wood countertops pros and cons

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This page is part of the affordable kitchen remodeling series, created to help homeowners design an elegant kitchen that fits their budget. A granite countertop will almost always feel cold, while the wood will remain warm. You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. 2022 Laurysen Kitchens. Also, many species that are used for counters are fully renewable and are often gathered from recycled sources. Boards are placed on their sides, and the largest surfaces are glued together. Butcher block will also need to acclimate to your home before you install it to prevent future warping. Along with fixing minor scratches, wood countertops are relatively easy to maintain if they are protected with a finish. Wood provides a look that no other material can. Wood countertops provide a warm and rustic look, perfect if youre going for the farmhouse aesthetic. From the lighter hues of maple and oak to the reddish tones of cherry, theres something for everyone. So, if you want to avoid synthetic materials like laminate and quartz (quartz contains up to 7% synthetic resins), wood is a great choice. Wood countertops require a bit of upkeep to maintain their beautiful appearance and functionality. Unlike granite, marble, quartz, and other stones, which can feel cold, wood countertops are warm to the touch. Regardless of your design preferences, you can choose from various wood types and colors and find one that suits your desired interior design. Using butcher block countertops in the kitchen is a bit of a forgotten art. The supplier can help you determine which species of wood will perform better in various applications, such as bars, butcher block food prep areas, or counters with mounted sinks. Mineral oil lightly penetrates the surface of wood countertops, conditions it, and helps lock in moisture. All Rights Reserved. Its not the first material that jumps to mind when thinking about countertops, but that is a bonus for some. One of the best aspects of wood countertops is the sheer number of options and style upgrades available. If you want a rich red hue for your countertops have a look at red oak. Butcher block will need resurfacing. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. There are three types of grain direction for you to choose from. Its hard to describe beyond that: it just looks so darn cool. Its so important to clean up food messes immediately and stay on top of resealing the countertops. For example, butternut is one of the softest woods, while Brazilian cherry is one of the hardest. The drawback here is that mineral oil finishes need to be reapplied every month in order to maintain effectiveness. Editors Note: The higher the Janka score the harder the wood is. Hard maple, which is often recommended for kitchen surfaces, falls in the middle with a Janka hardness rating of 1450. Mineral or tung oils are affordable options that protect the wood well. Image Attribution. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Image Attribution. A warm, elegant, and charming look to your kitchen, Available in a variety of designs and grains, Easily damaged due to moisture, dents, and scratches, Not compatible with many household cleaners. Generally, you can expect wooden countertops to fall in the range of $60 to $100 per square foot, including installation. In this article, I provide a complete and unbiased breakdown of the pros and cons of wood countertops. Use a 1:1 mix of vinegar and water, complete with a couple of drops of lemon essential oil. Connect with Andrew viaemail,LinkedIn, or thePrudent Reviews YouTube channel. Other woods in the same range include carbonized bamboo, natural bamboo, and sapele mahogany. Real wood countertops are an old-world idea that has never really gone out of style. Just keep in mind that these are entry levels counters and while IKEA may be the lowest cost they have the quality that matches the price. Seal them and keep them dry. Butcher block will last longer than laminate countertops but need monthly resealing to have a long lifespan. Please try again later. When your done washing the dishes or cooking you should wipe down the edges any any areas that water splashed on. You have four options, and which one you choose depends on how you plan to use the counter. We really like wood. Flat Grain: Still, no wood is going to be as strong as stone, and most wood is prone to knife marks, scratches and even dents. As a sidenote, wood is also quieter than other materials, which adds to the sense of ease it creates. Wood countertops are sensitive to both hot and cold temperatures. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website. When the countertop arrives, youll need to oil the wood. The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. Finding a wood countertop fabricator is a little harder than finding a granite fabricator, but they are out there. The edges of the strip of wood are rotated up and laminated together creating a very durable work surface thats great for cutting and is safe for food preparation. You might need to shim spots on the cabinets so the butcher block rests properly. Wood countertops can be made out of reclaimed materials, something that we recommend. They are more expensive than corian or granite countertops but much less than high end stones. For example, Brazilan cherry features a very fine-grain, so scratches and dents are easier to disguise, and hard maple has a straight and uniform grain, which is easier to scuff. One of the most significant disadvantages of wood countertops is that water left on the surface can quickly wreck the wood. Thanks & Welcome to the Forbes Advisor Community! If youre just looking to clean up a couple small spots, like in the image below, you can do the sanding by hand before cleaning up and applying the sealer. Though a tree was felled and hauled in the making of your wood countertop, that is the extent of its carbon footprint. When hes not testing the latest home products, hes spending time with his family, cooking, and doing house projects. Because you need to maintain your countertops, reseal and oil them regularly, the lifetime maintenance costs are higher than other materials. Finally, similar to granite, the price for quartz, compared to wood, is steep. Adding a drop of liquid soap to your wet rag rag will help loosen any sticky or greasy spills, making them easier to wipe up. You can access the entire series here. Wood is one option among many. Yes, you can defintely cut food on butcher block. End grain butcher block looks like a checkerboard and is made with edge grain boards that are glued and stacked on top of each other. Cut a lemon in half and scrub it over the salt to lift the stain. Unlike rock-hard granite and quartz, wood countertops are susceptible to dents and scratches. As homeowners pore over options in kitchen and bath design in the constantly changing world of materials and styles, the wood countertop remains a classic. Harsh chemical cleaners can damage sealants and cause discoloration. Use a cutting board to protect your investment. The best way to care for wood counters is to keep them dry. Quartz isnt 100% natural like wood is. If the link is blue, click it and youll be taken to the portion of this page with more information. Blinds vs. While wood does have antibacterial properties, there is still the potential for mold or bacteria to grow in dents and scratches that havent been sealed properly. We are proud to provide the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 CHEO Dream Home kitchen and bathroom vanities! Plus, it prevents the wood from drying out. I wont get into the details here, but there are several methods and dozens of how-to videos to guide you. While not quite as hard as maple, its more than strong enough for your kitchen work surface. It seems more and more people want to incorporate wood into their Ottawa kitchen renovations, choosing it over the more popular choices of granite or engineered stones like Corian. This means that wood counters shouldnt be used as your primary cutting surface; most of the time, youll still want to use a cutting board for food preparation. This produces an incredibly strong, non-porous surface that is virtually maintenance-free. If you have a tougher stain, try putting salt on the spot and rubbing a lemon over the salt. The truth is, wood requires a lot of care. call the countertop experts at Laurysen Kitchens, How to Choose the Right Bathtub for Your Bathroom Renovation. There are two main factors to consider when youre shopping for wood countertops, including the species of wood and construction. Wood does require work, but some will say that work is worth it for the beauty. Many household cleaners cannot be used on porous or natural surfaces, such as wood. Thats a hard question to answer directly because its like asking if cars are expensive. Harder woods and butcher block counters, which are created by glueing wood boards together for strength and stability, are more durable. The quotes are free, and theres no obligation to buy. But there are a few things to consider before installing wood countertops. If an accident happens take the experience as a lesson learned after you have repaired the wood. How often it needs resurfacing depends upon the amount of wear and tear the countertop takes, but some recommend resurfacing every 10 years. Not all wood is created equal. Factors that influence the price include the type and quality of the wood, the size of your counters, and whether you buy from a national or local retailer. Quality custom butcher block countertops cost at least $70 per square foot. Overall they arent a lot of work to maintain, but if youre comparing them to quartz, which is maintainance free, then yes they are a lot of work. Would you like to design an elegant kitchen that fits your budget? With so many wood types and colour variations, the possibilities are endless. When you drop a wine bottle on a granite countertop even from a few inches, it shatters. Put white vinegar in a spray bottle and dilute it 3:1 with water. You can find companies that use locally sourced wood, reclaimed or not, to build your countertops. Shades: Which Window Covering Is Right for Your Home? For stain removal, sprinkle salt over the stain. Image Attribution. Teak can be the most expensive at $180 per square foot. Want to learn about other kitchen countertop options that are easy on the wallet? check out our guide on other kitchen countertop options to find the right one for you. But is it the right material for your home? Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Sure, you can sand and refinish them as needed, but many homeowners dont want this responsibility. Apply the oils again the month after the original installation and then every six months after that. If wooden countertops arent your preference, check out our guide on other kitchen countertop options to find the right one for you. 2022 Prudent Reviews LLC. Butcher block typically runs between $30 and $40 per square foot, depending upon the type of wood you choose. Germs like salmonella and the norovirus arent going to take root in your kitchen work surface and make you sick unless you neglect them. After installed and sealed, the butcher block needs to be sealed monthly to guard against stains, dings and nicks. The area around the sink is especially vulnerable to water damage, and homeowners often complain about dark spots and discoloration. Like every other material, there are pros and cons of butcher block. Page Last Updated On June 06, 2018 by Scott Jenkins, This Is The Best Material For Kitchen Countertops, 10 sly but simple cheats that save more money than buying stuff on sale, How to cut the cost of cabinets by 20% or more, Get the lowest price on countertops, flooring, lighting, and appliances. Maple is aruably the best wood for butcher block countertops, especially when you consider that its one of the cheapest. Butcher block needs routine maintenance to make it last. This walnut island is treated with Rubio Monocoat. Properly sealed wood is no more bacteria friendly than tile or granite. How to Remove Paint From Countertops: A Step-by-Step Guide. If youre handy with power tools and have some basic woodworking knowledge, installing wood countertops from IKEA is probably a DIY project that you can do in a weekend. But its more than that. Dont use harsh cleansers like Windex, Forumla 409, or any other chemicals. Wood is forgiving and soft. Depending on the type of wood species and the sealant youre using (usually tung oil or mineral oil), youll likely need to reapply it two to three times a year. Sign up to get a free copy of our design magazine! Take comfort in the fact that most burns dont penetrate the sirface deeply and can easily be sanded out. With the help of my husband Scott as a volunteer Water is your enemy, and if you havent been sealing them regularly then water will damage them. We mean that in two ways: wood is warm to look at, and wood is warm to touch. Also, both surfaces require regular sealing to be kept in tip-top shape, but wood is a bit more high maintenance. Installing butcher block countertops can be a DIY project, but youll need to measure carefully and cut accurately with a circular saw so the countertop will fit around a sink and faucet. Cleaning butcher block countertops is no different from any other kitchen work surface. Due to the upkeep and distinct design, wood countertops can hurt your homes resale value. Unless the slightly weathered look is what youre after, I would recommend that you use a separate wood or plastic cutting board. Butcher block countertops remain a solid value for kitchen countertops and installation can be a DIY project. When he's not writing, Nick likes to rehab vintage or kitsch furniture for his home. Wood, on the other hand, can get dented or scratched. Yet wood does have significant drawbacks, especially when used in the unforgiving environment of a kitchen. In that same period, search interest for granite countertops has leveled off. When youre done using your countertop wipe it down with a clean wet rag and youre all set. While it does offer a higher degree of protection than oil or an oil/wax combo, its much more expensive and can take a week to fully cure. Their showrooms make it easy for you to see exactly what youre getting for your money. Butcher block wax or conditioner is a mixture of mineral oil and wax; usually beeswax, carnauba, or a combination of both. But, believe us, those who care for their wood countertops will tell you the difference their work makes. 14 Pros & Cons of Kitchen Island Cooktops: Are They a Good Idea? If you prefer an ultra-durable, low-maintenance material, you might want to consider granite or quartz instead. The biggest mistake you can make when finishing wood counters is to coat them with cooking or vegetable oil. For comparison, quartz countertops cost between $50 and $150 per square foot, and marble costs between $40 to $100 per square foot. The beautiful look and natural feel of wood are hard to beat with any other countertop material. If you want to add pops of colour to your kitchen, granite offers more options than wood. This makes for an inviting surface to eat and entertain. Edge grain countertops are when the boards are laid parallel on their edges and joined together with the edges facing up. Beyond exploring the pros and cons, you may wish to compare wood with other countertop materials, like granite or quartz. Several types of woods, like maple, cherry, walnut and oak can be used for butcher block countertops fashioned in different styles. Over the past few years, weve continued to see interest in butcher block countertops and other wooden countertops. I recommend Rubio Monocoat 2C because its VOC free and safe for food contact, however I would use a cutting board thats been treated only with mineral oil instead of cutting directly on the surface of any wood thats been treated with a penetrating sealer. Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. A sharp knife will easily slice through food without you having to apply a lot of pressure. Liberally sprinkle coarse salt on the surface of the counter and use a cut lemon to scour it. There are four types of construction used for wood countertops: edge grain, end grain, face grain, and blended. Granite is $40 to $60 per square foot. To keep them looking pristine for as long as possible protect them with a cutting board. And when youre ready to change your countertop or redo your kitchen completely, your wood countertop doesnt have to end up in a landfill. Take a look at Google Search Trends, and youll see that searches for the term wood countertops have been steadily increasing since 2009. First, they have very different looks: granite has a formal, fancier feel, while wood is rustic and traditional. Also, per square foot, installing wood countertops is one of the more affordable options. Here are a few articles I wrote that can help. The information provided on this website is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for professional advice. This grain type is an excellent choice for prep areas because the natural pattern is gentle on sharp knives. The big benefit is that the wax helps seal the oil into the wood so you dont have to apply it as often. Doing this once a month will help kill bacteria and brighten the surface of the countertop too. Jointed strips are when smaller boards are arranged in a parquet pattern. With a dull knife youll be pressing down on the handle of the knife and this downward pressure is what causes most scratches in wood countertops. When the wood is exposed to extremely high or low temperatures, the wood expands and contracts, which can cause it to crack, warp, and cup. If youve ever seen a countertop surface that looks like a grid, thats an example of edge grain butcher block. There are commercial food-safe tung oil finishes, some color-infused, that can be effective and only need to be reapplied about every six months. Hes studied consumer buying behavior for 10+ years and has managed marketing campaigns for over a dozen Fortune 500 brands. Natural wood can take a surprising amount of heat. BOOK A FREE COUNTERTOP CONSULTATION WITH LAURYSEN TODAY. Its just as safe on cutting surfaces as plain mineral oil. Now the good stuff! Hit the back button and youll return right here. Nick is a content creator with a background in DIY home renovation, maintenance, repair and trends. Finger joints also don't last as long as the full-length strips that better-quality countertops have. Although a quartz countertop can be made to look like natural stone, with veining and colour variations, it is actually man-made. Its 100% food safe, very inexpensive, and its the only sealer you want to use if you plan on cutting on your countertop. Why? Soapstone vs. Quartz Countertops: 13 Key Differences. Although wood countertops have many advantages, theyre not for everyone. Some popular options include birch, American walnut, mesquite, bamboo, white oak, hard maple, cherry, and walnut. A properly finished wooden countertop is something that begs to be touched, to be ogled. Its a small thing, but it makes a big difference. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Unlike with stone, you can cut food directly on wood countertops. All rights reserved. Please see our. Wood naturally slows the growth of bacteria. Itll probably come down to aesthetic preference, but if youre torn between wood and granite for your countertops, there are a few things to consider. If you want an inexpensive standard size wood countertop IKEA is a decent place to start. In fact, some studies have shown that wood has natural anti-bacterial qualities. Wood can complement many design styles, and it can be used very creatively because of how easy it is to shape. You can have just about any sink you want with butcher block; undermount, farmhouse, drop in, stainless steel, ceramic, and copper all work just fine. This mixture is safe to use daily if you like. Wood countertopshave a place in the green-building movement since it is an organic material. The type of wood impacts the overall look (color and graining) and durability (hardness). Alex from NorthStory.com is a home improvement blogger that has had wood countertops in her kitchen for years. This style of wood countertop construction is cheaper than edge or end grain because its less labor intensive and creates less waste, but they are typically made from more expensive and rare hardwoods like black walnut and zebrawood to show off their intricate grain patterns and colors. Contemporary Kitchens Design Gallery Ideas, Klozets by Laurysen Closet Design Gallery. Take a look at our cabinets for inspiration! There is some wood that is simply too soft to be used as a countertop. With edge and face grain counters, you can opt for continuous or jointed strips. (And Ways to Save). We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Youll be surprised at the difference between a granite countertop and a wood one in terms of heat. All content on PrudentReviews.com is intended for informational purposes only. This construction type provides a smooth, elegant surface but is not ideal for food prep because knife marks will show. Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice. Use the links below to navigate this article: Before I get into the pros and cons, its helpful to understand some basics about wood countertops (also known as butcher block counters). One thing I love about wood countertops is that theyre easy to clean. Competition has caused granite to become surpringly cheap and you cant get a better bang for your buck than with laminate counters.

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