When you are in the market for a quality kitchen worktop choosing a material you can afford that is scratch-proof, stain proof, and easy to clean are all important factors.
Because there are a variety of different woods used to construct solid wood worktops, this allows those who are designing their kitchen or just remodeling a lot of potential for creativity. Wood can offer a dark and luxurious look to a contemporary kitchen with stained oak woods. You can also liven your kitchen up with maple or teak creating a warm homely feeling. For those seeking a pale or modern look, there are the less vibrant woods such as beech, elm and spruce. Oiled woods are tougher and less susceptible to damage from heat marks and wear and tear.
Another advantage to wood kitchen worktops is that they usually improve with age, like a fine wine. Just like antique wooden floors, if solid wood worktops are maintained correctly they can build equity in your home throughout time and becoming quite a selling point. These worktops are easy to maintain making sure to protect wood by applying quality oil every two to three months. Also, be sure to avoid using any abrasive cleaners on a wood worktop to avoid warping the wood. Oiled solid wood kitchen worktops are more likely to resist heat marks than is lacquered wood.
Another important advantage that many consumers do not know is that wood is naturally resistant to bacteria. Studies have shown when comparing wood surfaces to polyethylene surfaces, the wood has been found to be hygienically cleaner and more sanitary then the plastic surface. This is because woods such as pine and beech have been found to have natural biocides in them that fight living microorganisms.
Wooden kitchen worktops are also not difficult to install. A proficient amateur can follow instructions necessary to make this an easy Do It Yourself project. While installing, make sure to avoid any moisture. Also, be sure to leave a small gap from the edge of the countertop and the wall to allow room for expansion due to humidity. A few other tips are to use a moisture-resistant glue to seal the countertop so that the wood will not discolor, and oil the underside and back edges to prevent it from warping.
For those of you on a budget, wood is a cost effective and affordable material if purchased from the right sources. Solid wood can range between $25 to $50 per square foot. This is in the median range compared to other materials. The low cost to maintain wood is another valuable pro to choosing a wood kitchen top.
Although there are several advantages to choosing wood as your kitchen material, there are however also disadvantages. If your kitchen is centrally heated, which in climates that are cold is very common, your wood work tops are more likely to warp. This is less unlikely with hardwoods. If your countertops are not properly sealed during installation, wood can start to open up at the joins. Unlike other surfaces such as tile, wood is not resistant to scratching and staining if used as a cutting board. Be sure to investment in a chopping block to prevent damage.
As you can see, the benefits significantly outweigh the disadvantages if you are in the market for a solid wood worktop.