If you’re thinking about replacing your kitchen counters with something more stylish, you might be tempted to use wood as the material for your wooden countertops. However, should you? Should you choose the right material and not let something like price or color keep you from using this material?
In general, the ideal material for countertops is marble. That’s because marble has all of the right qualities for countertops:
– High resistance to cracking. The most common reason that counters crack is a lack of proper care. In other words, when the counter has been neglected, it will crack. Not only is this a hassle, but it also is a safety hazard since it can cause serious injury.
– Long-term damage. For example, over time, wood can lose its luster and color. Similarly, because wood is porous, it is possible to develop a mold growth on the surface.
– Easy to maintain. Unlike most other materials, it is possible to completely clean and maintain the appearance of wood without having to resort to chemicals or harsher chemical solutions.
The reasons that people choose wood for their countertops are plentiful, but all of them point to the first criteria, which is the durability of wood. It takes a lot of work to properly care for wood, and it takes a lot of work to repel stains and mold and mildew. Having the strength to resist moisture does not come cheap. Even when it lasts for many years, wood is no cheap.
Since so many people think they have to settle for one type of material over another, it’s worth taking a look at a few things that make some types of wood better than others. One thing to take into consideration is that a lot of times, the difference between the “best”worst” wood is found in the grain of the wood. Sometimes, the grain is smooth, which results in a very durable material.
There are some other factors to consider, as well, such as what is a good surface to use for different types of food? If you have fish, for example, wood that has a grain pattern that resembles the scales of fish is a good choice. If you have foods that are acidic (such as citrus), a smoother surface is a better choice.
When you decide to install wood, it’s best to use hardwood such as oak and pine, which are both known for their hardness and durability. Again, if you’re getting into the kitchen for decorative purposes, look for things that lend themselves to good cooking: hardwood is often a better choice.
However, if you’re buying genuine wood countertops, you’ll find that a lot of things will need to be considered. Such things include things like whether the wood has high natural luster, and whether it has cracks, chips, or splinters, as well as whether it is a natural product or manufactured in an unnatural way.
Because of its high quality, in general, it’s a good idea to go with the longer lasting and less expensive options. If you are interested in looking good, however, a more traditional option might be the option of having natural wood countertops. It’s also worth looking into the eco-friendly options of using the natural products like engineered wood, if you want to avoid harmful chemicals in your kitchen.
Consider your options carefully and try to find something that best suits your needs and tastes. A simple question to ask yourself is whether you want your kitchen to be as trendy as possible, or do you just want to enjoy having a warm and inviting space where you can get your food and drinks?