Do it yourself wood kitchen countertop plans include one very important component: the slabs. Slabs are the foundation of your countertop. They come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. You can choose from square, rectangular, circular and even customized shapes. Because they’re pre-fabricated, you don’t have to worry about measurements, and the slabs are pre-cut to your specific specifications.
Hardwood Reflections square wood kitchen countertop slab is made of hard maple, oak, ash, cherry, birch and sometimes pine. Square wood is perfect for small to large sized kitchens because it can be used as a primary floor surface or a backsplash. The wood is hand gouged with precision ridges and chiseled to exact precision for long lasting durability. The slabs come in a variety of natural colors and stains. They’re finished with multiple coats of high quality polyurethane for added durability and long lasting beauty.
Rectangular wood slabs made from maple, oak, birch, cherry, ash, maple and yellow poplar make an attractive border for kitchen islands. The rounded ends of these blocks are excellent for shaping curbs, creating decorative molding and utilizing unusual slanting angles for unique cabinet and drawout applications. The slabs may be purchased unfinished and pre-drilled for easy installation.
One alternative to the rectangular butcher block kitchen countertop is the triangular wood design. This wood pattern is ideal for corner application where the counter depth may vary. The slabs formed by this wood design are very pleasing to the eye. The wood is typically from oak, beech, chestnut and pine and may be pre-finished for a professional look or stained for a more personal style.
Rectangular butcher block planks are most often manufactured using pressure-treated wood. Pressure-treated wood resists moisture, stains and scratches. The wood is free from knotty knots that occur with wood that has not been properly seasoned or has been painted. It is also a lighter wood than solid blocks. This wood kitchen countertop is available as a solid piece or in a variety of sizes.
The flat planks are easily identifiable because they are sold in individual planks, one at a time. They may be intermixed with other wood such as cherry, maple or walnut. Some flat planks are even available with decorative borders. When purchased in large quantities, these planks are often referred to as slabs or bricks. The largest pieces are the heaviest because of their thickness and the wood must be treated properly.
Slab construction is a more recent development and consists of interlocking hardwood planks glued and screwed together. In some cases, the slabs are left unfinished and the top layer is constructed from flat planks that have been glued and screwed together. Because the slabs are pre-constructed, installation of the wood kitchen countertop is simpler than the flat slab models. The cost of slab construction is slightly higher than flat wood. Some slab models can be pre-assembled and installed by a do-it-yourselfer.
If budget allows, flat slabs may be used as a back-up plan during the installation of a wood kitchen countertop. Even with the use of a slab, it is possible to achieve the same beautiful wood grain appearance. Although they are heavier than slabs, they still provide the same strength and durability needed for countertop applications. Slabs are not affected by moisture, temperature, sunlight or other conditions. If purchased in large quantities, they may even be purchased in discounted bulk quantities because they can be supplied in customized sizes.
A wood kitchen countertop can also be stained or painted to achieve a variety of color palettes. When selecting a wood stain, it is important to select one that has excellent water resistance ability. Typically, oil-based stains are recommended because they tend to be more water resistant than the latex type. Oil-based stains are also more permanent because they penetrate deeper into the wood than latex-based stains. They are sometimes recommended for use in kitchen countertops that are highly susceptible to chipping and cracking.
For those who are looking for a natural wood appearance, untreated wood such as redwood can be used. It has excellent water resistance abilities and is often sold unfinished. Redwood counters provide a rich texture with a unique grain pattern that is ideal for creating a wood kitchen countertop. Because it takes stain well, untreated wood is often preferred.
Installing a wood kitchen countertop offers a number of benefits including saving energy and money. The natural beauty of wood also lends a personal touch to a kitchen. It is the ambiance a homeowner creates that truly makes the difference in a room. By installing a butcher block, one can create a unique look for their kitchen.