Solid wood worktops - are they worth it
Discussion
We are in the process of designing a new kitchen layout and are trying to decide if a solid wood worktop, probably oak, is worth it over a laminate alternative.
Some of the advice we have been given is that as we are going for a rounded units on the end of a run that having solid wood is preferable, but others have been trying to put us off in favour of a laminate based on the additional maintenance they require
Just looking for some real world feedback, is the maintenance required worth it for the quality of finish, do you regret getting one over a laminate, do they still look good after a few years use etc.?
Some of the advice we have been given is that as we are going for a rounded units on the end of a run that having solid wood is preferable, but others have been trying to put us off in favour of a laminate based on the additional maintenance they require
Just looking for some real world feedback, is the maintenance required worth it for the quality of finish, do you regret getting one over a laminate, do they still look good after a few years use etc.?
Personally, I'm not a fan. If you have kids, they're a real pain in the butt because they will put all sorts of crap on it, pin things on it, stab it a thousand times while doing some sort of craft crap without realising that whatever they're stabbing isn't solid, spill paints, mark it with Sharpies, you get the idea. I also don't like the feel of it when I'm cooking, it just feels like it's a chopping board. Luckily we have acres of granite worktops so I use those to cook and prepare food, make tea etc., and we keep books and similar things on the wooden counter. Oiling the bloody thing is another pain and I hate it.
The important things is what you like and prefer though. As the posts above show, everyone is different; we all have different needs and tastes. Every type of worktop has it's own pros and cons. Much as I hate oiling a wooden worktop, others will find it therapeutic and actively enjoy it. Compare the properties of the types you're considering and decide which one ticks more of your boxes.
The important things is what you like and prefer though. As the posts above show, everyone is different; we all have different needs and tastes. Every type of worktop has it's own pros and cons. Much as I hate oiling a wooden worktop, others will find it therapeutic and actively enjoy it. Compare the properties of the types you're considering and decide which one ticks more of your boxes.
Interesting how the views on this differ. I fitted oak worktops and they've been great. Hot pans or a kettle straight off the Aga and not a scorch mark in sight. In fact when I cut the hole out for the sink, I used the cut out as a chopping block and that's been great too. I could be wrong but I believe wood has anti bacterial properties too?
The worktop has been in for about 7 years and I've resealed it once only.
The worktop has been in for about 7 years and I've resealed it once only.
If you buy online oak is not expensive, and a couple of coats of Osmo PolyX leaves it maintenance free for years.
We use these guys http://www.worktop-express.co.uk/
We use these guys http://www.worktop-express.co.uk/
I have oak worktops in the kitchen, and they present no problems if looked after correctly.
As an aside, i am currently making a waney edge resin top for the bathroom, resin coated.
If it works, i shall be £300 up on granite, with more of a story.
This is the intended outcome.
https://youtu.be/QnKg49cXnNs
As an aside, i am currently making a waney edge resin top for the bathroom, resin coated.
If it works, i shall be £300 up on granite, with more of a story.
This is the intended outcome.
https://youtu.be/QnKg49cXnNs
Wood can look fantastic. Wood is one of the least hard wearing surfaces and needs the most attention.
If you value form over function, and are prepared to pay attention to looking after the wood, then go for it.
If the kitchen is somewhere that has a lot of different users, where food gets prepared and cooked as opposed to heated up, and you think that a work surface shouldn't need more than wiping down and keeping clean. Then avoid wood.
If you value form over function, and are prepared to pay attention to looking after the wood, then go for it.
If the kitchen is somewhere that has a lot of different users, where food gets prepared and cooked as opposed to heated up, and you think that a work surface shouldn't need more than wiping down and keeping clean. Then avoid wood.
Treated properly Oak will last well, as mentioned above OSMO Poly X, particularly the natural gives a great finish. I got the basic Oak worktop from worktop express and the total cost was just over £400
http://thumbsnap.com/lKcChoX8
http://thumbsnap.com/lKcChoX8
Edited by j80jpw to try and get photos in the correct orientation on Monday 4th September 08:17
Edited by j80jpw on Monday 4th September 08:21
With curved units, (imo) you have no choice but to use a solid worktop.
We had this decision, and with 3 external curved units on the island and a curved corner post at the end of a run, I couldn't go with a stick on edge strip and a sharp 90° edge rather than a continuation of the rounded edge.
3 or 4 coats of oil each side prior to installation, and 3-4 coats again after installation.
Nearly 2 years in and barring a few light scratches, still looks like the day it was fitted. In a well used kitchen with 2 kids.
During installation
Today
We had this decision, and with 3 external curved units on the island and a curved corner post at the end of a run, I couldn't go with a stick on edge strip and a sharp 90° edge rather than a continuation of the rounded edge.
3 or 4 coats of oil each side prior to installation, and 3-4 coats again after installation.
Nearly 2 years in and barring a few light scratches, still looks like the day it was fitted. In a well used kitchen with 2 kids.
During installation
Today
They look great but we currently have a solid oak worktop and I wouldn't have one again.
It was fitted by the previous owners and they obviously neglected it, around the sink has all gone black and the wood has started to rot and break up.
I also like the simplicity of being able to wipe over the worktop with a multi-surface spray. With oak this makes it go all sticky.
My next kitchen will have granite or similar.
It was fitted by the previous owners and they obviously neglected it, around the sink has all gone black and the wood has started to rot and break up.
I also like the simplicity of being able to wipe over the worktop with a multi-surface spray. With oak this makes it go all sticky.
My next kitchen will have granite or similar.
Thanks for all the comments and experiences, slightly surprised by the polarizing views.
We have a few samples of both laminate and solid wood coming soon, from DIY Kitchens (where we are considering getting the kitchen from) and worktop express. So hopefully we can get a better view of how it will look.
We did consider granite or similar but didn't think it went with the style of kitchen we are going for.
We have a few samples of both laminate and solid wood coming soon, from DIY Kitchens (where we are considering getting the kitchen from) and worktop express. So hopefully we can get a better view of how it will look.
We did consider granite or similar but didn't think it went with the style of kitchen we are going for.
Style over function, laminate is far more practical, easier to clean and more hygienic. If your kitchen is anything like the ones I see you will not be able to see the worktop because of all the clutter that's put on it.
Of course if you want to be top dog down the pub then you must have solid wood, then you can tell everyone how you spent the weekend oiling it.
Of course if you want to be top dog down the pub then you must have solid wood, then you can tell everyone how you spent the weekend oiling it.
Stephanie Plum said:
Having had a wooden worktop for ten years, I will never ever have another one. Pita.
We have had one for in the house we moved into 7 yrs ago. I'd not have another one.It looks nice on the whole, but is now looking patchy and tatty where it gets most use and staining/cleaning. I've sanded back a portion and reoiled but it didn't make it look any better.
The worst bit is around the sink. There is water damage and black rot which has spread from under the sealant and looks pretty ropey.
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