Wood for your Kitchen Countertop
Wood adds something different and elegant to your kitchen.
Integrating fine woods in kitchen countertop designs has been steadily growing for years. In addition to having waterproof properties as a kitchen countertop, wood provides unique design alternatives that almost no other hard surface can match. Craft Art is the industry leader of custom-built wood islands and countertops with more than 25 different wood species.
Wood kitchen countertops are warm to the touch. Most islands are gathering places for friends and family and people frequently lean on or touch the island surface. Stone countertops are cold to the touch and not as inviting for people to lean forward or become comfortable with their hands, arms or elbows touching the top.
It is a less common surface and a distinguishing statement. Butcher block or wood countertops represent approximately 7% of the surfaces industry today. Although wood far outpaces other surfaces’ growth, it is still a unique surface in North America (wood is a predominant surface in Europe) and considered popular among the “early adopter” designers and homeowners. A majority of our wood countertops are produced with cutouts for undermounted sinks…further proof that they are waterproof!
Wood countertops are long-lasting and easily refurbished. Do you like things looking absolutely perfect with a high gloss level and brand new? No problem…wood countertops come with a highly durable finish and with minimal care and a moderate amount of attention will stay that way. Do you prefer to have more of a rustic look? Wood countertops and butcher block can also be made with a “distressed” finish where we add dings, slight gouges and marks to your top before it is shipped…so it already looks like you’ve had it for years. Regardless, if you ever want your top reconditioned, it’s as easy as stripping the finish, re-sanding and re-finishing your countertop.
CHOOSING A WOOD SPECIES
There are a number of wood species to choose from for a kitchen island or butcher block. Domestic and exotic wood species range in color from the palest beige to nearly black and everything in between. You can also choose from a broad range of thicknesses. For example, depending upon the construction style, a single piece of wood can be as thick as 6 in. There are also dozens of construction styles and edge profiles to choose from to complement the design styling of the kitchen.
Homeowners can choose from dozens of wood species and edge profile to make their wood countertop unique to their home and lifestyle.
If you’re price shopping, start at domestic hardwoods. They will be the most affordable. Some popular choices are maple, hickory and oak. If you’re in the market for something a little exotic and are prepared to pay—on average—60 to 120 percent more, wood species, such as teak, zebrawood and wenge, work well as kitchen countertops.
Craft Art is the industry leader of custom-built wood islands and countertops in North America. The company now has more than 25 different wood species, 50 glass combinations and four types of metal countertops.
For more information on wood kitchen countertops, visit, Craft Art Elegant Surfaces
