What You Need to Know When Selecting Wood Countertops
The kitchen is the natural gathering place in a home, one where meals are prepared, conversations had, and homework done. If you are considering new countertops for your kitchen, look no further than solid wood countertops!
Wood countertops have been a staple in kitchens for generations, and for good reason. This solid option never goes out of style and brings a sense of rustic charm to any kitchen design. With so many different wood options and finishes, it is easy to customize wood counters to fit your specific style.
Before choosing wood countertops, there are a few items to take into consideration. Here’s what you need to know when selecting wood countertops for your kitchen.
Durability
Wood countertops perform differently than other counter materials, and have a few inherent pros and cons. Because wood is forgiving and soft, fragile items or dishes dropped on the wood are safer from shattering. They also muffle sound from chopping and noisy appliances, which stone countertops tend to amplify.
On the downside, wood counters can become scratched and dented over time, and require more maintenance. The good news is that wood counters can be sanded and refinished if needed to remove imperfections over time.
Wood Types
Different species of natural wood can be used on countertops to create unique styles. The common types of wood counters we work with include white oak, reclaimed barnwood, maple, and walnut. We also have designed live edge countertops with river epoxy fills, making for a gorgeous and one of a kind design option!
Finishes
There are several finishes you can use on wood countertops to improve durability and water resistance.
Oil is the most reliable finish for wood countertops in a kitchen and, therefore, our recommendation. It is a durable, water-resistant finish that maintains the natural look and feel of the wood but does require special cleaners and re-oiling each year. This allows you to bring them back to a new look relatively easily.
Commercial grade urethane is a great option for kitchen islands and bar tops for those looking for a lower maintenance option. Urethane provides high heat, scratch, and water resistance.
Are you inspired to look into wood countertops for your kitchen? Check out some of our favorite designs for countertops, kitchen islands, and bar tops made of solid wood. We hope these inspire you to consider wood countertops in your new kitchen design!
This gorgeous craftsman home was updated to include Quartersawn white oak countertops with a grey oil-based finish. We also customized the maple cabinetry and white oak shelves in this kitchen, complete with reclaimed barnwood beams on the ceiling! See more from this 1912 Craftsman home.
Reclaimed barnwood is another gorgeous countertop style for a farmhouse kitchen. We customized the barnwood countertops, tin backsplash, and beadboard ceiling for this fan-favorite customer home.
Live edge countertops with an epoxy river make for a unique and gorgeous kitchen island. Pictured here is a walnut live edge island with gray pearled epoxy coating (left) and a smaller maple island with a blue epoxy river (right). Both provide tons of added storage and function to any kitchen design!
For a more rustic look, a reclaimed barnwood island with a white base is a classy option for any farmhouse kitchen.
A rustic bar top of reclaimed wood with a commercial grade finish makes for the perfect man-cave!
Have more questions on selecting wood countertops for your home? Contact us for a free design consultation. If you want to browse our options in stock, you'll love our rustic kitchen islands!