Wood Countertop Care

Wood countertops need periodic attention.

Natural wood countertops add to the beauty of any kitchen design scheme. While wood countertops can be just as practical and durable as artificial materials such as laminate, wood does require kitchen users to be more aware of its needs. When properly cared for, wood countertops can last for generations.

Installation

Install wood countertops in the kitchen so that joints between countertops and sinks are sealed; otherwise leaks and trapped water may lead to mildew and rot. If you cut your countertop or drill holes in it in the process of installing the kitchen, be sure to cover any exposed surfaces of wood with the same finish that has been applied to the rest of the countertop. Any joints between abutting counters or around sinks need to be properly caulked and sealed so that water won't seep into cracks.

Maintenance

How much maintenance your wood countertop will need depends on what type of finish has been applied to it. Some wood countertops are protected by numerous coats of plastic-based polyurethane. Unless these counters are damaged or have the surface polyurethane punctured by a knife or other cut, they should be just as durable as a laminate countertop. More old-fashioned wood countertops that have been treated with linseed or tung oil should have fresh coats of oil rubbed into them every two or three months. Don't use vegetable-based oils such as olive or peanut oil; they may go rancid.

Things to Avoid

As with any kitchen countertop, there are some things you should avoid with your wood countertop. Don't cut vegetables directly on your wood countertop; use a cutting board. The knife won't ruin your countertop, but it will leave unsightly cut marks. Avoid setting hot pots and pans directly onto your countertop; always use a hot plate or trivet to keep the heat away from the countertop surface. Never use bleach-based cleaners on a wood countertop; hot water and soap should be sufficient to keep them clean. Decrease the risk of germs by wiping the countertop with a vinegar-based solution.

Advantages of Wood Countertops

In addition to the natural beauty that wood countertops give to a kitchen, they also help to preserve the beauty of the natural world, because they are made of non-toxic and sustainable materials. While the plastics and laminates of commercial countertops are produced in factories, the material in a wood countertop is grown naturally in a forest. If you do damage your wood countertop with a burn, dent or cut, you can usually repair it with some sanding and re-application of finish. The same damage to a laminate countertop would be much more difficult to repair.

References

• DeVos Custom Woodworking: Care and Maintenance of Custom Wood Countertops, Butcher Block Counterops, and Kitchen Island Tops
• This Old House: Wood Countertop Care