If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen, then granite, laminate and slate are just some of the options frequently picked for today’s countertops. There is one more option that’s often overlooked, however, and that’s solid wood countertops.
If you’re thinking about wood countertops, but confused about how they stand up to water and splashes, let us fill you in. Solid wooden countertops have been around for centuries and making your own timber kitchen surfaces has proven durable, timeless and resilient. Transforming your kitchen surfaces with this natural product can be costly, but with a little muscle and a good knowledge and a few basic woodworking techniques, you can save your money and take advantage of this enjoyable and affordable option.
Today, everyone seems to be adopting the do-it-yourself route. What’s more, the little bit of knowledge you gain from step-by-step tutorials will make it easier to transform your whole kitchen surfaces. As with any new project, the first step is to remove your existing kitchen countertops. This is not a difficult task as they will either be attached by screws or attached using brackets to the upper side.
Take a closer look at underneath and you’ll get an understanding of how your existing tops are attached. Before pulling out your existing countertops, it’s preferred to create a sketch of your desired kitchen and then choose your wood that will be able to stand-up for the daily activities. Spend some time to find quality boards that are free from large defects like cracks or knots. While making your own timber kitchen surfaces, the tricky step is to arrange your boards in such a way that they can make impressive patterns. Moreover, if you have an artistic spirit, you have to pay attention to colours and grain graphics, as aesthetics cannot be overlooked in the modern world. Finish your joining of boards with parallel strips that should be no more than half of an inch wider.
When you buy oak timber, there are still different types you need to look into, from European oak to America and beyond. Here in the UK, many suppliers provide oak from different parts of the world and some may have more character, whilst others are stronger, so learn about where you oak is coming from. You also need to think rather carefully about the type of finish you’d like, whether that is a wax or oil, to help better protect your surface against the elements. Buying boards that are already finished can be handy because you don’t want to apply the wrong coating and find your kitchen is getting rather mucky! The right oil can be easy to find if you do your research first, so think carefully about the wood, where it comes from and the finish you’re looking to achieve.
Solid oak worktops may not be the cheapest, whilst they’re extremely heavy, but they can add plenty of style, character and appeal to your kitchen whilst they’ll only get better with age! That’s why so many people choose them as the ideal kitchen surface for their home, and you can do the same.