Wooden kitchen countertops? 7 types and ideas to choose from
All kitchens, whatever the style they're in, have countertops, i.e. a work surface on which all our dishes are prepared. And kitchen countertops are not only functional - they can be beautiful too, becoming a focal point for the kitchen.
Among the various types of kitchen countertops available, many are wooden models. Let's check out 7 of these models/types and perhaps you'll find one that meets your needs:
1. Beech
Beech wood is very robust material. Capable of surviving in the wild in different climatic conditions, the beech tree produces wood which is ideal for kitchen countertops. Cheap, robust and light in color, beech wood is particularly suitable for modern kitchens and for those that want to have neutral tones in their kitchens.
2. Wengé
Wengé wood comes from Africa and is characterized by a dark color that many find very appealing. Robust and cheap, Wengé wood allows you to have a kitchen worktop that will be strong and hardy. Its grain and warm color will make your kitchen look unique and elegant.
3. Oak
Oak wood is sturdy, robust and almost symbolic of strength. Who wouldn't want a oak countertop in their kitchen? The beauty of its grain, the knots and the color shading of this wood is unmatched. Highly robust, care should still be taken not to expose oak wood to too much humidity (which could cause it to swell and/or crack).
4. Ash
Ash is a wood that comes usually in light shades (its natural color), but it can also be stained to be darker. Known for its hardiness, ash is a great choice for kitchen countertops. Additionally, the color of ash will not fade over time, and it will not easily show signs of wear and tear.
5. Walnut
Walnut is one of the finest woods around - and one of the most expensive. Strong, beautiful and robust, walnut wood does not easily get scratched or warp. Usually coming in dark colours, this wood can also be provided in lighter versions (after treatment).
6. Iroko
Similar in characteristics to walnut, iroko wood is highly durable over time, does not warp easily, does not fade and does not need much maintenance. With its high oil content, iroko wood "repels" mold and bacteria, making for a very hygenic countertop. This wood comes in tones which range from gold to dark brown.
7. Mahogany
Elegant, rich, regal, mahogny is ideal if you want your kitchen to look truly elegant. Mahogany will not warp over time but it will get darker (read: richer), adding to its charm. Ideal for countertops, this is the wood you want if you want something unique for your kitchen.
Wooden countertops - the best choice
Amongst all the materials used for kitchen countertops (and furniture in general), wood remains the most popular. Wood is beautiful, robust and can even be worked or treated to suit the surroundings in which it is placed. Costing a bit more than, for example, granite countertops, investing a bit more in wood will be worth every penny.
Which of these woods would you like for the countertops in your kitchen?
