Wood countertops continue to be extremely popular among homeowners. Wood offers an elegant and natural appearance that will beautify and enhance your bathroom, kitchen, or even living room. However, wood countertops are not without shortcomings and drawbacks. In this blog, we’ll give you a no-nonsense overview of the pros and cons of installing wood countertops, at the end of which you can decide for yourself whether they’re right for you.
Advantages of Wood Countertops
Aesthetic
People choose wood countertops mainly for their beauty and appearance. They provide warmth and elegance to your kitchen, unlike any other countertop material.
Variety
There’s an entire world of wood countertops to choose from, such as maple, oak, birch, cherry, teak, and hickory, among others. Hardwood continues to be a prominent feature of countertops. Bamboo is also used sometimes because of its wood-like appearance, but it’s actually a type of grass.
Finishes and stains can also vary and be customized to add a personal touch. Stylistically, your options may include face grain or end grain planks, butcher black, parquet, panels, and many other designs. Edge treatments are also available in a wide variety of styles.
Versatility
The best thing about wood countertops is that they blend well with almost every style, including country, French country, traditional, contemporary, Old World, modern, eclectic and transitional.
Warmth
Not only does wood have a warm appearance, it literally has a warmer surface than many other materials like stone, tile, and concrete.
Recyclability
Although most wood countertops aren’t being made from recycled or reclaimed wood currently, this trend is changing rapidly. Wood is increasingly being salvaged, repurposed, and recycled for “green countertops.” Wood countertops are mostly recyclable.
Functional
Wood is more comfortable to work on, especially with knives. The edges on your cutlery last longer on wood than if you work on concrete or granite.
Drawbacks of Wood Countertops
Proper Sealing Required
If a wood countertop isn’t adequately sealed, germs and bacteria may get into the porous surface and multiply there.
Water Damage
Wooden countertops may get damaged if water sits on their surface for too long or seep into the seams. However, you can protect your countertops with mineral oil treatment or use other protectants to prevent damage.
Requires Refinishing
Over time, a wood counter will exhibit some degree of wear and tear. After a long enough period, the countertop may require refinishing, and the entire surface may need to be sanded. On average, a wood countertop will require refinishing every 10-20 years, depending on the usage and type of wood.
Scratches and Dents
Wood is softer than tile, concrete, and stone, so it can easily get damaged. Some homeowners may think of these scratches and dents as providing character to the counters. You can save your countertop surface from these blemishes by using a separate cutting board.
So, are wood countertops right for you? You decide.