With the question of whether or not wooden countertops are practical, there are many benefits to installing one in your home. If you’re looking for a way to add more style and sophistication to your kitchen, consider a wood countertop. There are several types to choose from and this article will briefly explain them all, so you can make an informed decision.
One of the most popular types of wood used for kitchen countertops is oak. It’s a high quality wood that comes in several natural colors including reddish brown, ash brown, and light yellow. This wood species grows in North America, Europe, and Asia and is commonly referred to as black oak. Even though there are two subspecies, there is only one actually recognized as real oak. The other type is commonly known as iron or Japanese oak.
Japanese or broke birch is sometimes also called American cherry. It comes in a variety of colors including pinkish grey, light gold, silver, or brown. The wood species is called Japanese birch due to the fact that it was introduced to Japan from North American birch. Although the tree was originally planted in Japan, it was later brought back to the West by American settlers.
Both the birch and the oak trees produce flowers that are very attractive and these are what give iroko and Japanese birch their dark colored foliage. This makes the wood perfect for crafting beautiful countertops and because of its rich, darker color, it works well in a variety of kitchen applications including: stovetops, bar stools, counter tops, and even flooring. Both the oak and birch are hardy plants with very high resistance to insects and decay and this makes them ideal for use in any type of household.
Although both iron and Japanese oak are hardy species, they differ in the way in which they thrive. Although both types of wood are susceptible to pests, oak is more prone to insect infestation. Japanese on the other hand, are not susceptible to insects and decay. Japanese wood also has a natural insect repellent in the form of rice paper and this also helps to keep the wood pest free. Another difference between the two species is that although iroko comes in a variety of colors including yellow, red, and brown, and are usually painted, Japanese oak only comes in a white hue.
Both types of wood species are very durable and strong. They are both able to withstand high temperatures and can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications. However, the downside of using iroko or Japanese oak is that they are very expensive when compared to many other forms of wood such as plywood or particle board. As well as this, wood does not lend itself well to being carved. Despite being able to handle a large amount of weight, they are unable to cope with sharp edges, bumps, and corners as well as nails and screws. When in doubt of what type of material to use for your application, it is advisable to contact a local contractor who will be able to advise you on whether you would be better using iroko or Japanese oak.
Despite being porous, both types of wood are resistant to rotting and decay. This means that you can be sure that your wooden countertops will withstand a great deal of wear and tear. One of the disadvantages however, is that they are more prone to water leaking into the base boards causing a great deal of damage. Also, both types of wood are known to warp if placed in direct sunlight or placed somewhere where there is a lot of moisture in the air. If this does happen, it is advisable to remove the wooden countertops and put them in a drying room.
Although it is clear that wooden countertops are more expensive, it is arguable that this is the only way to go in order to protect your investment. They are very durable and hard wearing, making them ideal for kitchens. If you are worried about the appearance of wooden countertops, you can opt for laminated or textured wood. Regardless of which type of wood you choose to use, your kitchen will look great for many years to come.