When you are searching for the perfect kitchen countertop, you may be overwhelmed by all of the choices available. There are several wood options like oak, maple, cherry, birch, and even beech. The fact is that no matter what your style or preference for a kitchen countertop is, you will surely find a wood kitchen countertop that suits it. It may take a bit of trial and error to find the perfect wood kitchen countertop for your space, but with a little patience you will definitely find the right one.
Your first decision should be whether to go for a traditional wood kitchen countertop or one that is more contemporary. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, a traditional wood kitchen countertop can add warmth to a room and a more contemporary wood kitchen countertop will lend a fun and contemporary flair to a space.
When you are choosing a wood kitchen countertop, you will obviously want to choose one that looks good and matches your current cabinets and flooring. This means you need to keep an eye out for flaws in the wood or planks. You do not want to end up with a wood kitchen countertop that is less than appealing because it’s the only wood available that doesn’t match the rest of your home.
One way to tell if the wood on the market today is as strong as it was 20 years ago is to look at the saw-grain in the wood. If you see extensive tooth, then you’re in good company because this is very common on high quality woods like maple. Watch for cracked or spotted wood as well. Another thing to look for is the size of the cuts. If the wood is large and smooth, it will be more durable when cut for a great kitchen countertop but if it’s more irregular, it won’t last long.
An inch thick block of wood is usually going to cost more than regular sized pieces. If you are in the market for a wood kitchen countertop, consider using two inch blocks for your project because it will save you money and you will also have a sturdy surface to work with. If you buy regular sized lumber, you may find that after a few years you have to replace it due to the wear and tear. When you use two-inch blocks, you are more likely to get more use out of it since they are larger.
Another plus to using two-inch blocks are durability. This type of wood is more resistant to scratching and staining compared to regular sized lumber which is why it is a great option. It will also last longer and retain its beauty for many years. Your wood kitchen countertop will stay looking new for more quality years if you stick with this kind of wood.
When deciding on your wood kitchen countertop, make sure that you measure the space available for a large slab of wood. There are many different sizes available so don’t get caught up in the moment and choose something off the wall that may not fit. If you have a larger piece of wood, it can make sense to choose a different size than you think you need. In general, the bigger the slab of wood that you need, the more expensive it will be. You can get by with a smaller size if you can afford the extra expense but chances are you will still want to get a larger slab of wood for your wood kitchen countertop.
If you are concerned about spending a lot of money on a wood kitchen countertop, remember that you can purchase wood kitchen countertops made from recycled wood. These products may seem like a far fetched idea, but many people do re-use wood kitchen countertops because it has the feel and color they are looking for. This can be a great alternative to buying a new product because it is manufactured from products that you will use again.