Installing a wood kitchen countertop is a great way to increase the value of your home and beautify your cooking area. There are many benefits that come from choosing wood countertops for your kitchen. Not only will it make your cooking area more visually appealing, but you will also get better insulation and even health benefits. Wood kitchen countertops are quite affordable, but here are some things to keep in mind before you decide to install your wood kitchen countertop.
It is important to know that wood kitchen countertops come in different types including red oak, white oak, maple, birch, oak, pecan, and heart pine. Most wood kitchen countertops can be sanded, refinished, or painted. The type of wood you choose will depend on your personal preference. If you have food allergies, then you may want to choose wood that does not have any visible grain, and which has been treated with a special wood preservative.
It is also a good idea to learn about the different types of wood that are used in wood kitchen countertop. Redwood, for example, is considered one of the most durable and strongest types of wood available. However, it has a tendency to splinter if pressure is applied to the wood. In addition, you may need to cover wood furniture with a plastic shield if it is made of redwood.
Cherry wood is another wood that can be used in wood kitchen countertop projects. Cherry has an attractive grain that can be sanded, stained, or painted. It is easy to maintain and is available in a variety of shades. Cherry wood is a strong wood that can be used for countertops that are high in traffic. However, it can easily get scratches and its color can fade over time. In addition, it is a fairly dense wood that can make it difficult to cut.
Another wood often considered for wood kitchen countertop projects is oak. This wood is popular because it has a naturally warm appearance. It has some naturally sweet tones as well. This type of wood is very strong and can usually withstand pressure. Its natural polish adds a glossy appearance to wood and can help prevent wood splits.
An advantage of using oak wood in a wood kitchen countertop is that it has a slightly higher thermal conductivity than some other woods. This means that your food will heat up faster and is less likely to burn when it’s placed on top of your hot plate. However, there are some disadvantages to using oak wood. Oak wood is more expensive and can be difficult to work with; therefore, you may want to purchase a second-hand oak wood countertop instead.
One of the most durable types of wood that you can use for a wood kitchen countertop laminates. Laminates are made from synthetic materials like polymer clay. They look like wood and can be sanded, stained, or painted just like wood. They are resistant to water damage, stains, and even nicks. However, they can be porous and break down over time. Therefore, you may want to purchase laminates that are pre-coated with a protective sealant.
Your final consideration when choosing wood kitchen countertop material is texture. Most wood kitchen countertops have been particleboard covered in veneer. For this reason, wood grain can be readily seen if you take the time to look carefully. A good idea is to bring samples along to show home builders, architects, and interior designers. It is important that you choose wood that looks similar to, but is less expensive than, traditional wood.