You’re looking for unique ideas for your kitchen design. And this can lead you down the path of finding all sorts of materials and products. However, finding the one that best suits your kitchen design, budget, and purpose will reign supreme.
The key is first identifying what it is you want out of your kitchen design. If you’re looking for functionality, affordability, and style, then you’re going to want to steer clear of certain items.
In this post, we’re going to uncover some of the reasons why you shouldn’t opt for wooden countertops for kitchen settings. So, if you’re considering installing wood counters in your kitchen, then read this before you do!
Let’s get started.
A Quick Word About Wood
Wood is a material that’s been commonly used in kitchens for centuries. But as the world saw the need for greener solutions, the development of wooden counters from chopped trees ceased. Instead, we now see an increased production of wood counters made of recycled wood countertops.
And as people today are searching for unique materials for their kitchen design, they’re turning to wood options. It’s hard to deny the fact that wood adds warmth and beauty to the space they’re implemented into.
There are different styles of wood to choose from, which include flat grain, edge grain, and end grain. You can also find wooden slabs with inlays, stripes, borders, and checkerboard patterns. The species of wood also vary, some of which include wenge, bamboo, maple, walnut, Brazilian cherry, oak, and teak.
But even with the homely appeal they offer, they’re not suitable for every home. Here’s a look at the five reasons why you should reconsider installing wood countertops in your new kitchen design.
1. Wood Splits and Cracks
You can’t expect the characteristics of wood to change from tree stump to your countertop. Wood is always will be an organic material and its lack of durability makes it susceptible to cracks, burns, warping, discoloration, and splitting.
If a wood counter gets enough neglect and abuse (or heavy use), it becomes more prone to the above damage. It’s important to maintain the surface with regular cleaning, sanding, and polishing to keep it looking like new.
2. Wood is Prone to Water Damage
Your kitchen countertops need to be water-resistant so that you don’t have to worry about damage caused by water and moisture. When it comes to wood, you’ll always have the risk of mold and mildew forming.
If you’re not consistently maintaining the finish, then it becomes easy for water to seep through and erode it. There are various types of finishes, but only mineral oil is recommended for butcher block counters.
This is because urethanes and lacquers aren’t food-grade. Also note that you must apply mineral oil to the surface monthly. The only other option is to refrain from using the wooden surface for prepping and eating meals.
But that completely defeats the purpose of a kitchen countertop.
3. Having a Sink Raises Risks
If the wooden countertop you’re installing will have a sink, then prepare to have it finished with something more durable than mineral oil. This is the only way you have any chance at preventing damage, such as warping, blackening, and splitting.
Unless you’re planning to upkeep the surface like you’re supposed to or go with a different material counter for the sink area, it’s best to go with a material that’s more durable.
4. Stains Are Hard to Remove
Since wood is a porous material, it can make it hard to remove stains from foods and drinks you spill onto it. The only option is to sand out the stains and then have the surface sealed again.
Just be wary of warping and splitting when sanding down the surface repeatedly. You’ll need to frequently re-oil the surface after sanding it down.
5. Ugly, Non-Durable Finger Joints
The supplier you purchase your wood counter from will determine how the strips are joined together. In many cases, finger jointed tops are sold by suppliers, which is cheaper for the consumer. However, it’s the worst industry standard.
If you decide to cut fixtures or sink into the finger jointed top, then it will expose the joints. And this is rather unsightly. One way to hide this is to go with a surface mount sink over the drop-in sink.
It’s also important to note that finger joints don’t last as long as full-length strips made by superior manufacturers.
Finding the Best Kitchen Countertops for Your Renovation
If you’re turned off by the idea of using wood countertops for your kitchen renovation, then it’s time to consider your other options. If you’re looking for something natural, then you can always opt for stones like marble and granite.
Or if you want something more durable, but looks natural, then you can go with engineered quartz stone. There are many different colors and styles of countertops you can choose from.
At KNC Granite, you can see the stone slabs in person by visiting our local showroom. We have some of the highest-quality stone countertops made by leading manufacturers in the industry.
Once you select the countertop you want, our professionals will fabricate and install them into your home. We will deliver it to your property faster than any box chain will. This ensures your project is completed in a timely fashion.
Then one of our licensed, bonded, and insured contractors will install the stone countertop into your kitchen. Our goal is to please our customers with meticulously fabricated and installed counters, and excellent customer service.
The areas we commonly service include but aren’t limited to the following cities in Virginia and Maryland: Arlington, Annapolis, Baltimore, and Rockville.
Get in touch with us today to see how we can help get a durable countertop into your kitchen!