this was the first custom countertop I’ve made that was more than just a top – with its ‘waterfall’ end, it was more like a cabinet or piece of furniture. The really challenging aspect of this project was that the client wanted to see the joinery. in my mind, dovetailing was the only appropriate choice because of the strength and beauty of the joint. that said, I’d never before cut dovetails on a board 2′ x 8′ x 2″ thick. pretty massive. ….and, in dovetailing, one side has to be stood upright to make the proper cut. just figuring out the staging for that part was a head-scratcher. not to mention that the material cost for that much walnut was several hundred dollars – you can bet I was measuring more than twice before the cuts!
3/4 view; 45″d x 90″w x 42″h
installed in the kitchen (also scribed to the wall and floor)
multiple through mortise and tenon joint detail
‘in the air’ hand cutting dovetails on an 8′ walnut countertop
