Is a Wood Countertop Right For Me?

Wood countertops, though not as trendy as natural stone options like marble or granite, are unmatched in terms of both appearance and feel. They have a devoted fan base and can be found in kitchens with all sorts of different design types. Are you the kind of person who loves the look and feel of real wood, or would you rather not have to deal with the upkeep? Keep reading to learn more about wood countertops.

Types of Wood Countertops

Butcher block countertops: Butcher block countertops are composed of small wood pieces that manufacturers join together to form a solid surface. There are three types of butcher block configurations: edge grain, end grain, and face grain.

Edge Grain: Edge grain butcher block countertops are made by joining small pieces of wood together end to end in one continuous pattern.
End Grain: End grain countertops feature pieces of wood that are joined together to create a complete board. This type of butcher block countertop is the most expensive as it requires more labor and materials.
Face Grain: Fabricators lay wooden planks flat and adhere them together to create one, unbroken slab for this countertop type. The natural beauty of wood grains is displayed by doing so. However, face grain countertops are not as tough as edge grain or end grain types.

Wood Slab Countertops: There are two types of wood slab countertops: live-edge and cut-edge. As the name suggests, live-edge countertops feature a solid piece of wood with its natural edges still intact. Cut-edge table tops, on the other hand, have clean lines where the manufacturer cuts the lumber to size.

Live-edge: The most popular wooden slab countertops feature a natural edge, which is when the fabricator doesn’t change the contours of the wood on at least one side of the countertop. This look is especially common in rustic kitchens.
Cut-edge: Cut-edge countertops are those that use a single slab of solid wood where both edges have been trimmed.

Wood Plank Countertops: Wood plank countertops feature wide planks that fit side by side, similar to face grain butcher blocks. However, each plank is an individual piece rather than fused like they are for face grain butcher blocks. This is a more cost-effective option for countertops, but it can lack the durability of other wood countertops.

Wood countertops are a stylish and convenient option for many rooms in your home, including the kitchen, laundry room, or even butler’s pantry. Their warm color scheme and textured surface make them more appealing to the eye, while their easy-to-clean finishes make ongoing maintenance less of a hassle.

Wood Countertops: The Basics