A wooden countertop is not just for the kitchen. Where and how else can it be used? Which types of wood are best suited? And how to protect the wooden surface from damage?
Suitable for any interior and will always be relevant. In this article, we will tell you how to use natural materials and a wooden countertop in the interior of the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and other rooms.
Is it worth choosing a countertop made of wood: pros and cons
Although different types of wood have individual characteristics, there are also common points.
Pros
- Ecological compatibility. Natural, natural material. It is safe and harmless. Does not emit harmful substances.
- Universality. Such furniture can harmoniously fit into any style of interior: from classic to loft and brutalism.
- Topicality. Wooden details in the interior never go out of fashion. This means that the furniture will look stylish today, in a year, and in 5 years.
- Reliability. A quality product made of suitable material will last for many years. And scratches and scuffs will only add texture.
- Repairability. A product made of natural material can be repaired. Sometimes, without even disassembling the furniture.
Cons
- Any wooden surfaces require care. Even at the manufacturing stage, they are treated with special compounds that protect against pests, microorganisms, water, and humidity. After installation, the coating should be renewed regularly. Direct contact with water can lead to damage and deformation. To prevent this from happening, special compositions are used.
- High price. Furniture made of natural material will cost more than most of its “artificial” competitors.
- Wood is a fairly soft material. Therefore, it is easy to damage. For example, a sharp object, like a knife. And although we have already said that small scratches and scuffs only decorate such a surface, this does not apply to serious, deep damage. In addition, they will require repairs.
- For washing and cleaning, not all household chemicals are suitable. It is better to use gentle compositions. Free of abrasive particles and aggressive elements.
What modern wooden countertops are made of?
Most often they are made of so-called furniture panels. And the shields, in turn, consist of strips – small wooden planks. They are connected to each other by the adhesive method. Now about the suitable wood types. Experts say that deciduous are more stable and durable than conifers. However, the needles better tolerate high humidity and direct water ingress.
Which tree is considered the best for a countertop?
- Oak. Very durable, hardy, not afraid of water and humidity, or mechanical damage.
- Ash. Solid, and durable, it is almost not afraid of damage. But long contact with water can damage it. In this case, a short-term ingress of water will endure well.
- Larch. Strong enough, but still softer than deciduous analogs, but resistant to moisture.
- Beech. It is characterized by fairly high strength. But he does not make friends with water, it treats high humidity badly.
- Pine. Soft, it is easy to mechanically damage. But it tolerates the effects of humidity well.
What materials are used for countertops made of artificial wood?
If for some reason a product made of natural material does not suit you, it can be replaced with an artificial analog. What are countertops made of?
- CHIPBOARD. The most budget option. Chipboard is a laminated particleboard. This is an inexpensive material that is actively used for the production of furniture, including kitchens and bathrooms. Chipboard is often decorated with the wood of different, including valuable, species. But in the composition of this material, there are formaldehyde resins: they glue the chips. Therefore, you need to choose a chipboard of a certain safety class.
- MDF. It costs a little more. Fiberboard is also made of chips. But glue it with natural or synthetic resins. Therefore, such material is considered more environmentally friendly. In addition, MDF is more resistant to moisture and direct contact with water.
Where to install: the best ideas for different rooms
Wooden countertop for kitchen
The working surface made of wood in the kitchen always feels cozy, warm, and calm and creates an amazing home atmosphere. When choosing a material, you need to take into account a large mechanical load. Therefore, durable, damage-resistant types of wood are suitable. It should be borne in mind that the surface here is in direct contact with food, and impregnations and coatings should be harmless, and non-toxic.
In the kitchen, such a countertop can be both in the headset area, and on the dining table, bar counter, or on mobile serving table. At the same time, kitchen furniture can be of almost any color. Shades of wood in this sense are universal. But especially impressive is the black and white kitchen with a countertop made of wood (photo in the gallery). Of the imitations, both chipboard and MDF will do.
Bathroom
In the design of bathrooms, wooden surfaces are used more and more often. Since the bathroom ceases to be just a technical room and turns into a full-fledged room. With the help of wood, it is easy to add coziness, and create a calm, relaxing environment.
Usually, the countertop is installed on the cabinet under the sink. Or used in the same role, but without a pedestal, solo. Then it is mounted on metal brackets or placed on the legs. The sink in both cases is better to choose an overhead so that you have to make only a small hole for the siphon. Determining the type of wood, it is worth giving preference not only to durable but also to a material resistant to moisture and water. And also further process. Of the imitations, it is better to choose a chipboard.
Living rooms, study, balcony
In the living room, bedroom, study, and even on the balcony, wooden surfaces will also find a place. Furniture panels are used to finish and increase the width of window sills or completely replace the window sill and thus organize the workplace by the window.
A wooden shield can be simply fixed on the wall: make a suspended desktop or a dressing table with a mirror. And, of course, a countertop made of wood is used to decorate tables, consoles or shelves above the fireplace.
What protective coating to choose for natural material
For imitations, protection is not needed, but natural wood needs it. Oil, wax, or varnish? There are several types of protective and decorative coating. How are they different from each other?
- Oil. Allows you to preserve the natural texture, leave the color natural or give it the desired shade. The choice of oil colors is huge. At the same time, the oil creates the most natural, matte surface. In addition, there are vegetable oils that are safe and environmentally friendly. These can be applied even on kitchen surfaces. An important point is that the oil coating is subject to repair. Moreover, you can repair a separate damaged fragment.
- Varnish. Better than oil, it protects against mechanical damage and moisture. The varnish creates a smooth, shiny, glossy surface. But even small scratches are clearly visible on it. It is important to know that not all varnishes are equally environmentally friendly and safe. Some of them cannot be used for surfaces that come into contact with food. There is another drawback – the varnish coating can be repaired only as a whole, fragmentarily it will not work.
- Wax. Most waxes are of plant origin, which means that they are environmentally friendly and safe. They give the surface a light shine, but at the same time retain the natural texture, and protect well from moisture. The wax coating can be repaired and restored, including in fragments.
How to prolong life and preserve the appearance of natural material
- Do not cut anything directly on the surface. Use special cutting boards.
- Do not put hot objects on the countertop. Dark traces may remain.
- Do not use aggressive detergents and cleaners with abrasive particles, chlorine, solvents, high content of strong surfactants.
- If you spilled juice or other coloring substance, it should be wiped with a damp cloth as soon as possible. Don’t let the stain dry and soak up.
- The protective coating should be updated regularly. How often? There is no exact answer to this question. Observe the surface. If there are abrasions, cracks, chips, or rough places – then it’s time. First, the surface must be carefully cleaned of the old coating, and sanded. You can use a skin or a special grinder. Then apply the primer. And after it dries – oil, varnish, or wax.
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