Benefits of Wood Countertops

Benefits of Wood Countertops


When it comes to adding warmth to a room, the only real option is wood. From kitchen to office, living room to bedroom, wood can ground and texture like no other material. 

For the kitchen, the addition of wood is a great way to bring natural, organic, materials back into a space that can otherwise have a cold and institutional feel. 

Wood can be used for countertops, islands, floating shelves, and other accessories like cutting boards, trivets, and serving trays. 


So, what makes wood so great…


Appearance

The number one reason people choose wood is for its natural beauty. Let’s be clear, every piece of wood is 100% UNIQUE! You will never have the same countertop in your home as someone else, even if it's the same species of wood. Wood has character that cannot be matched by any other material. 


Variety

There are hundreds of varieties of wood species in the world. Every one of them has its own characteristics, however, those same characteristics may or may not make it a good candidate for a countertop. We recommend sticking with one of these options for the best combination of appearance, performance, and durability. 


Maple: Tried and true, American hard maple is a classic choice. It is extremely durable, and has a tight grain pattern to reduce the chance of absorbing moisture or debris. The light, white color can be a perfect accent to a dark, low light space. 


White Oak: Renowned for its resistance to water, white oak is a great choice for those worried about moisture or water damage. The rich honey color ties well with most color schemes, and it is becoming more and more popular with interior designers looking for a wood option. 


Walnut: The king of American hardwoods, walnut is known for its beautiful dark brown color, and tight grain. A kitchen full of walnut counters will instantly make a statement. Besides its appearance, walnut will also perform well in a kitchen environment, as it is a dense wood with a moderate hardness. What it lacks in durability, it makes up with in style. 



Care


Prevention > Repair


Wood countertops and maintenance go hand in hand, but don't be discouraged! Although they do require care, they will provide years of service for you and your kitchen. 

  • Keep them dry. Wipe spills and splashes as soon as possible. 

  • Clean with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh cleaning products, bleach, or degreasing sprays. 

  • Oil regularly. Apply a light coat of food safe wood oil once or twice a year to maintain protection.


Ultimately using wood in your kitchen is a balancing act. Wood comes with care, maintenance, and upkeep. But, the reward is years of added warmth and beauty that will only get better with age. 



Armando Reyes