Design Guide Online Editorial Syndicate Content

Interior Design Blog and Interior Design Ideas

  

Wooden Countertops: Pros & Cons

September 07

 

Wooden countertops. We're seeing more and more of them being installed in kitchens. It can definitely cause one to do a double take when you see wooden countertops paired with tiled flooring versus the more traditional look of non-wooden countertop paired with wood floors. When it comes to wood countertops, people are excited at the possibility and the look may appeal to them, but they are hesitant as to the downsides of what having these countertops could mean. We brought in a Design Guide Texas expert, Lynley Serratt, Palmer Todd, Inc., to give us some insights on the pros and cons of wooden countertops.  

 

·      Wood countertops offer a wide range of choices because you have the option of choosing the species of wood, the color and stain and the grain orientation. You can even choose to use reclaimed wood to bring some eco-conscious choices into your kitchen design.

·      The popular assumption about wood countertops is that they are installed for “show” and that the people who want them in their space must not really use their kitchen. This is not always true. Many large families with heavy activity install and enjoy wood surfaces.

·      It is true that wood surfaces are softer than stone or quartz surfaces. Little nicks and scratches are going to inevitably happen as part of life with a wood counter, but it is no different than your wood kitchen table.

·      If you have a real wood kitchen table that gets its share of beating up, is scarred and has a few little dings, that is exactly what’s going to happen to a wood countertop over time. I feel those “battle wounds” add character and charm to the space; however, others may not feel the same. If you’re one of those that want the counter to look pristine and have showroom-quality perfection, you really shouldn’t be buying a wood countertop. A wood countertop should be used, enjoyed and have life happen to it. Love it and roll with the punches.

 

·      Wood countertops are a renewable surface. If they are damaged, they can be sanded and re-oiled to be restored to the original finish.
·      Contrary to popular belief, wood countertops also have the advantage of being one of the most effective antibacterial surfaces you can install in your kitchen. The reason they have such superb sanitary properties is due to the presence of naturally occurring anti-microbial substances in the wood grain. No other man-made or natural countertop surface other than natural wood can offer this sanitary advantage. 
·      Wood countertops that are going to be used as a food preparation surface are finished with food-safe oil like mineral oil or Tung oil. Oiled surfaces provide protection to the wood and keep it from drying out and warping or cracking. This is especially important around wet areas. Wood countertops are susceptible to water damage if not adequately protected with oil.

 

Bookmark and Share
Related terms: Countertops, Designers, Kitchens
by: Rachel Duke

Post new comment

Find a Resource

Search from the following categories to find your design resource

VIEW IN DESIGN GALLERY

Facebook

JOIN US:  Design Guide on Facebook  Design Guide on Twitter  Design Guide Blog RSS Feed