Miami Woodworking: Creating Luxury Spaces with Exotic Wood Bar and Counter Tops

An exotic wood bar top or countertop is the one surface in a room people can't stop touching. At Miami Woodworking in Lebanon, Ohio, we have spent nearly 30 years designing and building custom bar tops, island tops and counters for homes across Greater Cincinnati, Dayton and Southwest Ohio. Here is what we walk every client through before we cut the first board.

What are the most popular woods for a custom bar top?

The right species depends on the look you want, how the bar will be used and your budget. The woods our clients choose most often are:

• Black walnut – rich chocolate tones and a classic, upscale look. Our most requested species for home bars.
• White oak – tight grain, very durable and a great fit for modern farmhouse and transitional homes.
• Cherry – warm reddish color that deepens beautifully with age.
• Hard maple – light, dense and extremely hard-wearing, ideal for islands that double as prep space.
• Exotic hardwoods such as sapele, zebrawood, bubinga and African mahogany – bold grain and color for a true statement piece.
• Reclaimed and live-edge slabs – one-of-a-kind character for rustic basements, lodges and man caves.

Which finish is best for a bar top?

A bar top sees spilled drinks, glass rings and elbows, so the finish matters as much as the wood. For high-traffic home bars we typically recommend a durable catalyzed or conversion varnish that resists water, alcohol and heat. For a more natural feel, a penetrating oil or hardwax oil finish shows off the grain and can be refreshed at home. Epoxy pour finishes are available when you want a thick, glass-like surface. We'll bring samples to your consultation so you can see and feel the difference.

Is the top for interior or exterior use?

Most of our tops are for kitchens, basement bars and home offices. If your bar is going on a covered patio or outdoor kitchen, we choose naturally weather-resistant species like white oak, teak or ipe and use a marine-grade exterior finish so the top holds up to Ohio humidity and temperature swings.

How thick should a bar top be?

Most custom bar tops we build are 1-1/2" to 2" thick, which feels substantial and allows a generous edge profile. For a heavier, more dramatic look we can build up edges to 3" or more, or work from a single thick slab. We also design the overhang and support brackets so guests have comfortable knee room.

Where does the lumber come from?

We hand-select kiln-dried hardwood from trusted suppliers and inspect every board for grain, color match and stability. Proper drying and acclimation in our Lebanon shop is what keeps a solid wood top flat and crack-free for decades.

What does the process look like?

1. Consultation – we visit your home or you visit our shop at 3800 Taft Dr, Lebanon, OH to talk about style, species and budget.
2. Design and measuring – we template the space so the top fits perfectly, including curves, cutouts and sink or tap openings.
3. Build and finish – your top is glued up, shaped, sanded and finished in our shop.
4. Installation – our team delivers and installs the finished piece.

Ready to design your bar top?

Whether it's a walnut basement bar in Mason, an exotic-wood island in Indian Hill or a live-edge counter in Springboro, we'd love to help. See more of our work on our solid wood tops and custom bars galleries, then request a free consultation or call (513) 398-8194.