Rustic countertops are becoming increasingly popular for kitchens. Taking nothing away from the clean, modern look, primitive is the trend. When it comes to wood counters, don’t settle for mass-produced, low-quality imports. To help clients achieve a rustic look, Maryland Wood Countertops uses high-quality salvaged wood.
Salvaged Wood Rustic Countertops: The Basics
- What is salvaged wood?
- Is old wood safe for regular kitchen use?
- Will salvaged wood last as long as new lumber?
Salvaged wood, also called reclaimed wood, is wood we rescue from old, unused structures. While we find most of our reclaimed wood in antique barns, we also use wood from old businesses like stores, pubs, wineries and even boatyards.
We inspect each piece of wood visually, going over it with a metal detector and testing it for strength. Some pieces have wormholes, but we make sure there’s no current insect infestation. In fact, markings like wormholes are what give reclaimed wood its distinctive character. While retaining knotholes and other markings, our expert woodworkers finish our salvaged wood countertops, ensuring that they’re smooth and even.
Most of our reclaimed wood originally came from untouched trees in unharvested forests. Lumber from old growth trees is significantly stronger than lumber from younger trees. Reclaimed wood has already outlasted use and survived the elements. Normal kitchen use won’t harm it.
What Are the Benefits of Using Salvaged Wood for Rustic Countertops?
Our clients often choose salvaged wood to create their rustic countertops because:
- It’s environmentally responsible. It keeps usable, unique wood from being dumped in a landfill.
- It’s a way of preserving history. It’s fascinating to imagine how your countertops were originally used.
- A small scratch or dent will only add to the wood’s distressed appearance. You don’t have to worry about repairing minor cosmetic damage.
Designing Your Countertops
Maryland Wood Countertops offers various wood design options using both salvaged wood and new lumber. While we don’t have as many types of salvaged lumber as we do new lumber, our woodworkers can do amazing things with different finishes and stains.
Reclaimed chestnut is perfect if you want a light golden wood with a prominent grain and silky appearance. Using a medium brown reclaimed pine warms up any kitchen. Reclaimed oak is our heaviest, hardest salvaged wood, and it also has the most rustic appearance.
Simplicity is often best when designing reclaimed wood countertops, but a nice decorative edge or a combination of woods can make your countertops really stand out.
Maryland Wood Countertops delivers high-quality rustic countertops and other wood solutions. Call us at 443-840-7373 and start planning your design.
