End grain counter top

[Tim Geary]

I want to make an end grain countertop for my outdoor patio. Is there any chance that this will work? I live in quebec so we get the cold winters and hot humid summers. There is a roof over it. I'm thinking it's going to crack. Does anyone know if there is a way this can be done?
thanks

[Peter Quinn]

Perhaps you can fabricate it from torrified maple? Otherwise I'm doubtful.

[Steve Peterson]

End grain for an outdoor patio will have lots of movement in both directions, so you need to allow for expansion. With a side grain table, you only need to allow for expansion in one direction.

I would keep the bottom surface open to allow it to help stopping it from warping. My gut feeling is that it should be thick. For something 3' by 4', I would guess that 3" thick would be good. A side grain top would be strong enough at half that thickness.

Personally, I would avoid the risk and make a side grain top. Use a small end grain cutting board on top of it.

Steve

[Tim Geary]

thanks. I guess I won't be making an end grain countertop.

[Kent Adams]

What about using IPE?