Are solid wood worktops a good idea?

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They're naturally beautiful with a unique grain and they definitely bring a sense of charming warmth to any kitchen, whether it be modern or traditional in style. But, while solid wood worktops look seriously good, they do need looking after more than a lot of other worktop materials, so there are some drawbacks.



Beside this, how do you take care of a solid wood worktop?

How to care for a wooden worktop

  1. Do the water test. Test oiled worktops to see if they need re-oiling by dripping water onto their surface.
  2. Sand them down. Use a hand-held electric sander to resurface the wood and remove any varnish, or simply to refresh previously oiled worktops.
  3. Apply the oil.
  4. Leave it to dry.
  5. Test them again.
  6. Protect them from heat.

Likewise, how often should you oil wooden worktops? With regular oiling, real wood worktops should last for many years and will continue to mature in colour as you apply fresh coats of oil. It is recommended that for the first six weeks after installation, your worktops are oiled as regularly as possible, then approximately every three months thereafter.

People also ask, can you put hot pans on wooden worktops?

To keep your wooden worktops looking their best, do not place hot pans or trays directly on to the worktop as this can burn or stain the surface. Include a set of hotrods on your wooden worktop, which avoids contact between hot cookware and solid wood surface.

How do you protect an oak worktop from a sink?

ANSWER:

  1. Use an appropriate sealant to seal your sink into place and create a water-tight seal.
  2. Oil the area around the sink every 6-8 weeks to ensure the wood is well protected.
  3. Be sure to wipe down any water splashes / spills as quickly as possible.

32 Related Question Answers Found

How do I keep my wooden worktop from turning black?

Black spots
If the discolouration has penetrated deeply into the wood, you may have to treat with a light bleach solution, or remove the black spot using a chisel; when satisfied, simply fill as required with shellac or wax.

How do you protect wooden worktops from water?

Oil every surface of your worktop (including all the edges and the underside). Two generous coats of oil should be sufficient on the underside and the non-exposed edges, but on the exposed surfaces, ideally you should aim to add at least three to five light coats of oil to ensure water resistance.

Are wooden worktops hard to look after?

Durable. Wooden worktops are incredibly durable and any knife marks or imperfections are much more easily fixed than with other worktop materials. As long as you look after your worktop and oil it every 6 months, it should last for as long as you want it to.

How do you seal a wood countertop?

Seal the countertop to protect it from water and other liquids.
  1. Apply coats of polyurethane to the countertop surface.
  2. Select a urethane that is FDA approved to ensure the substance is safe to be in contact with your food.
  3. Apply at least 3 coats to get a good, solid coating.

Can you varnish solid wood worktops?


Not only do wooden worktops look amazing, they can also be incredibly durable. Oils or acrylic varnish are used to protect your wooden worktops, turning it into a water resistant and clean surface that will last for years.

How do you clean a wooden kitchen bench top?

To clean and maintain your wooden kitchen benches you would require salt, lemon juice, sand paper, dish soap, sponges, wood sealant and water. Most burn marks, stains and scratches are removable with a light sanding using grit paper. Always use the sand paper in the direction of the grain, not against it.

How do you apply Danish oil to a kitchen worktop?

How to Apply Danish Oil
  1. Using a clean cloth, remove any dirt and dust from the surface of the worktop.
  2. Once clean, apply Worktop Express Danish oil to the top, edges end and end grain.
  3. Wipe with a lint free cloth.
  4. Leave to dry for six to eight hours before applying another coat if necessary.

Are wood worktops hygienic?

Wood is a naturally hygienic surface for a kitchen as it has antibacterial properties. Solid wooden worktops are very strong and durable.

What is the best treatment for wooden worktops?

Linseed or Tung Oil
Pure linseed oil or tung oil are better suited for treating hardwood worktops as they penetrate timber more effectively than other natural oils. Though it may take a long time, these rub-in oils will naturally dry or cure on their own.

How do you clean wood countertops?


To clean wood countertops, scrub the surface with a sponge and a mixture of mild dish soap and hot water. If you need to sanitize the countertop, spray the surface with undiluted vinegar and let the vinegar sit for several minutes before rinsing it off with hot water.

Can you over oil wooden worktops?

If it looks like your worktop needs oiling more regularly than recommended, then do so - you cannot over-oil it. Apply with a J-cloth or similar and wipe dry afterwards, then re-oil with several thin coats. If your wooden work surface is damaged or in need of renovation, sand it down with fine sandpaper or wire wool.

How do you clean sticky wood worktops?

If food or liquid have congealed into a sticky residue, avoid using spray disinfectant, especially if you have recently treated your wooden worktops with Danish oil as this can exacerbate the stickiness. Instead, make a dilute solution of warm water and lemon juice and wipe down the area with a clean, lint-free cloth.

What is the best kitchen worktop material?

Let's have a look at the different types of worktops that you can choose from.
  1. Granite. Granite is a highly popular stone choice for worktops.
  2. Quartz. Quartz, although a man-made stone, has the durability of natural stone.
  3. Ceramic.
  4. Glass.
  5. Corian.
  6. Wood.
  7. Laminate.
  8. Stainless Steel.

How do you stop oak worktops from staining?


To prevent staining, place pans and baking trays on softwood boards or trivets and avoid knife blades and other metals that may contain iron from coming into contact with the wood. Always wipe up any spills on the worktop and don't let water stand on the surface.

What is Danish oil used for?

Uses. When applied in coats over wood, Danish oil cures to a hard satin finish that resists liquid well. As the finished coating is not glossy or slippery, it is a suitable finish for items such as food utensils or tool handles, giving some additional water resistance and also leaves a dark finish to the wood.

What do you clean wooden worktops with?

All you need to do is put 2 cups of water, half a cup of white vinegar and a tablespoon of washing up liquid into a spray bottle and apply a light misting of the solution to your worktop. When you've done this, wipe the solution off with a damp cloth and dry the worktop thoroughly.