Built this counter height pub table from MAPLE PLANKS. Did the base using 3" * 3" * 36" MAPLE turning blanks (for making baseball bats) and all 3/4" maple 1 * 4's for the stretchers and the top was edge glued 1 * 8 and 1 * 10 planks ( with 1 * 3's glued and screwed underneath). Ran 1 * 3's 360 degrees around the edge .. giving a solid 1.5" surface to attach the 1.75" * 1.75" maple trim pieces. Top is HEAVY ... finished with a light cherry stain and General Finishes waterborne polyurethane. Table turned out better than I had expected. Built over 2 weekends. Used a drill press to do all of the counter sink holes the same depth. Bought the press for $125 at Lowes .. nice tool to have on hand. Makes precision drilling .. especially in hard wood .. a snap.