This is an overview of the advantages of wood countertops over many other countertop materials. It’s definitely something to take into consideration when it comes time to replace your kitchen countertops.
First, there are the benefits of wood that some people may not be aware of. Many new countertops can be very hard on the home owner. The first disadvantage is the frequent cracking and splintering of the existing countertop, especially if the countertop has not been properly sealed with a clear coating.
While many will put in a sealant, it may be necessary to sand down the counter top to get rid of any water that has built up during the curing process of the new countertop. It may also be necessary to do this before applying the sealant to get the surface smooth enough to walk on. When you do these things, you eliminate the cause of the cracking and splintering and improve the longevity of the new countertop as well.
Wood countertops can also have additional benefits. Since they are often not as expensive as countertops made from other materials, you may be able to put more into your budget. If you are planning on doing some remodeling, it may be a good idea to include a wood countertop in your plans, as they are more difficult to find and easier to refinish.
A second disadvantage is that wood does not stain or seal as well as many other materials. Many companies that make custom countertops, especially those that come with UV technology, use a wood sealer, stain, and varnish that will give you a beautiful finish over a long period of time. Since there is no one material that will offer you all of these things, the second disadvantage is that the final result is somewhat less durable than with a polyurethane and stain combination.
A third disadvantage is that the thickness of the surface area, and thus the cost of the countertop, can make the decision a little more difficult. Though some countertops are thick, others can be very thin. Some thicker ones are thinner than the material used for the countertop itself. These could be made of very thin wood, so the cost of the material would be quite a bit higher than the regular cost of countertops made from other materials.
There is still another disadvantage that may not have been mentioned. If you choose a large slab for your countertop, the possibility exists that the area of the slab could end up being hotter than the rest of the floor of the room. This is because the surface area may be too big for the air flow, which means that the heat has nowhere to escape to.
Disadvantages aside, wood is an excellent material for a countertop, though it’s not without its drawbacks. Before you install your countertop in your kitchen, make sure you do your homework to find out more about the pros and cons of wood.
One of the advantages of wood countertops is that it is relatively easy to maintain, as they are relatively low maintenance. You won’t have to do anything complicated to keep them looking their best.
Disadvantages of this material include the cost, as well as the fact that they are not scratch resistant. The possibility of scratching the surface of the countertop may be worse than the disadvantages of having a fake wood countertop. Sometimes the cracked tiles or drywall may need to be removed in order to replace the missing material.
Another disadvantage of wood is that they can be quite slippery when wet. In certain cases, the slip can cause injuries.
Wooden countertops have several advantages over other countertop materials. They can be relatively inexpensive, and the upkeep is not much of a hassle. If you are thinking about replacing your countertops, this is a great option to consider.