wood’s knots, cracks, and colour variations.
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Option 1
The exposed surface has a nice appearance and the underside also has a nice appearance
exposed
underside
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Option 3
The exposed surface has a nice appearance and the underside has holes, knots and cracks unfilled.
exposed
underside
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Option 2
The exposed surface has a nice appearance and the underside has holes, knots, and cracks filled.
exposed
underside
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Option 4
RUSTIC: Constructed with wide strips. Knots and cracks are filled with coloured epoxy on the exposed surface. Available only in 15/8" or 11/2" thickness.
exposed
underside
CANADIAN Wood Species
The Canadian Collection countertops are made from a selection of wood species valued for their beauty and resilience. These countertops can be constructed to the desired thickness, ranging from ¾" to 3". The possible maximum dimensions without joints are 50" wide and 135" long. The Canadian Collection countertops are made from full-length wood strips.
Depending on your needs and budget, we offer two types of construction.
End Grain
End grain consists of wood strips glued together in a vertical position. The result is an elegant product, wear resistant, but sensitive to changes in relative humidity. The labour-intensive construction process also results in a higher cost.
Flat Grain
The most common construction type used for countertops in the food industry and in home kitchens, flat grain consists of long horizontal strips of wood that are glued together.
Below are photos of the most popular wood species in the Canadian Collection. The photos illustrate wood characteristics such as knots, mineralization, and colour variations that enhance the distinct and unique appearance of our countertops.
N.B.: These pictures demonstrate a countertop with an oil finish.
The product's colour may vary from the screen photos.
European Wood Species
The European Collection countertops have an overall mosaic pattern and are available in four wood species. These eco-responsible countertops are constructed from finger-jointed short pieces of wood that might otherwise be destined for energy production or the construction of palettes. Construction from many small pieces of wood allows for greater stability as well as the possibility to produce countertops up to 192" long and 50" wide without joints. The European wood panels are offered in 1½" thickness only.
N.B.: These pictures demonstrate a countertop with an oil finish. The colors in the product may vary from the screen photos.
Coloured Beech
White Beech
Walnut
White Oak
* Be aware that with finger-joint assemblage, end joints are visible on the surface and finger joints are visible on the edge.
N.B.: These pictures demonstrate a countertop with an oil finish. The colors in the product may vary from the screen photos.
Thickness
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A choice of thickness is available only for Canadian wood species. The most popular thicknesses are 1½" and 2". The European Collection comes in 1½" only.
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For a kitchen countertop, we recommend 1½" thickness.
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For an island, 2" is suggested while a thickness of 3" gives a dramatic effect.
Countertop Layout
Panel assembly types
MITER
While a miter assembly may be attractive, this angled assembly is sensitive to changes in relative humidity and, over time, the joint may become uneven.
Square
The simply designed square joinery is the most economical and the most stable.
Work Station
Less popular now for kitchen countertops, this type of assembly is the perfect design for work stations.
Waterfall assembly types
SQUARE
The square assembly, where panels are attached directly to the cabinet, (in grey) is the most economical.
Box Joint
The interlocking design of the box joint provides strength for waterfalls that are subjected to weight and lateral stress. The perfectly square corners make this assembly a popular choice where joinery is visible such as in lunch counters, console tables or entry benches.
Mortise & Tenon
The traditional mortise and tenon assembly, while less prominent than the box joint, remains a classic, widely used in various types of woodworking. While capable of supporting heavy loads, it is important to avoid any lateral stress, which may occur if used as a bench.
Cut-Outs and backsplash
Accurately incorporating various cutouts in woodworking or carpentry projects demands meticulous planning, precise measurements, and skillful execution.
Elements that can be installed by cutting out or adding a piece of wood include:
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Undermount sink
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Apron sink
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Drop-in sink
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Cooktop
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Knife holder
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Compost bucket
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Faucet
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Overlap notch
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Backsplash
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Cutting board
Edge-Profile
Various profiles can be selected for the edge of your countertop/panel. Here are seven of the most common.
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A - Rabbet and quarter round
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B - 45° Chamfer
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C - ⅛" Quarter round: Most popular & durable
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D - Ogee
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E - Lightly sanded
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F - Square: Only for edges against walls, other cabinets, etc.
FINISHING
Bizier offers three types of finishing, allowing clients to choose the finish appropriate for the end use of the countertop or butcher block.
Finishing Products
Bizzz Beeswax is a mixture of oil and beeswax. It has a pleasant odour of honey and is consistent with Canadian regulation. Bizzz wax can be applied to protect various wood surfaces (cutting boards, salad bowls, wooden toys, etc.), including those used to prepare, store, or serve food. This wood protector needs to be applied as part of a regular maintenance schedule (please consult our Maintenance section).
Bizzz Polymerized Oil forms a protective film when dry that provides protection against liquids and other foods that can cause stains. Once dry (24–48 hours after application), treated surfaces are ready to come into contact with food. For best results, this protective treatment should be applied periodically (please consult our Maintenance section).
Our Water-based varnish requires little maintenance. While varnish offers the best resistance to stains, wood surfaces treated in this way should not be used for food preparation. If damaged, the entire surface will require labour-intensive refinishing.
Bizier will not guarantee against warping, cracking, or delamination of a panel if it is ordered without any protective finish.
Below we demonstrate the differences in varnish versus oil finishing on some popular wood species.
Installation
Bizier offers a templating and countertop installation service. Contact us or fill out the online quote form to get an estimate. A Canada-wide delivery service is also available.
If you choose to do the installation yourself, please consult this technical document and the video below.
Maintenance
Our countertops, whether finished with oil or wax, should be cleaned periodically with a solution of mild soapy water. If after a week or more of usage, the surface of your oil or wax-finished countertop appears rough, do not be alarmed. This texture results from the swelling of the fibers on the surface of the wood when they come into contact with water. This normal phenomenon is easily corrected by a light sanding followed by application of the protective finish. After a few maintenance sessions, this roughness will disappear.
Counters finished with oil or beeswax will need to be occasionally retreated. When you notice that water rapidly penetrates the surface of your countertop it is time to apply either Bizzz Beeswax or Bizzz Polymerized oil in accordance with the existing finish on your counter. If you have just washed or disinfected your countertop, you must let it dry for at least 12 hours before treating it.
For the Bizzz Beeswax finish, apply a coat of the protective product and polish with a soft cloth.
For the Bizzz Polymerized oil finish, apply the protector with a soft cloth. Wait 15 minutes before wiping off any excess product, then polish with a clean, soft cloth. It is important to completely remove all excess product not absorbed by the wood to avoid the formation of a sticky layer on the wood surface.
Attention!
Cloths soaked in polymerized oil are flammable! It is very important to completely immerse them in water before discarding them in a safe place. Polymerized oil contains tung oil and could cause an allergic reaction to persons allergic to nuts.
DISINFECTION
From time to time, a wood counter should be disinfected. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recommends cleaning a countertop or wooden utensils used for food preparation with a bleach-based disinfectant.
To do this:
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Mix 5 ml (1 tsp.) of bleach with 750 ml (3 cups) of water in a clearly labeled spray bottle.
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After cleaning the countertops and utensils, spray them with this disinfectant and let it work for 10 minutes.
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Thoroughly rinse with clean water and let treated surfaces air dry or use a clean dish towel.
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To avoid cross-contamination, never put cooked meat or food ready for consumption on a countertop that has not been cleaned after being used to prepare raw meat.
If the counter has deep scratches, grooves, or cracks that could hide hard-to-reach bacteria, please refer to our guidance on restoration.
Restoration
Whether it is a question of normal wear or an accident, such as spilling a boiling liquid on the countertop, eventually it will be necessary to restore the finish on your countertop.
The type of finish determines the ease with which restoration can be achieved. A general rule is that the more a finish is resistant (e.g. varnish), the easier it will be to maintain but more difficult to restore. For example, if the varnish is deeply scratched, it will be necessary to sand with a powerful sander and re-apply the finish over the entire surface; a laborious task. However, wine left under a glass for several hours will not leave a trace after being wiped off. A finish with low resistance (mineral oil) will be easily stained by wine but the overall finish will be easy to restore. A simple hand sanding will remove stains or scratches and a rapid application of the wood protector will restore the original beauty to the surface.
Guidance for dealing with common restoration needs such as:
Surface stains, Bizzz Bees Wax finish, Bizzz Polymerized Oil finish
Rough surface, Bizzz Bees Wax finish, Bizzz Polymerized Oil finish
Scratches and marks, Bizzz Bees Wax finish, Bizzz Polymerized Oil finish
Warranty
All our solid wood countertops are made to measure by skilled and experienced artisans using quality materials and state-of-the-art technology. We are proud to offer wood panels designed for function and durability when they are properly installed and maintained.
Being a natural product, your countertop must be installed to allow for dimensional changes caused by seasonal fluctuations in relative humidity. Rapid dimensional changes in wood fibers can occur with the changing of the seasons. Therefore, it is critical to minimize these changes by regularly applying a protective coat of an appropriate finishing product and by maintaining the relative humidity in your home between 40% and 60%. Failure to protect the countertop surface or to maintain the relative humidity within the adequate range can result in damage such as cracking and even separation of the wood strips.
Variations in color and grain are inherent characteristics of natural wood. As such, color and grain in finished products may vary from our wood samples or the wood images on our website. The characteristics of our most popular wood species are described on our website. Variations in wood color or grain, the presence of small knots or small pockets of resin are not accepted as justification for the return or refusal of a countertop.
Limitations of the warranty
The warranty covers manufacturing defects for up to one year following purchase. It does not cover cracking and splitting of wood panels that:
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Do not have a protective coating applied by a Bizier technician.
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Are not installed by Bizier or following our installation instructions within seven days following shipment from our shop.
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Are not maintained following the maintenance regime recommended by Bizier.
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Are installed in an area where the relative humidity is not maintained between 40-60%.
Reception and preparation for installation
1. Shipping is done through delivery companies. Upon receiving your wood panel, please ensure that the package is in perfect condition. If not, do not accept it. The delivery company will return it to Bizier and a new counter will be shipped to you. If you accept the delivery of a damaged package and there is also damage to the wood panel, you declare to have received the panel in good condition and you will assume all costs for return and any needed repair.
2. If storage is necessary, we recommend protection against any extreme changes in relative humidity by completely sealing the entire countertop in shrink wrap. A wood panel stored for more than 7 days prior to installation is not covered by the warranty.
3. Where applicable, the underside of a panel is indicated with a stamp of our logo or with an X marked in pencil. It is important to read and understand the instructions before proceeding with the installation of a countertop.
Quotes and Orders
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Get a quote (individual)
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Get a quote with the ability to order (existing client with an account at Bizier)