Kitchen design is one of the important stages of renovation. Each element of decor has a special meaning, since the entire interior must be holistic and harmonious. When buying quality furniture, the focus should be on the choice of countertops.
First of all, pay attention to what material was used to make it. This is important because the countertop is a frequently used part of the kitchen, the main work surface in the room. It must calmly withstand heavy loads, be resistant to temperature extremes and high humidity. In addition, do not forget about chemical and mechanical influences, to which the material must show high resistance.
Recently, buyers prefer wood countertops because they meet all of the above requirements. Consider why.
Main features of wood countertops
For the manufacture of kitchen furniture, wood is often used. Environmentally friendly and practical material is especially appreciated among manufacturers. Tabletop fromwood is also popular among consumers, as it ennobles the room, fits into any kitchen interior, and makes it attractive. Despite the fact that the wooden surface is significantly inferior in practicality to other materials, due to its external qualities, it occupies a leading position in sales.
A quality wooden kitchen surface should have qualities such as:
- moisture resistance;
- heat resistance;
- resistance to mechanical damage;
- long service life;
- easy care, cleaning and cleaning;
- do not absorb grease, condensation, odors.
Distinguish solid wood countertops according to the following basic criteria:
- Tree species.
- Processing method.
- Product thickness. Glulam tops reach a thickness of 0.080-0.10 m, while solid wood tops reach 0.032-0.060 m.
Wooden countertop: advantages and disadvantages
Natural wood in the kitchen is one of the most successful and practical solutions. In order for the product to serve for a long time and please the household with an aesthetic and attractive look, study all the advantages and disadvantages of a wooden countertop for the kitchen.
The advantages of wooden surfaces include:
- Aesthetic qualities. Wooden products look luxurious and advantageous in the interior compared to other materials.
- Large assortment. The choice of wooden countertops pleases with its diversity. Differproducts with texture, coloring, wood processing methods.
- Wear resistance. A quality countertop can withstand heat and humidity with ease.
- Elasticity. Compared to stone, wood is more elastic and has excellent cushioning properties.
- Eco-friendly material. The solid wood does not emit toxic and harmful substances, since it is a natural material, it is completely safe.
Top wood has some disadvantages, including the following:
- High cost. Solid wood products are expensive compared to other materials.
- Deformation. Constant contact with liquid sometimes results in deformation of the surface. If there are defects in the protective layer on the surface and the integrity of the product is violated, then all the moisture will be absorbed, thereby destroying the countertop.
- Despite the fact that wood is a heat-resistant material, it is better to use special heat-insulating coasters for hot dishes.
- Use kitchen boards as a stand for cutting food. Direct contact with a sharp knife will damage the surface, leave scratches on it.
When choosing a countertop made of natural wood, you first need to familiarize yourself with its properties and only then buy.
Which wood to choose for the countertop?
Stable and durable wood species are chosen for the manufacture of wooden countertops:
- cherries;
- ash;
- oak;
- beech;
- pine;
- nut;
- tick;
- cherries;
- merbau;
- iroko.
Wood species of soft and hard varieties are widely used in production. These are the best options for making wood countertops for the kitchen.
Production technology
Today, several basic technologies are used in the production of countertops:
- From solid wood. The first stage of production involves drying the wood and coating the array with a sticky substance. Initially, the blank of the product differs from the finished product in size. This is a kind of tolerance for the processing of wood countertops. The next step is to apply a protective layer and select a color. If desired, the countertop is coated with paints and varnishes. The quality of this layer depends on its lifespan. The price of the product is high, so this surface is most often used in expensive kitchen sets.
- From glued wooden lamellas. As in the first option, the wood is dried in drying chambers. Only after heat treatment, the tree goes through the next stage - sawing. Then the means preventing cracking and release of moisture are applied. The quality of the semi-finished product depends on the drying process. Glued wooden lamellas are inexpensive. It is easier to make a countertop from such material than from a single piece.
How to cover the countertop?
Customers are often interested in what wood countertops are covered with. The answer is simple: to protect the countertopfrom the negative impact, it is necessary to apply a special wax for wood on its surface. The composition of biological impregnation includes natural vegetable oils and beeswax. Due to the high-quality coating, the surface does not allow moisture to pass through.
Another option that helps protect the countertop from damage is wood oil treatment. A reliable and practical way to save the surface from the harmful effects of household chemicals. For impregnation, a safe agent is used that does not evaporate. This allows you to put food directly on the countertop and not worry about harmful substances getting into the food.
Features of operation
To make a wooden surface last for many years, follow these simple rules for using the product:
- Minimize the contact of the wooden countertop with the liquid. Under the constant influence of liquid substances, the surface will lose its original appearance and deteriorate. To avoid such unpleasant consequences, it must be wiped dry after each use.
- Cracks and splits on the surface not only affect the aesthetic appearance, but also allow liquid products to penetrate and spoil the product. As a result of the negative influence, the countertop will be deformed, even the appearance of mold is possible.
- The joints between the wall and the countertop must be well sealed. If this is not done, condensation will accumulate in them, and fungus and mold will appear over time.
Constant and careful care of the countertop will ensure a long service life. A well-groomed surface will decorate the kitchen, fill the atmosphere with warmth and comfort.
Top Care
To preserve the original appearance of the countertop and extend its life, the product must be properly and properly looked after. Since the surfaces are coated with a special varnish for wood worktops, in case of damage, the coating must be repaired immediately. And also you need to follow the following tips:
- use gentle detergents;
- do not use hard brushes for cleaning;
- clean the surface only with a slightly damp cloth;
- wood countertop needs regular water repellant treatment.
Proper and constant care will ensure the longevity of the product.
Interior use
Today, a wooden countertop is an up-to-date and modern solution for almost any type of interior. If you think through everything to the smallest detail, in any case, each option looks great and luxurious. These can be bar countertops made of wood, products for a sink or table.
Light surfaces go well with metal and glass. Expressive drawings look harmoniously with rational geometry.
Restoration of a wooden tabletop
It is very easy to restore a wooden tabletop, for this you need:
- remove loose parts of the tree;
- dry and re-sand the surface;
- mix sawdust with glue and fill the resulting voids with the mixture;
- leave the countertop under pressure for 24 hours;
- treat the product with silicone and install in place.
Refurbished countertop is ready to use again.
Diy tabletop
If you have special skills, it will not be difficult to make a tabletop from wood. To make such a surface yourself, you will need special equipment. You also need to decide on the shape: you will have a round tabletop for a table made of wood or a square one, as well as choose the right type of wood.
When all the materials and tools are available, you can get to work:
- First we make the frame. To do this, take a wooden block measuring 100 x 50 mm.
- We fix the legs that are set evenly to the floor with metal dowels.
- We fix the horizontal parts of the product on the wall with dowels.
- The selected boards are glued together, constructing a kind of carpentry shield.
- After complete drying, the shield is sanded and sanded.
- We treat the finished surface with a special disinfectant.
- The last stage of work is painting the countertop in several layers.
Installing countertops
Mounting a countertop under a wooden sink involves several steps:
- Using a level gauge, we expose the lower parts of the headset, the frame is not needed for these works.
- With an eclectic jigsaw we make a hole for the sink. All joints must be blown out with sealant.
- In the finished hole we install the countertop and fasten it to the bottom of the headset or to the frame with screws.
- We close the joints between the tabletop and the wall with a plinth, install lighting. Based on the design features of the skirting board and its composition, the adhesive is selected individually.
When all installation work has been completed, the countertop is ready for use.
Wooden countertop in the house is, first of all, practicality, reliability and sophistication. Proper care is guaranteed to prolong the service life. Follow the tips and tricks in this article and the wooden surfaces in your kitchen will have an attractive appearance and will last for a long time.
