Michigan Reclaimed

Barns & Lumber

April 21, 2022

Premium and Custom Made Reclaimed Wood Countertops

We have perfected the custom counter, vanity, and bar tops!

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We have highlighted a few of our favorite projects over the past few months. But, we have not yet had the opportunity to showcase one of our signature projects- custom countertops, custom vanity tops, and custom bar tops.

A hand-crafted countertop we made for Dr. Rolf's Barbeque in Muskegon

Seriously Popular Countertops

These tops have become crazy popular over the past year. So, they're honestly so cool and they lend to a rustic or farmhouse vibe in any room. But we also think that more and more people are requesting our hand-crafted countertops because, well, we're all stuck in the house all day. Let's be completely honest, it's hard not to find things to change and upgrade when you're around the house all day.

Now that some people have begun to move back into their office spaces, they want to bring some of those upgrades with them. We're talking about tops for reception desks, tops to replace the break room counters, and even tops for desks. What's cooler than a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind desk made from reclaimed barn wood. It's history, functionality, and bragging rights, all rolled in to one!

A live edge custom countertop we made for a local Michigan restaurant

While it is not the first custom countertop we ever made, one of our favorite projects is still the tops we did a few years back for Dr Rolf’s BBQ, a restaurant in Muskegon. We made a set of countertops for these folks out in Muskegon, just as they were opening the restaurant. The project itself was fun, of course. But we especially loved the different sized tops for the different spots in the service areas.

It was seriously the total package. These tops have custom sink cutouts, beer taps, and a cutout for the cash register. The owner, Judy, specifically requested live edge countertops, with “live edge” on three sides. This specific style of live edge countertops requires quite a bit of masterful craftsmanship. But, if you know anything about us, we love a good challenge (or any challenge, really). The whole story behind these tops with live edge on multiple sides is much too involved for a blog. But here's the deal. When you come to see us about your custom counter project, Jim will tell you the story about how he accomplished this. And, if you haven't heard of this delicious bbq joint, we definitely recommend checking Dr Rolf's out online!

A close up of one of the countertops installed at Dr. Rolf's Barbeque

Since completing the countertops for Dr Rolf's, this style, incorporating reclaimed and live edge wood, has become wildly popular. In fact, we have multiple requests for vanity tops in this style. Those vanity tops are the runner up to another style that is made from one solid live edge slab. These tops have the live edge slab without a base. Then four posts and potentially a shelving area are added below. Since it is one solid piece of wood, many of our customers place the sink basin on top of the vanity, but there are others who prefer a sink coutout.

One style of vanity tops that has been trending is the live edge top without a base, with four posts and maybe a shelving area below. Some people opt for a sink cutout while others lean toward the basin sitting on top of the vanity.

Malted maple live edge slabs propped up at our mill site

Now, we have seen quite a variety of bar tops. They can be very similar to the countertops, with the vertical siding incorporated on the base. The accent the vertical siding adds to the live edge top is incredible. This has completely transformed rooms (and basements), pulling the entire look of the room together.

Whether we are working on a custom countertop or one of the many other projects we’ve made over the years, we have made it our goal to continue to adapt to meet the wants and needs of our customers.

Our process for these counters is quite extensive. We hand select, straight line rip, joint, plane, sand, mill, glue, clamp, and counter clamp custom multifaceted countertops. Just like with the other projects we’ve discussed in previous blogs, we put a lot of care and time into each top.

A set of our custom reclaimed wood countertops installed in a client's kitchen

Since the first of the year, we had been offering incentives for multiples of any of the commonly commissioned projects- multiple mantles, multiple doors, etc. Due to the increase in demand of this style of countertop, we have had to discontinue that incentive. But Jim likes to run spontaneous sales and discounts, so we highly recommend that you sign up for our digital newsletter below (we absolutely do not spam you with constant emails, promise).

Any and all of the projects we have ever done can be changed, adapted, or put together in a variety different ways. So, if you see a few different things from different projects, tell us! Let us know exactly what your vision is. Sure, we have customers who already know what they want or have selected their favorite elements from other projects. But we have tons of customers who are searching for inspiration.

Sound like you? Don't worry- we've got you covered! We regularly post photos and videos to our Instagram account, and we share our completed projects (and our own inspiration) on Pinterest. If you're not following us yet, definitely do! Sometimes we get inspired by our content, too!

Custom projects are just that- custom. And that means you get the countertop the way that you want it, not the one “they” will try to sell you. Now, we do this for all of our customers, regardless of what they are interested in or want to purchase; we are by appointment only. This is so important, especially when we're talking to you about your ideas and inspiration for something custom made. How many times have you been inside a store or warehouse where you find yourself almost shouting to be heard over everyone else around you. And, let's be real, trying to have an actual conversation (without distractions) with the person who will be hand-crafting your custom piece is close to impossible. The private appointment ensures that you have Jim's undivided attention so he can understand excactly what you're looking for.

We're going to leave you with just one thought: custom work, like these hand-crafted countertops, takes time. And, as Jim likes to say, "quality work is worth it."



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