Wood worktops are the perfect addition to a kitchen design, effortlessly adding a touch of class and sophistication. However, choosing the right worktop to grace your kitchen space can be daunting, with so many options available. This guide to buying a new wood worktop in 2023 will help you make the right decision for your design.
A solid wood worktop has a timeless elegance. It can give the modern and traditional kitchen a tactile warmth and a unique look, often not achieved with other materials. Looking at customer reviews can help you pick a helpful and reputable supplier who produces expertly crafted worktops that will be an asset to your home.
Dark or Light Wood?
Each worktop has unique grain patterns, knots, and age lines to create a charming, distinctive look. You can narrow down your options by deciding the wood colour you want first. If you prefer a light wood to create a bright design, ash, oak, or maple are good choices. Or, if you like a darker wood worktop to fit with darker cabinets or to create a stunning contrast with light cabinets, Iroko, Wenge, or Sapele are good options. Check if your supplier has a sample service, as this will allow you to see a sample of the wood in your home.
40mm Stave, Full Stave or Super Stave?
The next thing to consider is the style of worktop you would like. Many are available in 40mm stave (blocks), full stave (planks) or super stave (extra wide planks) designs. The 40mm stave worktops are constructed from 40mm wide blocks of wood, seamlessly joined together with v-grooved joints. This design shows a block design and gives a varying grain pattern. With the full stave and super stave (the widest planks) worktops, each plank of wood runs the entire length of the worktop, which shows the grain lines at their fullest, and can create a more even colouring than the narrower 40mm stave design.
Placing Your Order
Before ordering your worktop, it is important to consider any upstands, plinths, and edge-cutting required. Order these with the worktop to ensure you have all you need to complete the design.
It is essential to measure your worktop area carefully to ensure it fits well without unsightly gaps. Your supplier should have a measuring guide to help. This will ensure you have the correct measurements for the worktop, including the sink and tap holes. Worktops are also available in varying thicknesses, so check the thickness you require before placing your order.
Wood worktops require oiling or sealing before fitting to keep them water-resistant and looking fabulous, so putting aside time and space to do this before fitting is essential. Many suppliers provide an oiling and sealing service, saving time and enabling you to fit your worktop from delivery.
In Summary
A wood worktop is an investment that will last for many years and maybe even decades, so choosing the right option for your kitchen design is vital. Considering the points, we have covered here will help you to make a more informed choice and help create the perfect kitchen design for your home.
