Wood countertops have seen an increase in popularity over the past decade or so. Warm, earthy, and beautiful, they offer a range of advantages over other materials.
Wood countertops have definitely found their way into more and more kitchens, and bathrooms, over the past several years. More and more people are choosing to go with wood for their renovations, choosing it over the more popular choices of ceramic tile, granite and engineered stones like Corian.
If you’re skeptical of the wood countertop resurgence, you may be asking, given it’s porous nature and sensitivity to stains – recall your grandmother’s rabid insistence on coasters on her beloved oak coffee table! – ‘WHY’?
Well, it may have something to do with the increasing popularity of natural aesthetic in home design. Wood is uniquely able to leverage a natural look and feel while still complimenting any design style whether traditional or contemporary.
But it’s more than that. Wood provides an aesthetic that no other material can, but as accustomed as we’ve become to seeing it as floors, finishing, and furnishings, it’s still not the first material we think about when it comes to countertops.
We know that wood is wonderful for enhancing many kitchen or bathroom designs, and it can be used SO creatively as evidenced by our recent live edge countertop project. Let’s take a look at the other ways wood is a fabulous material to consider for your kitchen… even where it might be exposed to water around the sink!
Wood is Beautiful
First, and foremost, wood is an incredibly beautiful material and can be used in such diverse ways. A beautifully finished countertop made of wood is a showstopper – a conversation piece – and begs to be touched! It can be sleek; it can be rustic. Regardless, it will grab attention and take your room design, kitchen or bathroom, to a whole new level.
It’s a material that people often choose simply for its appearance alone, despite the increased maintenance it may require. And we totally get it!
Enhances Any Design Style
As mentioned, wood countertops suit and enhance any manner of design style: traditional, country, Old World, French country, Mediterranean, Southwest, modern, contemporary, and more. It’s such a flexible material that it can be finished as per your taste and style with incredible results.
Wood Adds Warmth
Wood adds warmth in a couple of ways: visually and tactilely. Consider the look and feel of a granite surface. It’s hard, cool, and rather sterile (in a good way!) both in terms of how it looks as well as how it feels.
Wood, on the other hand, brings a sense of natural warmth, comfort, and home regardless of the finish, not to mention being very inviting, encouraging you to spend time in the space.
It’s also a gentler material than granite, tile, or engineered quartz. Drop a glass or plate on your wood countertop and chances are pretty good, it will survive to see another day. Drop it on granite? Not so much!
Wood is Eco-Friendly
Wood countertops can be created from a variety of wood materials, including reclaimed wood, which is becoming more and more popular – salvaged and re-purposed for green countertops.
With Canadian wood producers operating sustainably, utilizing forest products as much as possible in the finishing of your home is a way to minimize environmental impact.
Additionally, when you’re ready to change your countertop or redo your kitchen again, your wood countertop doesn’t have to end up in a landfill as most wood countertops are recyclable.
Left is an EVERbuilt live edge countertop. Alternating wood for beautiful drama and effect: pine, black walnut, and cedar.
Variety of Wood Types
There are a wide variety of wood countertops from which to choose. Hardwood is used extensively, but it doesn’t have to be the only option.
Wood types include maple, cherry, oak, birch, teak as well as walnut and even pine and cedar. Bamboo is actually a grass but is wood-like in appearance.
Wood surfaces are wonderful for their natural grains and beautiful imperfections such as knots that provide for a one-of-a-kind piece.
Stains and finishes complete the look, giving each one a customized appearance. As with the example above, you can also maintain the integrity of the original piece of wood by incorporating the “live edge” for a truly unique and natural finish.
If you appreciate the natural beauty and feel of wood and are willing to spend a little extra time to keep them clean and maintain them, wood countertops are a wonderfully warm and stylish addition that will not only last but look better and better throughout the years.
Looking for a beautiful, natural countertop alternative? We would love to create it! Contact us for more information.
