Everyone who has decided to renovate their kitchen or bathroom faces a dilemma: which countertop to choose. Stone, composite, glass, laminated or possibly wood countertops. We definitely recommend the latter, and for several reasons.
Natural wood is a very good material for making countertops. It is easy to handle and update. It can be cut, processed and renewed many times. Wood has exceptional aesthetic qualities, it is warm and pleasant to the touch, environmentally friendly and, if properly protected from moisture, very durable. So which wooden countertop should you choose?
The market offers countertops made from various types of European or exotic wood. In this article we will carefully examine the 3 most commonly selected types of European wood for the production of wooden countertops.
Why choose a wooden countertop?
- Elegant and prestigious appearance.
- It will warm and add comfort to any interior.
- It fits into any interior style, regardless of whether it is classic, modern, Provencal, Scandinavian or loft style.
- It harmonizes perfectly with any material of any color, thereby providing limitless layout possibilities.
- Ease of processing allows you to implement any projects. Thanks to this, you can match the shape of the countertop to your kitchen furniture, create an unusual coffee table or a comfortable countertop even in the smallest bathroom.
- Natural and ecological.
- Can be renewed several times. If the wood shows scratches or other marks after a while, you can easily freshen up your countertop by sanding and re-protecting the surface.
- Versatile use - ideal for the kitchen, bathroom and any other room in your home. With its help you can create a comfortable tabletop, tables, shelves, window sills, stairs and much more.
- Laminated wood countertops are resistant to cracking and warping. They are very durable and with proper care can last for many years.
Suitable material for a wooden tabletop
In our climate, there are many types of trees, the wood of which, after proper preparation, works perfectly as a material for the manufacture of high-quality wooden countertops for the kitchen, bathroom, window sills or stairs.
Tabletops made of European wood must be glued, that is, the tabletop consists of many pieces of wood (lamellas) of appropriate sizes, glued together. The gluing process eliminates the natural stresses of the wood, which reduces the risk of warping and cracking. A wooden tabletop can also be easily cut and shaped into any shape. It also allows you to design kitchen cabinetry, counters, reception counters and counters for free. Laminated wood countertops are easy to install. Their attractive price also encourages you to choose them.
Which wooden countertop to choose?
Here are some of the most important representatives:
OAK (SCIENTIFIC NAME: Quercus L.)
OAK is the king of our forests. This unique wood is one of the hardest of all hardwoods in our climate. Very decorative and dignified. Oak has a characteristic pattern and color of wood that is difficult to confuse with another species. 3 out of 200 species of oaks found in the world grow in Ukraine. This is a petiolate, sessile red oak. Oak wood is initially gray-yellow, but over time it begins to darken to a light or dark brown color. Oak is characterized by straight rings of different sizes, usually unevenly spaced. Oak wood is great for countertops and stairs. Thanks to gluing, the oak tabletop does not deform, crack or curl even after many years of use.
ASH (SCIENTIFIC NAME: Fraxinus L.)
Ash– common in Ukraine. A characteristic feature is a clear outline of the wood texture and a color from light yellow to light brown. The wood obtained from ash is, first of all, very hard, which puts ash in the same hardness category as oak, beech, and mahogany and makes it not only durable, but also difficult to process. Ash is often used by carpenters (it is a species very commonly used in carpentry for stairs, floors, windows and veneers). Ash is a tree characterized by high elasticity, strength and hardness, which is why an ash countertop is so ideal for the home.
BUK (SCIENTIFIC NAME: Fagus L.)
BEech is one of the most common tree species in Ukraine. Beech wood is very characteristic in its appearance and therefore can be easily distinguished with the naked eye from all our other species. It has a specific pinkish or yellowish color with a purple tint. Beech is a hard wood that is easy to work with and, if properly protected, will last for many years, making beech worktops ideal for home kitchens.
PINE (SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pinus sylvestris)
PINE - is characterized by an even, straight trunk ending in an umbrella or conical crown. This is the most common species of coniferous trees in Ukraine, which gives it great economic and industrial importance. Scots pine wood is soft and easy to work with. The wood is light, straw-yellow with a relatively clear orange-brown grain pattern. Well-dried and properly prepared wood is an inexpensive and versatile material. Pine tabletop is one of the most popular options for the home.
These four types of wood are ideal material for a wooden countertop in the kitchen or bathroom. These countertops have many more uses - they work well as window sills, shelves, stairs or tables. Do you already know which wooden countertop to choose?
