Wood Countertops
Wood has always been used since early history as a strong construction material. It is an excellent material for
building houses, supports for railroad tracks, furniture, works of art, etc.
This natural material is also used in the kitchen as one of the oldest forms of kitchen countertops known as
butcher blocks. Now, even with the introduction of so many modern materials in the market, this material has kept
its place as a viable resource for building wood countertops. They are preferred mostly by homeowners who are
traditionally minded. This is quite understandable since wood is very functional. Its attractive wood grain has a
remarkable decorative value as well.
The strength of wood is quite well known, especially the hardwood species. Their beautiful grains are also very
appealing to the eyes. Both of these exceptional qualities can be put to use by making them into wood countertops.
These countertops are ideal for homes that have a traditional design. They will enhance the rustic appeal of your
kitchen if you use them as your kitchen countertop. But you can also adapt it to a contemporary home if you use a
modern design. Wood is a very flexible material and as far as countertops are concerned, they are easier to work
with compared to hard stones.
Types of Wood Used For Countertops
Basically, there are two classes of wood that are used in building wood countertops. They are hardwoods and
softwoods. Hardwoods like Maple, Oak and Cherry are used for making countertops for heavy duty purposes, such as
kitchen countertops. Softwoods such as Teak and Birch are used only for decorative purposes.
Methods Of Wood Countertop Constructions
Wood countertops are basically made of a number of
wood segments that are joined and glued together. It is very seldom that you can get a single piece of wood that
can be built as a kitchen countertop. Countertop builders typically use three methods in building wood countertops.
If you will ask them to build you a wood countertop you will have to tell them how you intend to use the
countertop.
The way you will use the countertop will determine the method they will use to build your wood countertop. Below
are the three ways by which wood countertops are built.
• End-grain method – this is where the wood segments are oriented towards their
end-grain. It simply means their end-grains are all facing up. They will constitute the countertop surface. All
the segments will be joined and glued together using a strong commercial adhesive. After they have cured and
dried completely, they are sanded, polished, buffed, sealed and laminated. The end-product will be a wood
countertop surface that is shiny and has small rectangles which are actually the end-grains. Wood countertops
made this way are the strongest. They can be used for kitchen countertops and other heavy duty
applications.
• Edge or stain grain method – this is where the wood segments are oriented on their
sides. The final countertop surface will consists of long and thin rectangles which are actually the sides or
edges of the wood planks. The typical joining and finishing process is done to the wood planks to form the
countertop. This method will also result in a strong wood countertop although not as strong as the end-grain
type.
• Face or plank grain – this is the last method of wood countertop assembly wherein the
planks are assembled with their planks facing up. This is where the beautiful wood grains are prominently
displayed. Therefore, this is the typical method used in building decorative wood countertops. These
countertops are the least strong of the three types but it is the most attractive.
Care And Maintenance
Wood countertops have strong internal structures but they have surfaces
that are porous and susceptible to water and dirt penetration. But if they are adequately sealed and laminated,
they could resist these foreign substances and can last for a long time. To make them last, you need to do the
following:
• Schedule regular re-sealing and re-laminating of their surfaces. This will not only keep their
luster, but will also protect them from the intrusion of water and other foreign substances.
• To protect their surface finish, always use trivets and cloth pads when placing hot pots and pans on the
surface.
• Don’t allow water, dirt and grime to stay too long on the surface. They may degrade the surface finish
and eventually penetrate and ruin the internal structure of wood. Wipe them off right away, and don’t let them
cake or harden. You will find them harder to remove.
• Always use mild soaps, soft non-abrasive cloth when cleaning the surface. Avoid using harsh chemicals,
brushes with hard bristles and other tools that may cause accidental scratches on the surface.
| 