Many people consider solid surface countertops as an affordable alternative to granite and other stone countertops. While a solid surface countertop is generally less expensive, it can’t compare to the resiliency, durability and overall beauty of a custom wood countertop.

Solid Surface Countertop Problems

Solid surface countertops are made from an acrylic-based material. Priced less per square foot than most stone tops, they’re designed to replicate a granite or marble look. However, there are definite drawbacks.

A solid surface countertop scratches and stains easily. It also doesn’t hold up very well to heat. Lastly, when trying to find the perfect look, consumers often notice it looks nothing like the stone it’s meant to mimic.   

The Beauty of Wood

No solid surface countertop has the versatile beauty of wood. Wood countertops can brighten up a dark kitchen. They can make a kitchen with stone surfaces and stainless steel feel warmer. With a variety of wood species available at Maryland Wood Countertops, they’ll bring new life to an old kitchen.

Maple ranges from pale cream to beige and has an unobtrusive grain. It seems to bring its own light to a kitchen. It makes wonderful countertops, island tops and butcher block. Its light, warm color looks great combined with darker woods. For an example, please see our recent Maple Waterfall Island we created for a client.

Walnut is a popular wood for countertops. Typically tawny or chocolate brown, it can be dramatic, as seen on our Walnut Live Edge Bar Top we just completed. As you can see, it blends well with existing stone surfaces.

Oak can be warm or cool. We most frequently use white oak for kitchen countertops. It looks substantial and can have a prominent, interesting grain.

If you want a bright, warm exotic hardwood for your countertops, consider sapele mahogany. Typically, it’s hue resembles a glass of iced tea held up to a sunny window. Sapele mahogany is a good choice for wood bathroom countertops.

American cherry is another spicy brown hardwood. You probably associate it with vintage living room furniture, but it makes spectacular modern kitchen countertops. It’s another wood with significant variations in shade when used alone. American cherry and maple make a dramatic pairing.

More Functionality Than a Solid Surface Countertop

One of the versatile things about wood is that it can be used as a cutting surface. You can’t cut meat and vegetables on a solid surface countertop without damaging it. With our handmade butcher block, you can have an entire countertop or island top that’s a functional food prep area. You’ll be able to cut both meat and vegetables because it has natural antibacterial properties, and your heaviest cleavers and sharpest knives won’t damage the surface.

Wood Countertops and Damage

Although wood tops can withstand rigorous daily use, things may happen. In fact, wood may dent if you drop a heavy pan or get scorched if you set a hot pan on it. However, unlike other surfaces, you can sand and refinish the damage away.

A cracked solid surface countertop can be expensive and difficult to repair. You can say the same thing about granite or marble. Tile can be replaced, but then you have to regrout or have your grout cleaned. Laminate looks terrible when damaged.

Wood is way more forgiving than the above options.

Wood and Redecorating

Although a solid surface countertop can come in a variety of colors, it limits your decor possibilities. With wood, you can always paint your kitchen or modify your style. It’s much more difficult to work around a solid surface countertop.

Wood countertops are easy to live with and care for. To learn more about wood versus other countertop surfaces, call Maryland Wood Countertops today at 443-840-7373.