If you want to try out new materials for your kitchen countertops instead using quartz or granite countertops, then you should give wood a go. Wooden countertops are very popular and they’re also extremely beautiful. But what kind of wood is the best to go for kitchen countertops? Well, you came to the right place to find out.
Maple Wood
The good ole maple tree isn’t only known for its yummy sugary syrup, but its wood is also popular in the realm of kitchen countertops. If you want a durable, strong, and sturdy wood option for your countertops, then maple is the best material to go for. It has a beautiful color first of all, which is the main reason why people are attracted to it. It’s just so beautiful with warm brown tones and in some variants, you can see the red tinges in the wood as well, which will look mesmerizing and beautiful in any kitchen.
Maple is also quite resistant against water and moisture, but it’s best if you seal it, just to go the extra mile in protection and you’ll pat yourself on the back for doing that, once you see how long maple wood lasts, if you do go ahead and seal it. It is also a very forgiving wood when it comes to versatility and it can go with most kitchen décors, so you don’t have to worry about things complimenting the countertops, because they definitely will go together.
Stained Pinewood
If you want to go for a more subtle option, that’s equally as beautiful, then pinewood is another great wood for countertops. It has a naturally light color and it looks beautiful as it is, but if you want, you can get it stained to darken it further.
Some people prefer the natural look of pinewood, because it adds to the character, while some prefer it to be a bit darker and that’s also doable. You just need a good-quality mineral oil, that’s food-safe and you can give the wood a beautiful stain that’s going to look out of this world.
Stained pinewood is also a cheaper option as compared to other wooden countertops and that is a huge plus for a lot of people. But this price drop also causes some issues. Pinewood isn’t the most durable of woods out there and it’s softer than maple or other types of wood, so it’s best that you take good care of this wood, or seal it properly if you intend to use it as an area for your food prep, because it will need the extra protection to last decently long.
Butcher’s Block
If butcher’s block is more like your esthetic, then you can certainly go for a countertop slab form and that’s going to completely transform your kitchen. With most types of wood, you need to be careful of the fact that it needs to be protected against water, and while that’s not a huge issue, it still is necessary to maintain the countertops and make them last longer otherwise you’ll be spending your money over nothing.
Butcher’s block has a beautiful appearance and the color of the wood is to die for. It has a light to medium brown color with rings and veining that look gorgeous against a light-colored kitchen décor. If you seal this material, then it will also lead to a glossy sheen that’s going to leave everyone in awe.
The best part about butcher’s block is that you can use it to prep and cut your food, because once you seal it, it’s pretty much indestructible and you can use sharp knives on it as you please. Just make sure to keep it away from hot things, like pots and pans, because wood, let alone butcher’s block, can blister like a nightmare and one little mistake can completely ruin the look of the countertops. If you need something resistant to water, consult a quartz countertops dealer Potomac.
Bamboo
This Japanese wood is not only beautiful to look at, but it’s insanely durable, given that it comes from a tree that looks delicate at first glance. Bamboo is getting extremely popular nowadays because it’s environmentally friendly and sustainable. This makes bamboo a winner in the eyes of people who are conscious of the declining health of the planet.
Bamboo has a beautiful light brown color and it looks amazing with most kitchen décor. Another thing that makes bamboo a hit among people is its price. It’s not as expensive as you might think a sustainable and eco-friendly wood would be.
However, this seemingly perfect wood does have a downside and that’s the fact that it is not completely water resistant. It needs to be sealed properly and regularly to ensure that the wood stays safe and that no water or moisture can seep into it and cause immense damage.
Oak
Oak is probably the oldest type of wood that has been around in the world of wooden countertops. It was the first ever wood to be used in kitchens as countertops and since then, it has gained popularity even more.
Oak has a beautiful pattern to it, which is termed as an open-grain pattern and it’s a huge selling point. It has a wide tint range, from light to dark and the longevity of this wood speaks volumes. You don’t find a material often that has amazing strength and durability, like oak. But like most woods, oak also has a weak spot, and that’s water damage.
This type of wood is extremely sensitive to water damage and it can rot like nothing else, if it’s not sealed or taken care of, which is why you must seal the countertops timely so that water doesn’t penetrate the material.
Walnut
If you’re looking for a more luxurious option that’s going to wow the people entering your kitchen, then walnut is the way to go. Wood from the walnut tree is truly a thing of beauty and it’s a sight created by nature that’s going to leave everyone in a trance.
This wood has a deep and rich color and the appearance is a pleasurable treat for the eyes. Walnut ranges in colors from dark browns to a dark and beautifully ethereal purple that looks out of this world. This wood, however, is a bit more expensive than its competitors, but it’s worth the splurge.
Cherry Wood
Cherry wood is also a beautiful option to consider if you’re looking for something with a unique pattern. The surface of cherry wood has knots and bunches of light and dark grains that add to the beauty of the countertop.
However, there is one huge drawback of cherry wood and that’s the fact that it’s very delicate and soft, even softer than pinewood, so this characteristic makes it prone to scratches and dents, which can be unpleasant.
Conclusion
Wooden countertops are a cult favorite and even though they’re not considered to be the best for use in the kitchen, people still can’t get over the sheer beauty of these golden-brown slabs of perfection. However, if you require a low-maintenance countertops for your kitchen, choosing quartz countertops Rockville will be better.
