The Counters Blog

The natural beauty of wood offers a stunning appearance and warmth to your kitchen or bathroom. If you’re in the process of remodeling your home or embarking on a new construction project, and you’re considering a butcher block countertop, this guide to the pros and cons of wood countertops will help steer you through the decision making process. Each of these woods can alter the vibe of an entire room in a unique way. Finishing oils and varnishes enhance the depth of color and grain of the wood. There is a timeless element to wood that allows it to accompany any home with versatility.This is a much different feel than you get out of granite, concrete or tile countertops. It adds a sensory warmth that other countertop materials are incapable of offering. It does a decent job of waterproofing but requires a periodic top coating with beeswax to maintain a level of water resistance that can hold up in a kitchen environment. The extra maintenance can be a worthwhile tradeoff to have this unique ability. It has been specifically engineered to form a highly water resistant bond with the wood fibers themselves. We have never had a single report of water damage with a conversion varnish top.
Thoughts On Wooden Countertops Pros And Cons. | Duration 5 Minutes 54 Seconds Aged wood has a character that you can’t get with other materials. This involves a light scuff sand and wiping the finish on with a rag. Scratches and dents become part of the top and add to its natural beauty. This depends on the look and feel you want in your home, and to a lesser extent, how much effort you’re willing to put into maintaining your wood countertop . A butcher block countertop can transform a kitchen into a work of art – and properly cared for, will outlast the home. The variety of wood species and types of finish allows for customization that can match any decor – ranging from elegant to rustic, but always timeless. While a butcher block requires a little more care and attention than other options, the maintenance is well worth the effort. The variety of wood species offers a lot of versatility for remodels and new builds. In addition to providing a stunning look, finishing serves to protect the countertop from water and surface damage. Each finish imparts a different feel to the top, giving a whole different character to the same piece of wood. View our gallery to see how wood countertops are capable of agreeing with whatever style you choose for your home. Additionally, wood changes the way that sound interacts with a room. When you get down to it, wood improves the feel of a room, making it a more pleasant place to spend time. Water damage is the primary concern for people weighing the options of a butcher block countertop over a traditional tile or granite top. It has been used as a wood finishing agent and sealant for thousands of years. However, if it is left wet for a few days, it has a tendency to leave a mark. Rubio finished butcher block top with no concern for damage as long as it’s cleaned up. Many people who purchase a butcher block countertop want this. The maintenance of your wood countertop largely depends on the finish you choose. They lightly scratch and dent and take on a beautiful patina that becomes part of the kitchen. If you desire to remove scratches or stains (on an oil finished top), you can sand the imperfection out with 220 grit sandpaper. That being said, it’s still wood underneath and it will still scratch and dent if subjected to very rough treatment. If you want the natural beauty of wood and are willing to spend a minimal amount of effort cleaning and maintaining your investment, then a wood countertop will be a great addition to your home for many years to come.

Wood Countertops Guide + Butcher Block by countertopspecialty.com

Wood and butcher block countertops are enjoyed around the world for their warmth, beauty, and usability. Aside from being an unstable surface to work on, these tree rounds would crack and split. These 3 different methods each have different qualities concerning look, function, and durability. Listed below are top wood choices for kitchen countertops because of appealing factors like color, hardness, and grain structure. Harder woods will take more abuse, wear better, and last longer given the same level of care. Janka ratings are interesting and may help you make a decision. It’s how to make wood waterproof and prevent liquid penetration that can stain or cause the wood to swell or warp and the seams to split. Basically, the finish maintains the wood in optimum condition. Mineral oil provides some protection but not against long-standing liquid spills. Waterlox is a combination of tung oil and resin that is supposedly waterproof and likely best choice for a durable finish on wood countertops. Use the same care and maintenance for a butcher block table or island. Dry the wood surface thoroughly with a soft piece of cloth or a sponge and make sure no moisture gets absorbed into the wood. Disinfect it regularly to destroy the bacteria left behind by raw foods. Dip a scrub brush into this solution and scrub the countertop well. Nicks and scratches can be lightly sanded and the surface re-oiled. Then use a 60-grit sandpaper to clean off the remaining part of the sticky residue. Sand the surface of wood countertops going with the grain (or in small circles for end grain butcher block tops) and do not sand the same area for a long time. Then clean it off with a towel soaked in cold water and then wipe off the excess water with a dry cloth. So it’s possible to install wood counters for less, but it could cost more than granite in some cases as well. When installing butcher block countertops, remember to make allowances for humidity changes. When humidity in the kitchen is elevated, butcher blocks will tend to absorb the moisture causing it to expand. A wood countertop is heavy and needs to be mounted on a 3/4” plywood surface. If yours has been slotted, make sure that your bolts are placed in the middle of the slots. If the slots aren’t there, fix this yourself by drilling holes in your plywood 3/8” bigger than the lag bolt’s shaft. In fact, wood and butcher block countertops mix very well with just about any other type of countertop surface. Wood countertops are made from strips of cut wood in 3 orientations: face grain, edge grain, and end grain. Good news is that regular oiling of the surface will prevent many problems. Many different species of wood can be used for kitchen countertops. Prior to that, wood countertops were just trees cut to a flat surface and later butchers cut meat on tree rounds balanced on wooden legs. Check out the pros and cons of butcher block and wood to see if this surface may be right for you.How you intend to use your countertop will determine which grain orientation you’ll choose. New woods are being added to the growing list of materials every year and generate a wide array of pricing. This doesn’t mean you need to buy the hardest wood possible. The most common products for sealing butcher block countertops, tables, islands, and wood are oil or wax finishes that should be reapplied monthly or as needed. Tung oil penetrates deeper and cures to form a film that gives better protection than mineral oil against water. Polyurethane is a permanent coating that must be stripped off for any repairs or resurfacing.

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Vanity Using Concrete Overlay | Duration 1 Minutes 47 Seconds Clean wood by washing with hot soapy water after every use. Harsh chemicals or detergents spilled over its surface may lead to cupping or cracking that cannot be repaired. Rinse it off with clean water and dry it well with a clean piece of cloth. Remove sticky residue from wood countertops by gently scraping it off first with the help of a putty knife. If you do so, it is likely that the surface of the countertop will become uneven. Make a paste of lemon juice and salt and spread it over the countertop and leave it untouched for a few minutes. Butcher block countertops should not be exposed to either excessive heat or cold. End-grain butcher block countertops cost 30% – 40% more than flat grain for the same wood species d ue to the extra wood and labor involved. So, in a broad sense, the cost is similar to wood and butcher block countertop prices. Make sure that the butcher block top has sufficient ventilation as wood can expand and contract with changes in temperature. During times of less humidity, such as in the winter, it will contract. Most cabinet makers slot all the mounting holes allowing the countertop a degree of freedom. The warm beauty of wood just blends well adding interesting textures, colors, and patterns.The last two are used to make butcher block countertops and stand up to heavy use and cutting much better than face grain which is more decorative for serving or dining areas. Also, wood and butcher block countertops can always be refinished to basically new condition. Wood countertops and butcher block countertops can be an attractive and functional addition to your kitchen so long as you keep up with the proper care and maintenance.

The Pros and Cons Of Glass Countertops by stockcabinetexpress.com

If you’re looking for a distinct and fresh look for your kitchen, a glass countertop may be exactly what your space needs. Maintenance is also a breeze because glass countertops aren’t porous like granite or other stone materials. The lack of porosity also makes glass a hygienic option as there are no cracks or crevices for dirt and bacteria to get trapped in. This also makes it a comparatively cheaper option than natural stone or metal materials. These possible costs along with the higher cost of installation may be a reason to avoid glass countertops. Crushed glass set in acrylic gives the appearance of glass floating in liquid, while glass set in concrete gives a more artistic, mosaic-like look. As far as kitchens are concerned, there’s a seemingly endless amount of materials to choose from, making it possible to customize a space that truly reflects the personality of the homeowner. Unlike some natural stone or metal countertops, glass is extremely heat resistant, so you can safely place hot pots and pans right on the surface without worrying about warping or shrinkage. Spills can be easily wiped off without any worry of staining. Many glass countertops are made from recycled materials, making it a great eco-friendly option for homeowners who are concerned with watching their environmental footprint. Some kinds of damage are not able to be repaired at all, possibly leaving you with a damaged countertop that needs replacing. Both options are highly durable and attractive, despite usually being made of recycled materials.