The visual is one of a shorter, odd looking surface. Makes the cabinets and backsplash look disjointed.

Makes the wood movement issue even worse than it will be.

Looks like the builder was confused. ^_^

If a 12' countertop expands just 2% across the grain (entirely possible), You will have 2 7/8" of wood movement to account for. "You cannot restrict wood movement; you can only account for it."

Thanks so much. This site is so helpful! We will not do what we were asking. We were thinking of buying a maple table and cutting it in half for counter top. We are now planning to get proper butcher block.