Kitchen Countertops: Wood

Posted by Matt Brooke on October 2, 2012

When designing a new kitchen you want to select materials that are not going to need to be replaced only a couple of years down the road.  You want to make decisions that will result in a space that is easy for you and your family to live with.  Oftentimes, with SO MANY options available, particularly when it comes to countertops, it’s virtually impossible to settle on one material.  That’s where the Home ReBuilders design team can make the difference between a scenario where you want to pull your hair out & one where you KNOW that you have made the very best decision.

There are literally hundreds of options when considering replacement countertops – and the price range is just as diverse.  But if you’ve already decided that granite and quarts based materials just aren’t your style, why not consider wood!  Wood is one of the most versatile building materials and will always be a classic option for kitchen countertops.  When considering wood for your kitchen countertop it is important to keep in mind several key factors.  First, wood countertops can vary dramatically in price depending on wood species.  A standard maple countertop will be much more economical than an exotic wood like Iroko or Mahogany.  Another important detail to consider is the finish of the wood.  Because kitchen countertops typically need to stand up to a lot of wear and tear, a good natural oiled finish – much like your favorite butcher block – is usually the best option.  Furniture finishes and stains will not usually meet the demands of a functional kitchen.  Also, you will want to consider maintenance.  Wood countertops will need to be oiled every three to six months to keep the bacteria out and the wood grain beautiful.  The oiling process, fortunately, is pretty simple.  Many homeowners choose to oil their countertops just before they go to bed so the oil can really penetrate the wood well and then the next morning any standing oil can easily be wiped up with a clean paper towel.  And because wood is both self-healing, small bacteria harboring cuts will naturally close themselves, and has inherent bacteria reducing properties; they will help keep you and your family healthy for years.

For the most functional, most beautiful, most value conscious selections let Home ReBuilder’s help with the design of your home.  We will explain the benefits, the drawbacks, and all the considerations that you NEED to know about when choosing the best materials.