Why Wood Wooden Countertops and Their Pros and Cons

In a few past years, wooden countertops are increasingly more popular for kitchens. Even though there are many other options available, wood still belongs to one of the most favorite choices. Of course, people choose wood as their kitchen countertops not without any reason. So, it is interesting to know about the pros and cons of wooden kitchen countertops.

Cons of Wooden Countertops

Let’s start with the bad news first. Generally speaking, people avoid wood for kitchen countertops because it is easily damaged. For more details, let’s see the following weaknesses of kitchen countertops from wood.

Bacteria Can Live in Wood

Many people believe that sealed wood is not bacteria-friendly. Even though wood comes with natural anti-bacteria qualities, wood can still develop mold and bacteria problems if not properly sealed. That’s why people rarely put food on it.

Prone to Damage

There are some woods that are too soft for kitchen countertops. So, make sure that you use the best wood for kitchen countertops. For your information, we have to use the Janka hardness test to measure the wood durability.

Since no wood will be as strong as stone, most woods are prone to dents, scratches, and knife marks. It means, you cannot use wood counters as the main cutting surface. Besides that, water damage may also be a problem, especially if the wood doesn’t get the proper sealant.

Requires a Lot of Maintenance

One more thing, you need to treat wood well. Of course, it depends on the type of wood as well as the sealant you use. Usually, you will have to reapply it 2 – 3 times a year. If you don’t want to deal with permanent stains, you can sand down & refinish butcher block & wood surfaces. For some people, this regimen is worth it. However, some others may prefer a countertop they can forget about.

Pros of Wooden Countertops

Now, let’s see the good stuff! From the color to design, below are some of the strengths of kitchen countertops from woods.

Beautiful

Without a doubt, wood is very beautiful, especially if it comes with a proper finish. Since there are many types & colors of wood, wood has endless possibilities. You can select dark or light wood & play with its thickness for the kitchen countertop.

Warm

Besides that, wood is warm not only to look at but also to touch. In terms of heat, the difference between a wood and granite countertop is very surprising. If a granite countertop always feels cold, wood always remains warm.

Even though it seems like a small thing, it really makes a great difference. There’s nothing which can replace the warmth of the wood. In addition, wood is quitter than others.

Eco-friendly

Furthermore, wood countertops from reclaimed materials are more eco-friendly. It means, when you are ready to change the kitchen countertop or completely redo the kitchen, wood shouldn’t end up in a landfill.

Read more : Wood Countertop Kitchen Ideas For Your Home

Wood Species for Kitchen Countertops

The wood species impacts the look and durability. Some of the most popular options are walnut, cherry, hard maple, white oak, bamboo, mesquite, American walnut, and birch. Besides various looks, you also need to consider the wood hardness, measured on the Janka Scale. Here, the harder wood has the higher score on the Janka Scale test. For example, Brazilian cherry belongs to the hardest wood whereas butternut belongs to the softest one. Then, hard maple is one of the most recommended woods for kitchen countertops as it has 1450 Janka hardness rating. There are also some other woods that are in the same range such as sapele mahogany, natural bamboo, and carbonized bamboo.

You should consider how you will use the kitchen countertop when selecting between soft and hard woods. For example, you can choose a softer wood if you want to use it to cut & chop on the countertop rather than with a cutting board. On the contrary, a harder wood can be the better option if you will not use it for meal prep.

Construction of Wooden Countertops

When it comes to wood countertops pros and cons, it is important to talk about the construction. As we have mentioned above, wood is very beautiful. In fact, wood countertops come in 4 types of construction.

Edge Grain Countertops

It is when the boards are laid parallel on the wood edges & joined with the edges facing up. For your information, it is the most commonly used construction for butcher block countertops or other prep areas. People believe that this is the most aesthetically pleasing choice.

End Grain Countertops

This is made from small squares vertically lined with the ends facing up. This type of grain is a perfect option for prep areas as the natural pattern is gentle on knives.

Face Grain Countertops

This is when wood boards are laid flat and the widest parts face up. This type of construction provides a smooth surface that looks elegant. However, it is not a good option for food prep as knife marks will clearly show.

Read More : Best Installation Guide Of Wood Countertops For Your Ideal Kitchen

Styles of Wooden Countertops

Wood countertops come with different styles. One of them is a polished traditional that comes with rich color & fancy edge profile. Besides that, there’s also an organic classic that has natural beauty. Other styles available include rustic & eclectic, refreshed farmhouse, updated craftsman, and modern cottage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wood is a great option among people. If you want to add charm and warmth to your home, especially kitchen, and will not fuss over minor blemishes, it will be ideal to choose wood countertops. Of course, it depends on your personal choice whether wood is the most suitable one for your kitchen countertops.

Most people agree that wood is worth it for its beauty. However, if you want material that is low maintenance and ultra-durable, you should go to quartz or granite. Now, if wooden countertops are your choice, you can purchase them at Jati Luhur Agung. Contact us here if you need any help!

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