Wood Countertops Bring Warmth to Any Style Kitchen

Woods lends a special warmth and depth to whatsoever room and it's no wonder that those who love wood want to include it in the kitchen. Wood countertops – whether they are alive edge, slab or butcher block – add together enduring beauty to your layout. While they are attractive, they are not for everyone, mainly because they crave more intendance and maintenance than other pop countertop materials.

Most wood countertops are made from pieces of hardwood that are laminated together with glue for force and stability, says This Erstwhile House. That said, wood countertops are affected by changes in atmospheric moisture, so if they're non properly constructed, installed, and maintained, they can warp or gap.

An island is the easiest and most affordable way to include a wood countertop in your kitchen. — An isle is the easiest and virtually affordable way to include a wood countertop in your kitchen.

Six Big Reasons to Choose Wood Countertops

Lots of choices. The list of wood to choose from for countertops is long and the bachelor looks are multiplied when you add in the options for stains, grain styles and edge treatments.
Versatile. Wood countertops work well with all décor styles and mix well with other countertop materials. They are equally at habitation in mod kitchens every bit they are in country manner or transitional styles.
Warm and quiet. Woods natural qualities have long been valued and are sometimes chosen the "antidote" to likewise much stainless steel and stone. Woods countertops are quieter than many other because banging is not so pronounced. Also, a dish banged on a wood surface might non flake or intermission as hands as it would on a stone surface.
Environmentally friendly – Wood countertops are increasingly being made from reclaimed wood, and most types are recyclable. You tin also choose Forest that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Quango (FSC certified). These products are verified to be sourced from managed forests that sustain resources and the communities that produce them.
Very Functional: You lot can do all your kitchen work on a wood countertop and eat on information technology too. While y'all can impairment wood countertops with knives, the surface won't injure your knives. The abrupt blades on your good knives will last longer than they would if y'all're working on concrete or granite. The surface is also not vulnerable to damage from citrus and acidic liquids.
More economic. Wood is hands cut, fabricated, and installed by an practiced. This tin can make information technology faster to become and cheaper to purchase than other countertop materials. It tin can as well be sanded and refinished if information technology gets damaged.

Four Major Downsides of Wood Countertops

Sealing is a Must: If not sealed correctly, a woods countertop is porous and can harbor germs. Woods also must be kept very dry effectually sink areas and spills must be wiped up correct away.
The Threat of Water: If the countertop isn't regularly treated with mineral oil or some other protectant, the forest can be damaged if h2o sits on the surface or seeps into the seams.
Required Refinishing: Over time, a wood surface shows some wearable and may need a new coat of finish, or a complete re-sanding and refinishing. This will likely demand to be done after ten to xx years depending on the caste of utilize.
Scratches and Dents: Wood is softer than almost other surfaces like tile, stone and metal. While some people feel that these marks lend graphic symbol to the wood, some don't. It's really important to use a cut board to preserve the surface.

Options for Types of Wood

According to structure guru Bob Villa, maple and bamboo are the about popular species because of their availability and sustainability. However, many hardwoods are likewise well-suited for kitchen countertops, depending on the expect y'all want and the region in which you lot live in. An example of a regional wood used for countertops is mesquite in the Southwest United states. Mesquite is also suited as black walnut or cherry. Woods that are very soft like pine are not usually used for countertops

Wood Countertop Styles

Most wood countertops are traditional butcher blocks, but today they are chosen more for their advent than their usefulness for chopping. These countertops are modern versions of the thick rounds of sycamore that butchers worked on until the 1880s. lengths of hard maple glued together took their place in the early 1900s considering they are a stronger, more durable surface.

The well-nigh common type is made from boards placed on their sides and glued then that the narrower edge forms the surface. De Vos Woodworking says the strips can exist "continuous lengths with no joints, or random- length pieces that are finger-jointed." These types of countertops work all-time in for large countertops, similar long kitchen counters or island tops. Because wood only moves in one direction, beyond its width, edge grain butcher block is more than stable than other wood countertops. It can also exist less pricey.

Gullo's ultra-luxe island features a stunning butcher block countertop. — Gullo'south ultra-luxe island features a stunning butcher block countertop.

Go with the correct grain

Dwelling house Style Choices points out that the orientation of the woods's grain determines the advent, functionality and immovability of the countertop. In that location are three principal means wood can be assembled for a countertop:

Edge Grain —This is the most common type and is made from boards on their sides glued together so that the narrower edge (called a stave) faces the surface. These piece of work all-time for countertop areas, such equally long counters or islands. Because the forest volition only move across its width, this blazon is more than stable and can also be less pricey

End Grain — Blocks of edge-grain wood are turned on end and are glued together to make a grid. This is the traditional way butcher cake countertops and cutting boards are fabricated and information technology requires more woods and labor, and then consequently it costs about 40 percent more. Terminate grain is besides more than decumbent to movement, and so it's often thicker help forestall cupping and warping. While information technology'southward ofttimes called for its checkerboard appearance, information technology's also easier on knives and is less likely to bear witness cut marks.

Larchwood of Canada makes some particular artistic looking butcher block counters. — Larchwood of Canada makes some item creative looking butcher block counters.

Face Grain — This blazon is also chosen flat or plank grain. A series of 4- to 12-inch-wide boards are laid flat and glued into an almost seamless summit. While this technique highlights natural patterns in the wood, it likewise makes these countertops more than likely to show cuts, dents and dings. Face grain is considered more decorative works best on surfaces that will receive light use, such as dining islands, tables and bar tops and desks.

5 Common Border Treatments

Because forest is easily tooled, intricate designs tin be incorporated, and so y'all don't have to limit yourself to the most common styles. Custom work tin can toll more, then if budget is a concern, these are the most common edge styles:

Roundover — Called an eased edge, this profile is only rounded for a classic. It is a versatile option that works with any décor fashion. Information technology also makes it piece of cake to sweep upward crumbs and bits.
Chamfer — This is likewise known equally a beveled edge, a popular choice for all typed of kitchens, from contemporary to traditional.
Large Roundover With Fillet — This is a steeply rounded edge with a decorative ridge that is usually 1/sixteen to ¼ inch high. It is an elegant and traditional choice, nevertheless, it ways more attention to cleaning.
Ogee — An ogee curves in and and so out similar an S.
Large Roman Ogee — In this style, the S-curve is reversed. It is a more formal look.

The Cost of Wood Countertops

Many forest countertops are solid butcher block or fabricated to club using high-course wood that has been dried for longer wear. These obviously cost more than stock woods countertops. Costs can range from $12 to more than $200 per square foot uninstalled. The price depends on the species, thickness, construction, and finish of the wood.

Birch or beech butcher-block counters made can cost piddling more than laminate and less than half the cost for low-finish natural stone or engineered countertop materials.

Choosing a Wood Countertop

Types of woods

The list of forest species yous tin can use us nearly unlimited and depends on where you buy your countertop. Common woods like oak and maple are more affordable than exotic woods similar teak and tiger woods. How you volition use the countertop will also affect the wood you cull because of its hardness. You can bank check the hardness of various wood species on the Janka Hardness calibration. The harder the woods, the college the hardness number and the more durable the countertop will be.

Solid woods — it'south the only way to go. Other wood products like particleboard or MDF with a forest veneer tin can swell from moisture. Information technology tin can also not be refinished or sanded when nicks and happen.

Live-Border or Slab Style

For a countertop that will not see heavy use, a slice of wood that features the natural contours of the tree can't be beat. Variations in thickness and size, as well equally availability, make them difficult to include in a functional kitchen. These are best suited to dining areas, bars or decorative countertops, not workhorse surfaces. The more gnarly the edge, the greater the aesthetic feel.

Maryland Wood Countertops explains that a live edge slab stands out from other countertops and instantly adds style to your home. The about common types of slab woods are Maple, Walnut, Cherry, Elm, and Cerise or White Oak.

Like other wood countertops, alive edge counters look improve with age as long as they are cared for. When choosing a live edge piece, look for wood from a builder or craftsman who air dries the wood for a number of years and/or kiln dries it to lower its moisture levels.

Lighter, more rustic looking woods add a country or natural feel to a kitchen. Design by Natura. — Lighter, more rustic looking woods add a land or natural feel to a kitchen. Pattern past Natura.

Wood pairs well with "colder" surfaces like marble.

4 Finishing Options

Choosing woods for your kitchen countertop means that yous will need to add together a food-safe protective coating on all sides and edges.

Oil is a common finish. If y'all use an FDA-approved mineral oil, you volition get a matte await as well as a food-safe surface. Information technology soaks in rendering the wood wet-, heat-, and stain-resistant. Another choice is a non-petroleum-based walnut oil or a "curing oil." Tung oil, which is the most common type, hardens to create an imperceptible blanket that doesn't pare. It also has greater water resistance thanks to its small molecular structure that lets information technology penetrate wood. Any oil finish will have to be renewed periodically to keep the forest protected.

An Oil-Wax Alloy is generally made from mineral oil and beeswax or paraffin wax. It provides an additional layer of protection against wet and seals the oil in the wood. It'south easy to apply and requires rubbing it into the direction of the forest grain and letting information technology sit down for most 20 minutes, So, simply wipe abroad the excess and buff it.

Clear coat is a urethane, acrylic, or resin-curing-oil finish that provides the best protection. All these finishes are food-safety one time fully cured. This blazon of terminate is considered permanent and may crave less ongoing care. If you use these finishes, however, repairing a worn or damaged top requires fully stripping and refinishing the surface.

Waterlox is a newer type of waterproof terminate that is a combination of tung oil and resins. It is said to penetrate like raw oil, while creating a hard end. it is likewise oestrus and stain-resistant, says Devos Woodworking. Waterlox is practical in multiple coats, with more than added to areas effectually sinks and melt tops. While these are more durable, they also have some limitations. Although food prophylactic, you lot cannot cutting on a countertop finished with Waterlox nor can you utilize any bleach-based cleaning products because they tin can harm the surface, notes Devos.

Is Staining Required?

Stains can enhance the color or grain of a woods countertop, but they're not required. Staining forest increases the toll by five to 10 percent. That said, stains let you to achieve a pricier look by using an inexpensive, light-colored species of wood and turning it a richer colour.

Traditional kitchen with wood countertop

Think about the Sink

All cutouts, edges, and surfaces must exist treated to keep wet out of the wood. This makes undermount sinks ideal for wood countertops, co-ordinate to Paul Grothouse of the Grothouse Lumber Company. Drop-in sinks get well with clear-coated or factory-finished countertops but demand a flexible sealant beneath the rim.

Solid wood countertop around the French sink — Solid woods countertop around the French sink

Sleek kitchen countertop design — Sleek kitchen countertop pattern

Cucine Lube wood island design — Industrial blueprint with woods countertop

Caring for Wood Countertops

Cleaning and sanitizing wood countertops is critical.

Every day, wipe the countertop with a damp cloth and a piffling dish lather. So wipe information technology with a clean, damp material. Kill germs by spraying a solution of one office white vinegar to iv parts water onto the wood. Wait 10 minutes, so wipe it abroad.
Don't use cleaners that contain ammonia or bleach, which tin harm the stop.
Remove stains and odors by sprinkling on a good corporeality of table salt. Using a lemon quarter, rub it into the surface while squeezing lemon juice on the countertop. Let it sit and then wipe information technology clean.
If you lot have a scratch, we recommend using a colored paraffin wax stick in a matching to fill the groove. Using a plastic scraper, remove the excess and buff the area with a cloth. For deep cuts and burns, sanding the surface is necessary. Start with coarse sandpaper, moving upwards to finer grits and catastrophe with very fine grit. Finally, reapply oil or an oil-wax blend and vitrify. You lot tin also make your own filler past melting beeswax or household paraffin wax and mineral oil over a double boiler. Use a 1:iv ration of wax to oil. Rub this while want into any cracks to seal and protect them.

Clean wood countertop finish for a modern U shaped kitchen — Clean wood countertop cease for a modern U shaped kitchen

Tin You lot DIY a Wood Countertop?

Yep, you can! Forest countertops are easy to install. If y'all are comfortable cut wood, you lot can can cutting prefab butcher-block tops to fit around corners, sinks, and appliances. Wood is much easier in the regard than marble or stone. Finishing the wood countertop is fifty-fifty simpler. An experienced DIYer can typically install wood countertops over a weekend. There are loads of on-line tutorials for edifice and installing woods countertops.

Kitchen island with a large wood countertop extension for dining

Top Tips for Doing it Yourself

Get-go, decide if yous are going to construct the countertop yourself or if you lot will purchase a premade countertop.,
Measure in one case, then measure out once more. Measure the tops of your base cabinets and so add together the overhang yous want. Typically people choose 1 to 1½ inches, except for islands where you desire to include seating. In those cases, a 12- to 16-inch overhang is appropriate.
If you will be building it, you lot accept to first option your forest, based on the hardness you lot need. A finished counter should be virtually i-1/2″ thick and no less than 1-1/4. Chose boards free of large defects, such as knots or cracks which may open up over time allowing bacteria and water to collect. Your counter should exist made up of at least 4 boards for stability – the more boards, the more stable the countertop. You'll also need to let the woods acclimate to your domicile'south atmosphere.
If yous're not an experienced woodworker, you lot can nevertheless go the DIY road by choosing a premade wood countertop. You lot send a cardboard template to a manufacturer or architect who will make the countertop. This is especially elementary for an island.
Follow installation instructions to make sure the countertop is securely attached so stop it in your preferred manner.

Whether you choose to do it yourself or have forest countertops professionally installed, they will lend a unique graphic symbol and style to your habitation. It as well doesn't affair if you opt for just an isle or decide to have all woods countertops, the warmth will mix with your décor and create a long lasting and beautiful kitchen.

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Source: https://www.homedit.com/wood-countertops/

Wood Countertops Bring Warmth to Any Style Kitchen