Why do wood kitchen countertops burn so easily? That’s a good question. As a wood kitchen countertop owner myself, I can tell you that burning wood releases enormous amounts of toxic gases into the atmosphere. In fact, wood releases so many toxic gases that it is considered the leading cause of indoor air pollution in the US. And, believe me when I say this, it matters not which type of wood you choose to use – oak, maple, birch, cherry, etc., because any one of them can release those same toxins into the air if you don’t have a ventilation system in place.
Today’s wood kitchen countertops are not just cheaper to purchase, they are more affordable than ever. You can find quality wood kitchen countertops for well under $100. But why do wood kitchen countertops burn so easily? Let’s take a look at why wood releases toxins and how you can prevent yours from doing so.
The reason that wood kitchen countertops burn so easily is because the fibers that make up the wood become damaged. Over time this damage can become microscopic. When the fibers burn, they release smoke and acrid smoke. If you are sitting or cooking on top of a hot stovetop, then the smoke from the stove can enter your home through the chimney and settle in your home through your breathing air.
As a matter of fact, some scientists have shown that people who suffer from asthma have a high probability of being exposed to wood smoke. This same theory also applies to people with various allergies, such as people suffering from pollen allergies. As you can see, wood kitchen countertops are a likely cause of your allergy problems. In order to avoid this, all you need to do is install a wood burning stove. You can also cut down on your exposure by removing the ash from the bottom of the stove and replacing it with a pan that traps the smoke.
If you want to make sure that your wood kitchen countertop doesn’t start to burn before you know it, then there are some things that you can do. The first thing that you need to do is to seal the surface of the wood. There are many different sealants available on the market today. However, you need to be very careful when applying the sealant. Make sure that it is very well applied and that you leave no space for air to get in.
Also, if you want to make sure that your wood kitchen countertop doesn’t burn, then it would be wise to use wood that is naturally resistant to fire. This would include cedar, redwood, and pine. You can find out more about which type of wood is most suitable by checking out some woodworking forums on the internet. When you are looking for a wood kitchen countertop, be sure that you are buying one that has been prepared properly. For instance, it wouldn’t be a good idea to buy a cedar wood countertop if they have been left to burn on a smoldering fire.
Now that you know why do wood countertops burn so quickly, let’s take a look at how you can set up your wood stove to ensure that it burns safely as well. You should never use soap, detergents or any other cleansers on the stove top or the surface of the wood. These substances will definitely damage the surface and reduce its ability to burn.
Another way that you can damage your wood stove is if you lay something hot on the stove top. The only exception to this rule is if you are using a glass stove top, in which case you should not actually touch the outer surface of the stove at all. If you do, you risk causing a chemical reaction that will burn your stove. Some people place hot pans directly on their stove, but this can also damage the surface. If you are using a wood stove, the best thing to do is place hot pans directly on a wooden board that will prevent them from touching the stove and risking a reaction.