Wood Works!

Wood is a natural, elegant and sophisticated living material. Combined with its warm features, it has opened up a beautiful world of countertop design options for today’s homeowners. Despite the versatility, timeless elegance, and durability that wood offers, many homeowners are concerned about its use and care. Here are reasons why you should consider a wood countertop, as well as some design ideas.

Health concerns

The fear of salmonella has always been the first concern my clients have. For years we have been told that plastic is less absorbent and therefore safer for cutting meats, especially poultry. In my research, I found the complete opposite of a study dating back to 1993. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin began with the intention of finding a convenient way to sanitize wooden cutting boards and lids to “make them as safe as the plastic”. Their studies went in a very different direction as the findings revealed that wooden cutting boards actually kill bacteria that survive well on plastic. The fact is, any lid that is not cleaned or sanitized after use will attract bacterial growth.

Cleaning and care

For daily cleaning, use a warm cloth with mild dish soap. If I am cutting meats, I will also use 1 part bleach to 10 parts water solution for additional sanitization.

The key to making daily cleaning easier is to properly seal the wood, and all you need is a cloth rag and mineral oil. No need to buy expensive “wood countertop sealers”; instead, visit the pharmacy section at your favorite store for a regular bottle of mineral oil. First of all, if the countertop is new or you don’t know when it has been sealed, you should follow this timeline: grease once a day for a week, once a week for a month, and once a month for good. And while this may sound tedious, the application is actually quite simple. Just apply it in a thick but even layer over the entire surface. In 24-36 hours, the oil will absorb into the wood, offering superior stain and germ repellent.

Keep in mind that the more you use the surface, the more often it will need to be sealed, especially during the dry winter months. If you see white areas, which is actually wood that is drying and lifting for moisture, this means it is time to seal again.

Design matters

Wood countertops have an incredible presence in a room, simply because they bring a genuine sense of balance to almost any space. Wood is warm and soothing, softening the starkness of white palettes and offering universal appeal to any décor. The most popular species used today are walnut, maple, and cherry, but exotic species like zebra, tiger, African iroko, and African mahogany are just a few of the favorites.

When choosing wood for your spaces, carefully consider not only the style and decor of the area, but also how you plan to use the surface. The construction method (how the top is ground), finish and thickness further define the style and offer varying degrees of durability.

Here are some finishing options:

* Waterlox is a waterproof finish typically used on decorative countertops that are not used for prep or chopping. If used near a water source, repainting may be required over time.

* Mineral oil is the most requested finish, allowing the owner to use the surface to prepare food and maintain the finish without hiring a professional.

* Many distressing techniques are available, including chops, nicks and scratches, knife marks, and rounded corners, all of which can be easily accomplished after a few years of use!

Construction methods, top thickness, and edge profiles include:

* Face grain: Also called plank style, this style of countertops are planks that are laid together horizontally, showing the grain of the wood. This is the best method for decorative countertops.

* Edge grain: This butcher block style allows the table layout to be thicker by up to 5 inches. This is the most stable method because the planks are narrow, with an average width of 1 1/2 inches.

* End Grain – Also called checkerboard style, this countertop style is made with wooden planks in vertical positions. This method provides the longest lasting and strongest application, best for chopping and chopping jobs.

* Edge profiles: Edge profiles include ogee, beveled and rounded tip; The selection often depends on the thickness desired, which can range from 1 1/2 inches to 15 inches. The most common thickness used today is 2 to 4 inches.

In short, yes, I agree that there is maintenance, but the overall value and timeless beauty are hard to beat. I have personally had a wooden countertop in my kitchen for the last 6 years and I really think it is a luxury to have one. The best part? Since I love to cook, there is no need to take cutting boards out of a cupboard!

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