Does wood make a good countertop?

Warmth: Not only is wood warm in appearance, it’s literally warmer to the touch than many materials such as tile, stone or concrete. Most wood countertops are recyclable. Excellent Work Surface: Wood is easy on knives – though they may not be so easy on it.

What is the hardest wood for countertops?

Hickory. Hickory is the strongest American wood, the “Hercules” of American countertops, and the very first American hardwood.

Are wooden counter tops durable?

You’ll find face grain wood counters mostly in high end homes. They’re often used as a show piece and treated like furniture instead of a work surface because they are easily marred by knives and cleavers, but otherwise they are very durable.

Is maple or birch better for countertops?

Thanks to the wood’s hardness, maple cabinets and furniture resist scratching better than birch. However, because of its tight grain pattern and glossy surface, even small dents or scratches on maple are visible. Birch, with its more complicated grain patterns, hides scratches better than maple.

How long do wood countertops last?

Properly installed and cared for, wood countertops can last as long as you live in your home. Factory finishes generally come with a warranty. It can range from one year to a lifetime—and may only cover glued-joint separation.

What are the pros and cons of wood countertops?

Butcher Block Pros and Cons

How thick should wood countertops be?

Wood countertop thickness generally ranges from a three-quarter inch to six inches, and butcher block from two inches to 12 inches.

Is Hevea better than birch?

Birch – Durable, most widely available, popular in all kitchen styles. Known for it’s straight and uniform grain and generally light-colored in nature. Hevea – This is a light-blonde colored tropical wood that offers a nice finish at a great price.

Is oak better than maple?

Both Oak and Maple floors are considered among the most durable wood floors and can last for generations. Maple is among the harder wood species, with a 1450 rating on the Janka wood hardness chart. Oak is slightly less hard – White Oak has a 1360 rating and Red Oak a 1290 rating.

How often should I oil my wood countertop?

After the first 6 weeks, you should get into the habit of regularly oiling your solid wood worktops at least 3-4 times a year. Re-applying oil every 3 months or so should ensure that your worktops retain their water-resistant and resilient properties.

How long does wood countertops last?

What is the best finish for a wooden countertop?

Acrylic resin lacquer is suited to wood counter tops. It is best to use oil based acrylic resin as water based is not recommended for food preparation areas. Shellac is another form of lacquer and has a beautiful finish.

What is the best counter top?

Polished Granite Countertops Still the top choice of most homeowners, traditional granite countertops offer a high-end look that adds to your kitchen’s value while providing a durable prep surface.

What is the best kitchen counter top?

Honed Granite Countertops. A twist on popular polished granite, honed granite gives a soft, matte finish instead of the traditional glossy look. Like polished granite, honed granite is just as resistant to scratching, chipping, cracking and heat, making it one of the most durable kitchen countertop options around.

What is the best wood for butcher block?

Beech is a high-quality wood for using butcher block cutting board. Maple is standard, but if you want perfection there is nothing compare with beech. It is highly dense and the end grain is tighter than the traditional wooden cutting board.