Our clients who are used to stone, laminate or tile have many questions about the suitability of wood for use in kitchen countertops. If you’re thinking of replacing your old countertops, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about wood:
What About Water Resistance?
Does wood make a suitable countertop for areas that are frequently exposed to water? We use a Waterlox to finish countertops that will regularly get wet. This makes them safe for use as the countertop that contains your sink or even as your bathroom vanity. You won’t have to worry about re-oiling your custom countertops to keep them waterproof, although any wood will incur minor damage like rings from glasses if not dried completely.
Does Wood Make a Suitable Countertop for Food Preparation?
Contrary to what you’ve probably heard, cutting meat and vegetables on hardwood butcher block is safe as long as you wipe down your countertop after cutting meat. Soap and water is all you need. Hardwood has a natural resistance to bacteria growth, so there’s no need to keep separate cutting boards for meats and vegetables.
What About Resistance to Warping?
Does wood make a suitable countertop in humid environments? We build outdoor countertops, islands and bars, and our clients have no problems with their wood tops warping in humid weather. We air dry and then kiln dry all our lumber to reduce the moisture content so that the wood won’t warp in the steamiest kitchen or bathroom.
What About Hardwood’s Resilience?
Does wood make a suitable countertop if I use cast iron cookware? Every cook has dropped a pot or a heavy can on their countertop. Countertops also get bumped and banged when you’re moving furniture, and kids don’t think twice about tossing backpacks or sports equipment on the counter. Cracked or chipped granite countertops are expensive to repair or replace, but wood can always be sanded and easily repaired.
Does Hardwood Work in a Contemporary Kitchen?
Will wood make a suitable countertop in my contemporary kitchen? We’ve built many contemporary pieces for kitchens. There are common and exotic hardwoods that, when treated with a high-gloss finish, can actually be mistaken for very dark stone. A hardwood surface like an island top complements granite or marble and adds just the right amount of warmth to a contemporary kitchen with stainless steel appliances.
Can Hardwood Be a Part of My Green Lifestyle?
Does wood make a suitable countertop for the environmentally conscious homeowner? We use leftover wood to build our butcher block and lumber from trees cut down during urban building projects for our solid slab countertops. We actively work to prevent the waste of every piece of usable hardwood.
A wood countertop can add the perfect upscale look that you want for your kitchen. To learn about our design and installation process, call Maryland Wood Countertops today at 443-840-7373.
