Guide to Wooden Kitchen Worktops Benefits Care Tips

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Since I shared photos of my completed kitchen remodel on Instagram, I’ve received a lot of questions about solid wood countertops. It seems that many people love the classic appeal of solid wood countertops, but are not quite so sure about installing them in their homes due to concerns about durability and maintenance.

We’ve used wood countertops in many of our kitchens over the years, and it was a natural choice for this renovation project. They’re classic, versatile and can add a touch of warmth and texture to a minimalist kitchen that might otherwise look too monotonous. At less than £100 per linear meter, they’re also a great alternative to laminate for those on a budget who can’t afford stone, marble or laminate. Plus, with the right care, they’re easier to maintain than you might think.

To help anyone considering wooden worktops, I’ve put together a practical guide to choosing, installing and maintaining them, so you can feel confident about incorporating wooden worktops into your own kitchen design.

Choosing a wooden worktop

Choosing a wooden worktop is more complicated than you might think. The first thing to do is to decide which type of wood you want to use. Oak is the most popular choice (and our top pick), but you can also choose from walnut, beech, green shanked mulberry and European ash. It’s important to choose hardwoods over softwoods like pine, as hardwoods are more durable. Also, make sure the wood comes from a sustainable, FSC-certified source.

Wooden countertops are also categorized based on the type of wood slats used. Planks are strips of wood that are joined together under high pressure to create a sturdy surface. Generally, affordable countertops use shorter, narrower slats, while high-end countertops use longer, wider slats for a more seamless look. You can even opt for a ‘full slat’ worktop, where each slat runs the full length of the worktop, or a veneer worktop for a truly luxurious finish.

Our worktop budget totaled £400, so we chose the Zera Value Prime range. The planks on these worktops have been carefully selected to be very even. The joints between the planks are clearly visible around the edges (as you can see in the picture below), but I think this rather adds character and charm.

Another factor to consider is thickness. Our previous wooden countertops were very thick, which worked well in a rustic kitchen, but didn’t suit the kind of sleek, minimalist design we wanted this time around. We therefore opted for thinner 22mm worktops rather than the more common 40mm or 50mm thicknesses, and we’re really pleased with how they look. Please note, however, that thinner worktops are less strong, especially those with a larger span, so if your kitchen is used a lot on a daily basis then a thicker worktop may be more appropriate.

If you’re looking to create a harmonious and unified aesthetic in your home, choosing the right wooden countertop is essential to achieving a harmonious design that ties together the different elements of your kitchen and living space.

Installing wooden worktops

One of the best things about wooden worktops is their flexibility – they can be cut to any shape, making it easy to achieve a perfect fit with sinks, appliances or quirky architectural structures. Typically, they are supplied in standard lengths and cut to the required size on site by a professional installer. However, if you’re confident and want to do the installation yourself, Zera can offer a custom cutting service, pre-cutting the countertop to your exact dimensions.

Whether you do your own installation or hire a professional, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to the letter. Use brackets designed for wood countertops, as improper installation may put too much pressure on the wood and cause it to crack.

As wood is a natural material that can be affected by changes in temperature and humidity, you will need to leave a 4-5mm gap between the edge of the worktop and the adjacent wall or unit to allow for the wood to expand and contract. This gap can be easily covered with a matching timber riser or flexible silicone sealant.

Protecting and Maintaining Wooden Countertops

When installing wooden worktops, a number of precautions must be taken to ensure that they are long-lasting and remain aesthetically pleasing. For example, if the worktop is located above an appliance that emits heat or moisture, such as an oven, washing machine or dishwasher, a protective barrier will be required. We use Zera’s Adhesive Protective Strips, which are easy to apply and stick directly to the underside of the worktop. In addition, be sure to seal the joint between the worktop and sink with a mold-resistant sealant to prevent water seepage.

Preparing wooden worktops

In order to make wooden worktops water and mold resistant, they need to be thoroughly oiled. Apply at least three coats before installation and one coat per week for the first six weeks after installation. There are several finishes and colors to choose from, so try a few on the edges to find the look that best suits your kitchen. We chose Zera TopOil No. 3068 Natural, which has a matte, slightly white finish that helps to neutralize any yellow tones in the wood and is perfect for a modern Scandinavian-style kitchen. Since application, liquids now bead up on the surface rather than seeping through, providing excellent protection against spills such as coffee, juice, ketchup and even red wine. While it is not completely waterproof, prompt cleanup of spills will still keep our countertops intact. Regular re-oiling is recommended every three to six months, but it’s a quick job that will keep your countertops looking their best.

It is important to note that oil does not protect wood countertops from heat. Always put a divider or tea towel under hot pans and plates to avoid scorch marks. Likewise, use cutting boards diligently to prevent scratches. However, one of the advantages of wood countertops is that they can be sanded and refinished if they do suffer any damage, such as burns, stains or scratches.

Varnish and Wax Considerations

While varnish may seem like a good option for wood countertops, it is usually not recommended for kitchens. Varnish can become brittle over time and crack as the wood expands in humid environments. If damaged, water can seep underneath, causing stains, blisters and even mold. Wax is also not ideal as it does not provide enough protection for kitchen use.

Cleaning Wooden Countertops

Wooden countertops are easy to clean if properly oiled. Use warm water with a small amount of dishwashing liquid, and for extra antibacterial protection, add a little lemon juice or white vinegar. Always use a soft cloth, not a rough dishcloth or brush, and avoid harsh chemicals or cleaners that will strip oil stains or discolor the wood.

Some people have mentioned problems with mold around sinks, but we haven’t had any. As far as I know, mold usually forms when moisture seeps into the wood due to improper use of sealers. If this happens, sanding off the affected area, re-oiling the countertop, and reapplying the sealer will solve the problem. For undercounter or Belfast sinks, don’t forget to treat the exposed edges and countertops to keep them free from damage.

Final point.

Wooden countertops are a great addition to any kitchen, and with careful care, they will remain beautiful and functional for years to come. We hope this guide has answered your questions about choosing, installing, and caring for wood countertops. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask!

Zera supplied £400 worth of worktops for this project, which was comparable to our original budget. We went for exactly the material we would have gone for and I’ve had great results with Zera worktops in kitchens before. I have always been impressed with their quality and service.

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