This will allow the wood countertop to absorb the finish. But if you want wooden countertops for their beauty and durability isn't an issue, walnut is up there with the best. However, its durability and its easy maintenance make it a strong contender for the best wood for kitchen countertops. Wood countertops are a popular choice because of their durability in both wear and style. Wood Countertops Are Nature's (Almost) Original. And unlike teak, birch is another domestic hardwood, making it a beautiful choice for less money. Cherry is the most durable wood, but it’s also generally the most expensive. You can add some salt to the lemon juice for a little extra cleaning power. You have entered an incorrect email address! But wood needs to be well protected to keep water and wine from staining or damaging it. There are others that work well, too, so if you have wooden kitchen counters made of a wood we haven't listed here, please feel free to tell us in the comments! Durata ® is an excellent choice for vanity tops. Okay, so, great. Hey, that’s no big deal, many people don’t have time or energy to do serious cooking anymore! Reclaimed Wood: Most Eco-Friendly Choice . Birch Butcher BlockBirch worktops show off the rings caused by the quick growth of the tree. Right now, our top pick is the 24″ X 118″ Black Wood Self Adhesive Paper Decorative Self-Adhesive Film Furniture Real Wood Tactile Sensation Surfaces Easy to Clean which feature incredible active. Why? Teak is an exotic hardwood, though, sourced primarily from Myanmar and Thailand, so it'll cost you more than maple or oak. It’s so much easier than you thought! OSMO Top Oil is a micro porous, wood finish for wooden countertops, tables, chopping boards, or food prep surfaces. If you're planning on building your own counters, you might want to consider birch. And if you do so, then you’ll definitely want the best wood for kitchen countertops! Teak is popular for a wide variety of reasons, not the least of which is its very warm appearance. Also, maple is domestic, so it costs less and is a more sustainable source of wood! The grain is straight and subtle even if you decide to stain it. Appearance: Creamy-white to a light brown or dark golden brown. Its golden hue is also good for warming up icy colors, like light blue or gray. Keep countertops clean to protect them from stains. Ceramic tile was once in fashion in part because you could set hot cookware directly on it without damaging the tiles. Because of the beauty of its grain, it's often used for cabinets, furniture, and even gun stocks. All wood countertop finishes used by DeVos Custom Woodworking have ingredients that are safe for food contact. Stains, buildup … Shellac is an excellent film-building finish, and it's food safe. Butcher block and wood solid surface countertops are a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms these days. You can also use beeswax or carnauba wax as sealants. It's so durable that American pioneers used it in wagon wheels. When your counters are ready for refinishing, remember to dust them off before proceeding. Most wood countertops are made from maple, though oak, cherry, walnut and teak are also used. American walnut is a richly colored wood that comes alive when it's finished, even just with oil and wax. Another reason is that wood countertops are easy to repair and refinish. And for good reason: The wood adds warmth, texture, and natural beauty to the space in a way that other materials just can't. x 25 in. Unfinished Birch 4 ft. L x 25 in. Once you have decided to get wooden countertops installed in your kitchen or bathroom, you need to select the wood. Selecting the best wood countertops for your kitchen can be a mind boggling decision. If you're trying to remove oil buildup, use a liquid oil stripper. Bamboo technically isn't wood. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Hickory is the strongest American wood, the “Hercules” of American countertops, and the very first American hardwood. Here are the best countertops from Consumer Reports' tests. At Grothouse, all of our countertops arrive with a comprehensive lifetime warranty so the wood that is visually pleasing to your design should take precedence over all other elements. That's a huge plus.`. Overall Price Range for Wooden Countertops, ​The Bottom Line on the Best Wood for Kitchen Countertops. It also takes stains and finishes very well, which is why it's among the best wood for kitchen countertops. And for good reason: The wood adds warmth, texture, and natural beauty to the space in a way that other materials just can't. D x 1.5 in. The smooth texture and straight grain of hard maple offer a suitable option for a wood countertop. Since it's softer than other domestic hardwoods, you're better off using something else if you want to be able to cut food on it. Reclaimed wood countertops are slabs made from hardwoods recycled from other uses, such as commercial bowling alleys, barns, or residential flooring. Choosing the right sealer for a wood countertop is dictated by what the surface will be used for. 1. But wood needs to be well protected to keep water and wine from staining or damaging it. x 50 in. Best for: Large areas, like a long kitchen counter or island top. End Grain. The good news is, we’ve tested tons of these increasingly popular true Best wood slab countertops, and found the best of the best. Wood countertops are a popular choice because of their durability in both wear and style. You can find these at any home improvement store. The best wood for your custom kitchen countertops is the one that meets your cooking and entertaining needs, enhances your kitchen and makes you happy. That depends. It is, however, domestic, and it has a somewhat unique color to it. How to Choose the Best Wood for Kitchen Countertops, Best Japanese Knives For The Money: Top 8 Picks, How To Clean A Burnt Pan And Get Rid Of Those Accidental Messes. Even so, if your counter is built and installed correctly, hickory will stand up to an awful lot. Wil it have a sink or will it be used for heavy chopping. True butcher block, made from strips of wood bonded together, serves as a work surface. Some of the best wood species to choose for a countertop include: Bamboo (technically a grass but often treated as a wood) Another possibility is food-safe epoxy, which will give you a very glossy but durable finish for your counters. As a bonus, despite being hard, birch is easy to work with, even with hand tools. They're also more sanitary because the oils and sealants repel pretty much everything. Plus, you'll have a myriad of options when it comes to taking care of wood countertops. Nevertheless, it's popular for furniture and flooring, and in countertops as well. If you think that you’ll get what looks like a wooden cutting board with even the best wood for kitchen countertops, think again. This way, you'll learn how to build and finish the countertops in such a way that they aren't prone to warping, cracking, or separating. Oak If you're looking to update your kitchen and don't know what to do for counters, consider wooden countertops. If you run a quick Google search for, "Where can I get wooden countertops," you'll find a whole host of places where these countertops are available nearly everywhere. But it's not the best choice for every application. As such, it's more prone to warping than woods with straight grains. x 25 in. All the resources used are totally natural to preserve the atmosphere and keep your kitchen free from any kind of chemicals. We bought our walnut from a local wood shop, Exotic Lumber, but some … That makes it perfect for countertops when you have dramatic cabinets or flooring. Most wood countertops are made from maple, though oak, cherry, walnut and teak are also used. Hickory has a more dramatic look than birch or maple. It also has a unique grain to it, adding a measure of the exotic to your kitchen. I used Sapele Wood for the Counter top, check out this video to learn more about Sapele wood and why I like to use it for Countertops. Durata ® Finish for Wood Vanity Countertops. You will usually find that this type of wood will only be used on the outside or in the bathroom. T Butcher Block Countertop 1-1/2 in. When you stain white oak, the grain absorbs a lot of the stain and really comes out. Finishes for Wood Countertops. How to make a DIY wood countertop and how I gave it a tiny bit of “aging” too. We used walnut for our countertop and we love how they hold up. Jacek Kadaj / … You can enjoy having an outdoor countertop for an outdoor kitchen or bar. "I love the look of wood countertops, especially in walnut," Wallenstein says. Not all woods are created equal. Durata ® is an excellent choice for vanity tops. Soft maple won't hold up nearly as well as hard maple. I've seen the question of a durable finish for wood countertops raised dozens of times, in the magazines, here, and on other forums, and the usual answer is that there isn't one. You can have a carpenter come in and install them. The countertop combines the best of solid walnut wood and veneer. Like hickory, it's not necessarily the best wood for kitchen countertops, but it, too, is up there. Because of that, you can't just buy any old bamboo and hope to turn it into a countertop. Hardwoods hold up to daily wear much better than a soft wood like pine. You're also more likely to find wavy or curly grain with cherry, which will give your counters an exotic look without the exotic price. Northern European Butcher Block Kitchen Countertop is as beautiful as it is practical. Metal was popular for a long time, too, and now concrete and other materials are in fashion as well. Northern European birch is one of the most popular countertops throughout the world. Choosing the right sealer for a wood countertop is dictated by what the surface will be used for. For information on finishes, we used websites like Fine Woodworking, DIY Countertop Epoxy, and Permabond, which list and explain various food-safe finishes including food-safe epoxy. Because wooden counters add warmth and elegance to your kitchen while also being among the most versatile countertop materials out there. If you have some carpentry skills, you may be able to build your own wooden countertops. Food-Safe Certified Wood Finish for Tables, Countertops, Chopping Boards, and Charcuterie Platters. Hardwoods hold up to daily wear much better than a soft wood like pine. The best woods for butcher block counters are common hardwoods. Browse this collection to find which material is the best fit for your countertops. Northern European 1-1/2 in. White oak is famous for its quartersawn look. Or perhaps you enjoy having a beautiful, unique kitchen, but you don’t really use your counters all that much. It's not necessarily the best wood for kitchen countertops because of its wavy grain, but it's definitely up there. It has a slightly open grain, so like oak, it's got a bit of a texture to it. Wood cutting boards provide you with a beautiful and easy to maintain cutting surface that effectively protects your countertops. This surface will give you room to work and prepare your outdoor meals. 7 Best Wood for Kitchen Cabinets & How to Choose? Simply put, you can't just use any wood for kitchen counters. , Tips for Finishing Cherry Wood (+ 5 Quality Wood Finishes for Cherry), Cherry Wood: FAQs (Is Cherry Good for Carving, Cutting Boards, Desks? With pretty much anything else, damage often means replacement. Because wood only moves in one direction, across its width, edge-grain butcher block is more stable than other wood countertops. It is the only countertop material appropriate for slicing and chopping. One of the things you need to keep in mind with wooden countertops is the finish. Each has its own unique characteristics, from subtle grains and light colors to dark and dramatic grains and colors. It can also be less pricey. Waterlox is a combination of tung oil and resin that is supposedly waterproof and likely best choice for a durable finish on wood countertops. What you'll pay depends on what type of counter you want, how you want fixtures like your sink installed, and especially what kind of wood you want to use. Maple is also very durable, so it's perfect for butcher-block countertops. Below, we've listed our nine favorites in no particular order. Here Are Some Common Questions About Wooden Countertops. In fact, many finished wooden bowls and cups use shellac. It has similar durability to hard maple, making it yet another popular wood for wooden countertops. An outdoor wood countertop can be one of the best parts of your home’s exterior. Forever Joint Hard Maple Butcher Block Wood... John Boos CHYKCT1225-O Cherry Kitchen Counter Top... Best Tea Kettle: Our Top 10 Brands Revealed, Best Area Rugs for the Kitchen: Our Top 10 Picks, The Best Salad Spinner To Dry Up The Veggies. Different species of wood have very different grain patterns, colors, and Janka scores (a scientific measurement of hardness) so let’s have a quick look at the three most popular species and go over their benefits. Maple: A strong wood with a straight grain, maple is a great choice for those who want a working butcher block countertop. The very first surfaces used by man for food preparation and meal serving were made of stone, but as humans migrated to walled domiciles and the kitchen replaced the fire pit as the hub of the family's universe, wood countertops … Cost: Expensive, but not as expensive as oak or walnut, Workability: Moderately easy to work with, Cost: One of the most expensive kinds of wood, Appearance: Dark brown with black streaks, Workability: Easy to work with, depending on the grain, Appearance: Blood red to reddish-brown to blood red, Workability: Easy to cut but needs to be finished properly, Cost: Moderately cheap to expensive depending on how the wood is cut. It's not quite as hard as hickory, birch, teak, maple, or oak, so if you plan on doing a lot of cutting on your counters, you might want something else. All wood countertop finishes used by DeVos Custom Woodworking have ingredients that are safe for food contact. The type of finish you choose will depend on how you plan to use your kitchen countertop, island top, or butcherblock top. Wood cutting boards can be made from a number of different hardwoods, including maple, walnut, and acacia. The woods we've listed above, however, work great for countertops. In choosing wooden counters, you should consider absolutely everything you'll expose it to so you know how to make these counters last. But there isn't a wood species out there that won't warm up your kitchen beautifully. Reclaimed Wood: Most Eco-Friendly Choice Reclaimed wood countertops are slabs made from hardwoods recycled from other uses, such as commercial bowling alleys, barns, or residential flooring. So, now, which woods do you want to consider for your countertops? Cherry is another wood that's not as hard as some of the other woods listed above. However, that texture adds to its beauty. We used walnut for our countertop and we love how they hold up. We bought our walnut from a local wood shop, Exotic Lumber, but some hardware stores sell wood other than the standard pine. For a durable kitchen countertop, consider one of the following popular types of woods. However, unless you’re a carpenter by trade, you should first do a lot of research and construct a few small “test” pieces that fit the image of what you envision. In general, though, you can expect to pay anywhere from $12 to $300 per square foot for wooden countertops. It's grass. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Browse this collection to find which material is the best fit for your countertops. As an example, if you install a butcher-block style of countertop, you can cut food directly on top of it, so long as you use the right types of wood and food-safe oils and sealants. What is the Best Wood for Butcher Block Countertops Butcher block countertops can be made from a wide variety of wood types and grades (or finishings). You can feel the grain, which isn't a problem as long as you aren't looking for something extremely smooth. According to her, this is one of the best countertop materials for a traditional, timeless space. Hard maple has a simple, understated look. True butcher block, made from strips of wood bonded together, serves as a work surface. We don't build computers out of wood, or jetliners, or skyscrapers. However, if you've got oil or wax buildup you'd like to remove or need to remove to get rid of stains and scorch marks, you'll need to do a few more things. However, unlike hard maple, it doesn't have a smooth texture. Just be sure you're using hard maple, and not soft maple. It's important to keep in mind that wood is prone to cracking and warping, particularly if the product is poorly constructed. If you're using oil for the finish, though, you want to oil your counters about once a month to maintain protection. All butcher block worktops are made in a similar way, cutting the wood to shape, sanding and buffing it, polishing and then sealing it … Hey Friends! Butcher block and wood solid surface countertops are a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms these days. That way you know you're getting epoxy that will work for your kitchen counters. It is available in three sheens: “Clear,” “Acacia,” or “Natural”. The difference is that, since counters take a lot of abuse, there are woods that just aren't suitable for them. As it ages, it becomes darker, going from honey-colored to a richer brown. It also takes stains and finishes very well, which is why it's among the best wood for kitchen countertops. To clean these countertops of everyday use, you simply wipe them down with a damp sponge or cloth the same as you do any other countertop. Eco-friendly bamboo is gaining popularity. This will allow the wood countertop to absorb the finish. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. You don't want all that sanding dust getting in your finish. Add durability and resistance to … It offers a waterproof finish and is resistant to most chemicals found in bathrooms. Fine … The finished surface is extremely tough and hardwearing. Like teak, iroko isn't domestic, so it is more expensive than the domestic hardwoods. So why not countertops, too? Sand the entire surface of the wood countertop with 120-grit sandpaper. If you are big on tradition then wood is the best cutting board material for your kitchen. Choosing this wood gives your kitchen a light, airy feel. Like hard maple, birch has a primarily straight and very subtle grain. Although quartz is a popular countertop material, both Freudenberger and Wallenstein offer … Many wood finishes used in baths, like Spar Varnish or Tung Oil Urethanes are damaged by bar soaps and shampoo. If you're looking for something more likely to stay very light-colored, you're better off using white oak or hard maple. If you have stains, you can remove them at this stage, or you can use something like lemon juice to remove them. Ten basic mistakes and how to avoid them with your DIY wood countertop Do you cook like a chef, do you prepare fast meals for dinner, do you spend the weekend prepping next week’s lunches for your kids? People often use iroko as a substitute for teak. The type of finish you choose will depend on how you plan to use your kitchen countertop, island top, or butcherblock top. We also used This Old House and Grothouse to compile our list of the best wood for kitchen countertops. 1. You can even change your color scheme without completely replacing your counters. See on Amazon. Once you've stripped off the old finish, sand your counters with progressively finer sandpaper. As we've stated above, the best wood for kitchen countertops depends heavily on what you plan to use it for as well as how it looks. For homeowners concerned about the environment, reclaimed wood offers obvious appeal. Many people use oils such as linseed, tung, and mineral oil for their wooden countertops. There's also the labor to consider, especially if you're having your counters custom built. It offers a waterproof finish and is resistant to most chemicals found in bathrooms. Wood countertops are awesome. Even the Wright Brothers used hickory in their airplane construction. Durata ® Finish for Wood Vanity Countertops. Wood counters have a wide array of prices. Wood Countertop FAQ What is the best wood for countertops? Glues well and takes stain readily. As a bonus, despite being hard, birch is easy to work with, even with hand tools. For instance, if you love cooking and do a lot of cutting, you will want wood like hard maple or hickory because they’re difficult to gouge. By the same token, if you have cats that will not stay off the counters no matter what you do, hardwoods will resist their claws rather nicely. Doesn’t mean you can’t still have a beautiful kitchen. Replacing a scratched, scorched, stained, or just plain unattractive countertop can transform any kitchen. Wooden countertops are incredibly versatile, available in a massive variety of styles and colors, and are even eco-friendly. Unlike maple and oak, teak has silica embedded in its fibers, making it difficult to work with. Browse ratings, recommendations and verified customer reviews to discover the best local wood countertop companies. With today’s media, you may find that plywood is the most common type of wood used for kitchen countertops. We went to kitchen websites, Bob Vila's website, and sites like Architypes to gather general information on wooden countertops. There are even places that will custom-build wooden countertops and install them for you. How do you clean and maintain wooden countertops? How do you choose the right wood for your needs? With wood, you can sand away any damage and reseal or refinish. However, teak naturally has a high oil content, so it requires less oiling and finishing than other woods. Ultimately, the type of wood you want to use and the type of finish you need depends on what you do. Blocks of edge-grain wood … Made to last, a cherry wood countertop can add character and brightness to any kitchen. It's also the hardest, and therefore the most durable, of all domestic hardwoods. Do you regularly entertain, and if so, do you cook large amounts of food? Find top-rated wood countertop services for your home project on Houzz. Finishes for Wood Countertops. Vinegar can dissolve the glue that's holding the boards together, which will ruin your counter. Also, try to avoid using vinegar on your counters. Some hardwoods are excellent for use as food preparation surfaces, and others are more appropriate for kitchen islands that serve as eating and entertaining areas. Though it perfectly complements bright colors, a cherry countertop can beautifully contrast a darker design. Cost: Expensive, but cheaper than other hardwoods, Workability: Easy to work with, glues well and easily takes screws and nails, Appearance: Light brown with dark brown overtones, Durability: Strong wood but prone to warping and cracking in high humidity. So if hickory could survive the Ice Age 50 … You need to find bamboo that's chemical-free. In fact, maple is one of the most popular woods to use for butcher-block counters even though it can be difficult to work with. It's not quite as hard as teak, nor as stable, but it's nearly as durable. Eco-friendly bamboo is … Quartz. Although you may think that these woods are safe, you should not have any hesitation about using other woods for your countertop. Then reapply your finish, and don't forget to mop up spills as quickly as possible to avoid more stains! Provide protection from stains. Another thing about white oak is that, if you're looking for quartersawn wood instead of straight boards, this wood is perfect for that. x 50 in. It also has natural anti-bacterial properties, making it easier to keep sanitized. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Some are beautiful, but not suitable for kitchen use. The two oldest countertop materials are wood and stone, though, and wood is making a comeback. Nevertheless, bamboo is environmentally friendly and gives your counters an interesting look. If you're thinking about using epoxy as a finish, make sure the container says food-safe or food-grade. Many wood finishes used in baths, like Spar Varnish or Tung Oil Urethanes are damaged by bar soaps and shampoo. There are many benefits to finding the best wood for kitchen countertops in your kitchen. 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