The Virginia custom wood countertop maker's new guide compares walnut, white oak, and maple kitchen island tops as industry data shows wood surpassing painted finishes in kitchen design.
Portsmouth, VA (PRUnderground) July 22nd, 2026
The Southside Woodshop, a nationwide custom wood countertop manufacturer based in Portsmouth, Virginia, has published a buyer’s guide to kitchen island wood countertops, covering the species, construction styles, and finish choices shaping kitchen design in 2026.
The guide arrives as industry data confirms a shift toward wood in American kitchens. The National Kitchen and Bath Association’s 2026 Kitchen Trends Report found that wood grain has surpassed painted cabinets, with 59% of surveyed design professionals identifying it as growing in popularity, and named white oak the most popular wood type at 51%.
According to the guide, the kitchen island is where most homeowners introduce wood surfaces. Rather than replacing every countertop, buyers increasingly pair stone perimeter counters with a single wood island top, a two-tone approach that adds warmth to the kitchen while keeping the material investment focused on one surface.
The free guide, available at https://www.customwoodcountertops.com/buyers-guides/2026-kitchen-island-wood-countertops compares the three species most requested for island tops. White oak combines the durability to handle daily kitchen use with the neutral tone driving its popularity among designers. Walnut, somewhat softer but easily refinished, remains the premium choice for statement islands paired with light cabinetry. Hard maple, the traditional butcher block wood used in commercial kitchens for generations, is the hardest of the three and typically the most affordable domestic option.
The guide also explains how construction style affects performance. Flat grain tops display wide, continuous planks favored in furniture-style islands. Edge grain construction, with boards set on edge, adds stability for larger tops. End grain construction, the traditional butcher block checkerboard of upturned wood fibers, creates a cutting-friendly surface for kitchens where the island serves as the primary prep station.
“We built this guide around the questions homeowners actually call us with,” said Jud Dinsmore, founder of The Southside Woodshop. “Most people know they want wood on the island. What they need help with is choosing between walnut and white oak, deciding how thick the top should be, and understanding what the finish means for daily life. Those are fabrication questions, and after eighteen years of building these tops, we wanted to put the answers in one place.”
The Southside Woodshop fabricates island tops in 18 domestic and imported hardwood species from premium FAS-grade lumber, the highest standard grade for hardwood boards. Typical projects ship within 2 to 4 weeks nationwide in custom-built crates, and every countertop carries a limited lifetime product warranty.
About The Southside Woodshop
Founded in 2008 by former custom-home builder Jud Dinsmore, The Southside Woodshop builds custom wood countertops, butcher block, bar tops, and table tops. Their premium wood countertops are hand-crafted for homes, restaurants, and commercial spaces. Designed for homeowners and designers that prefer a warmer, more distinctive surface. The wood working company serves homeowners and kitchen industry designers nationwide and backs every product with a limited lifetime warranty. They provide first-class customer service and create one-of-a-kind products. All products ship across the country from their 10,000 sf facility in Portsmouth, VA.
The post The Southside Woodshop Publishes 2026 Buyer’s Guide to Kitchen Island Wood Countertop Trends first appeared on
Original Press Release.
