The Advantages and Disadvantages of Wood Kitchen Countertops

by Melissa Bullard
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

If you're refacing your kitchen cabinets, it's likely that your cabinet refacing job is just part of a larger remodel, one of many projects to update the look of your kitchen. If your whole kitchen, and not just the cabinets, is getting a new look, why not consider replacing your current countertops with wood kitchen countertops? You can choose from maple, oak, cherry, mesquite, bamboo, teak, walnut, or other woods, and a variety of stains or finishes. Wood countertops are growing in popularity, and there are variety of reasons why. Read on to learn about the possibilities of wood countertops for your kitchen refacing project.

Advantages of Wood Kitchen Countertops

There are several advantages to replacing your kitchen countertops with wood countertops.

• A beautiful, naturally warm look: Whether oak, maple, teak, or bamboo, one of the greatest appeals of a wood countertop is the same as the appeal for choosing wood flooring, or refacing your kitchen cabinets with wood: it brings a warmth, homey appeal, and classic look to almost any kitchen.
• Inherent antibacterial properties: Wood is naturally resistant to the growth of bacteria. As long as it is sealed periodically and treated with a non-toxic mineral oil instead of vegetable or animal oil, the wood should remain in good shape, resisting both bacteria and rancidity.
• Ecologically-friendly: Depending on the type of wood you choose, these countertops can be environmentally friendly. Bamboo has long been a popular option for those who want to protect the earth's resources, and according to BobVila.com, the Forest Stewardship Council has certified African mahogany and zebra wood as sustainable materials.
• Durable: Wood is an extremely durable material, and if you care for your kitchen countertops, they should remain beautiful for years. When scratches or dents do appear, just sand them out and refinish.

Disadvantages of Wood Kitchen Countertops

Along with the advantages, wood countertops do have a few disadvantages:

• Care: You must take care of your wood countertops. Although they are durable, you must clean up any spills (particularly acidic ones such as citrus or vinegar) right away to avoid damage to the wood or joints. Also, wood countertops do require period resealing and treatment with mineral oil to keep them in top shape.
• Price: Because of its beauty, durability, and versatility, wood is a very expensive kitchen countertop option, costing anywhere from $30 to over $200 per square foot.

Wood is not right for everyone, but if you want to invest in a countertop that looks great, lasts a long time, and meshes well with your kitchen cabinet refacing job, explore the option of wood countertops.

About the Author

Melissa Bullard earned a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, then a Master's Degree in Spanish Language and Literatures from the University of Nevada, Reno. She has taught writing, literature, and Spanish classes, and is currently working as a fre