Wood for Your Kitchen Countertop – What You Need to Know

• Wood Countertops Can be Refinished

  They can also be refinished to restore the finish and even out dings and scratches. Knife scratches and burn marks can be easily sanded out. You can also change up the look of your wood kitchen countertop by refinishing it with a completely different material or design.

  

• Budget-Friendly

  One of the biggest pros of wood countertops is that they're more budget friendly than other types of countertop choices, including engineered wood and stone. This makes them an ideal choice for those who are on a limited budget. A butcher block countertop made from a wooden material is much cheaper than countertops made from natural stone.

  

• Eco-Friendly Kitchen Countertops

  Wood is a natural material that comes from trees and is considered eco-friendly. Most butcher block countertops are made from butcher block paper which is 100% recycled content. If you're looking for an eco-friendly countertop, butcher block also tends to be a less processed choice than engineered wood or stone options.

  

• Easy to Install

  Wood butcher block countertops are easier to install than other types of butcher blocks because they don't require edge banding or additional finishing. You can cut them to fit, use wood glue and screw them on the wall or on top of existing countertops for a butcher block island in your kitchen.

  

• Strong and Soft at the Same Time

  The density of wooden countertops makes them strong enough to use for kitchen work. They're also soft enough to easily cut on with knives without causing damage or warping. Wood quiets the noise of appliances and unlike stone, wooden countertops are less likely to crack. They hold firmly no matter how much cutting you do.

  

Wood Kitchen Countertops Cons

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  The Countertops Are Not Fireproof And One Needs to Be Careful with Them

  Wood countertops can catch fire and burn more easily than stone or engineered wood. This is the biggest con of using wooden kitchen countertops. Keep stove burners away from wood countertops or place heat-resistant trivets between them to help minimize the risk of fire.
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  Require Constant Maintenance

  Your wood countertop will require constant maintenance in order to keep it looking its best. You should refinish the surface every couple of years, depending on how heavily you use your kitchen. Unfinished wood counters need to be resealed at least once a year with butcher block oil, and finished ones need to be cleaned regularly.
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  These Countertops Move

  Wood countertops move with changes in temperature and the seasons. This is a common problem for most natural materials used to make kitchen countertops. You can minimize this issue by buying a larger piece of wood that spans the entire length of your countertop or choose a butcher block laminate that won't be affected by seasonal changes as much.

Maintaining Your Wood Kitchen Countertops

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  Sanitize and Remove Stains

  Wash them with soap and water to remove any built-up dirt or food residue. Mix 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of bleach, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly on butcher block countertops while wearing rubber gloves. Scrub the countertops with a soft bristle brush and rinse them with warm water.
  
  To effectively remove stains, mix 1 part bleach and 2 parts hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. Dab the solution on the stain using a cotton swab or cloth until it absorbs into the wood fibres. Allow it to sit for up to 10 minutes. Scrub the countertops with a soft bristle brush and rinse them with warm water.
  
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  Hide the Burns and Fill the Spaces

  Cut a piece of wood to fit inside the hole left by the burn. Sand down the edges with fine-grit sandpaper or use an electric sander, if necessary. Place wood glue on top of the countertop and press it into the gap. Let the glue dry for 24 hours before continuing to work on your butcher block countertops.
  
  Alternatively, rub on a coloured paraffin-wax stick like FastCap Softwax to fill in the burn. You can also try wax sticks that are made specifically to cover burns, scratches and gouges on wooden butcher block countertops.
  
  You may have seen on TV or heard someone mention a product called Butcher Block Conditioner. It's a mixture of mineral oil, beeswax, jojoba oil, and other ingredients.
  

What is the Best Finish for Wood Kitchen Countertops?

• Clear-Coat

  Clear coat finish is similar to varnish or lacquer. It seals the surface, making it resistant to heat and moisture. This type of butcher block countertop finish isn't as hard as other types, but it is durable. It does not have a shiny appearance like oil finishes do, so you can use plastic or metal utensils on them without worry.
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  Oil

  Oil finishes penetrate the wood and help protect it from moisture damage. You can apply this type of finish to unfinished or finished butcher block countertops. Many people like the satin finish offered by oil finishes, which is fine to use with wooden cutting boards and butcher block countertops. FDA-approved mineral oil provides a food-safe surface for you to cut on.
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  Wax-Oil Blend

  A wax-oil blend leaves a honey coloured sheen on the butcher block countertop. It brings out the wood's natural beauty without giving it a shiny appearance. You can apply this type of finish with a clean, cotton rag or brush. This finish adds yet another layer of protection against moisture. It also helps to seal the oil into the wood.

Wood Countertops Ideas for Your Kitchen

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  Wood Island Countertop

  Look for a butcher block countertop with beautiful grains and knots to add character to your kitchen. It can be made from many types of wood, such as maple or oak. The most common type of wood used for butcher block countertops? Maple.
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  Reclaimed Wood Countertops

  Reclaimed wood countertops may also be a good choice if you want a rustic, farmhouse look. It's a cost-effective option that adds a lot of charm to your kitchen. You can layer wood planks together and form them into tile countertops. This type of countertop is gaining in popularity for its uniqueness and beauty.
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  Kitchen Countertop Combinations

  Butcher block countertops go well with other wood or stone kitchen countertop combinations. For example, a combination with concrete can add flexibility to your kitchen. You can contact us to discuss our kitchen countertop ideas to get you started on some of your own. We can create custom solutions for your kitchen.
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  Variety of Countertop Edges

  Wood is relatively easy to cut and carve into various designs. Instead of a rustic wood countertop, you may prefer a more formal look for your kitchen. We have many styles available that can accommodate any level of formality for your home or restaurant needs. The edges and shapes we provide include bullnose, bevel and ogee.
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  Patterned Wood Countertops

  Wood countertops sell well for modern and classic kitchens alike. They may require a bit of upkeep, but they are sturdy and beautiful. Explore the many wood types we have available, including mahogany, maple and oak.
  If you're looking for a versatile kitchen countertop to add beauty and character to your home or restaurant space, consider wood.
  
• Budget-Friendly Kitchen Countertops

  Wood butcher block countertops are generally more affordable than granite or quartz. They're an excellent option if you're on a budget but still want to make your kitchen look classy and complete with beautiful finishing touches.

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