Our Picks: Wood Countertop Species for a Rustic Appearance

Including natural character in some wood types leads to a noticeably rustic appearance. Woodworker favorites include Knotty Alder, Character Walnut, Hickory with character, White Oak with character and Red Oak with character. Some customers love the rustic look while others prefer to avoid significant color variation, occasional knots and, in some cases, small holes. Make sure to read the product description to find out if your character choice is right for you.

Source: Country Mouldings Woodworker Survey, 2026.

• Knotty Alder Knotty Alder butcher block countertops Knotty Alder wide plank countertops
• Character Walnut Character Walnut wide plank countertops
• Hickory with character*

  Make sure to request character in the comments section of your order.

  Hickory butcher block countertops Hickory wide plank countertops
• White Oak with character*

  Make sure to request character in the comments section of your order.

  White Oak butcher block countertops White Oak wide plank countertops
• Red Oak with character*

  Make sure to request character in the comments section of your order.

  Red Oak butcher block countertops Red Oak wide plank countertops

*Character is not specifically offered on the product pages for Hickory, White Oak and Red Oak. Put a note in the comment section of your order requesting character. We will include character where possible.