Winwood sell 8'x4' solid timber panels in many (i.e 10 or so) species. They also sell 3 core solid timber panels, where the inner core is made up of lesser quality timber and is oriented in a cross direction to the face material. Board thickness varies from about 18mm to maybe 45mm. Yes, £200 would be an approximate price but I feel that compares favourably to the cost of manufacturing these yourself.
URL as below.
http://www.winwood-products.co.uk/eng/timber-products/edge-glued_panels.htm
I use laminated or edge glued pine panels all the time, a good price for 18mm grade A panels when bought in bulk in Ireland is about £25 to £28 +VAT.
I have contacted Winwood about purchasing from them but the minimum order for delivery to Ireland is 20 tonnes or about 750 panels... :shock: ... far too much for me.
Solid hardwood worktops are mass produced and are sold for little more than the cost of the equivelent rough sawn planks, in other words very cheaply in my opinion... recently i bought a 3m x 650mm x 40mm thick solid beech worktop, pre oiled, from Noyeks, for about £160 + VAT, not 100% certain about price, it was in Ireland and priced in €€€€'s.
Cheers
Joe