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Cool Countertops: Wood and Stainless
Consider One of These Alternatives to What All the Neighbors Have
I'm a home makeover TV show producer, interior designer and the creator of Decor Demon, lifestyle editorial with an edge. http://www.decordemon.com
I'm a home makeover TV show producer, interior designer and the creator... More »
I've gotten two design-related price quotes in the past year which rendered me flabbergasted. They were for custom draperies and solid surface countertops. In a perfect world, I'd be serving up trayed Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls on 2-inch thick white marble counters, then drawing back floor-to-ceiling draperies made from Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa fabric.
Well, there's no such thing as perfect, but I did get my Swiss Cake Rolls — although they're laid out on my new laminate counters lit by a small window sporting woven bamboo Roman shades from Target.
Countertops are such a huge part of kitchen design; it's important to get 'em right or y'all may as well toss the money in the garbage disposal. If you're like me, sick of seeing granite countertops over and over again, here's a pair of less expected but just as available options: wood and metal. A better way to spend your money and not have the same thing every single one of your neighbors has? Yes! Take a looksie.
Well, there's no such thing as perfect, but I did get my Swiss Cake Rolls — although they're laid out on my new laminate counters lit by a small window sporting woven bamboo Roman shades from Target.
Countertops are such a huge part of kitchen design; it's important to get 'em right or y'all may as well toss the money in the garbage disposal. If you're like me, sick of seeing granite countertops over and over again, here's a pair of less expected but just as available options: wood and metal. A better way to spend your money and not have the same thing every single one of your neighbors has? Yes! Take a looksie.
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Three words: exotic, wood, countertops. Why choose 'em? Well, what's more timeless and sophisticated than rich wood grain? Specifically, exotic wood. Similar to solid stone, exotic wood comes in a variety of patterns and colors, both which are certain to warm up your kitchen. As far as upkeep is concerned, wood countertops need to be oiled every few months to keep their surfaces sealed and maintain the richness of their grain.
As always, you've gotta take into consideration the installation skills involved when pricing out countertops. With wood being a less popular choice, you'll be faced with specialized labor skills which drive up costs in relation to fabrication and installation professionals. Is it worth it? If your budget allows for it, yes! Just take a look at how unique and sophisticated this exotic wood countertop looks in a modern kitchen, especially with a super chunky profile. Most exotic hardwood countertop companies, on average, create custom wood counters to up to 18 feet in length, 3 feet in width, and 1 1/2" or 1 3/8" in thickness. Going larger is definitely an option; however, that usually means a lot more time, and again, extra cost.
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| A few popular exotic woods available for countertops include tiger wood, rose wood, river redgum, jarrah, brushbox, rosewood, and Tasmanian blackwood. The look seen here is most likely tiger wood. |
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| Another big part of wood countertops is edge finish. Super chunky and thick is a great option for those with contemporary taste; bull nose and beveled edges add a traditional look. The island here appears to be some sort of custom, tiered edge which is transitional, it can go either way. |
Here's a more affordable option for wood countertops, the butcher block look. Many manufacturers stock these in specific sizes. Check out NUMERAR from IKEA, it's certain to keep more cash in your wallet while your friends and neighbors talk about how much money they THINK you spent.
by Chris Johnson
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And now we turn to stainless steel countertops. First up, the good: Overall, they're super durable. Everyday countertop wear and tear such as hot pans, acidic spills and/or oily spills are no match for stainless steel. Plus, due to single-piece fabrication, are no seams to hold bacteria-inducing food pieces or germs. Just keep 'em properly cleaned and there won't be any rust, corrosion or stains to put up with.
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| Next, the not-so-great stuff to know about stainless steel countertops: They can show temporary fingerprints and water drops, and they can be scratched. But tiny scratches tend to become less noticeable over time and appear to simply be a part of the stainless steel look. |
Take a look at this hot momma! Sleek, modern and totally stainless. For dry cleaning, all you have to do is wipe down the countertop with a microfiber cloth. For wet cleaning, a soft cloth and some dish soap is all you'll need. For tougher cleaning, a mild abrasive can be used. Simply rinse the surface, then dry it with a clean, soft, dry towel. Home improvement stores carry stainless steel cleaners ideal for removing fingerprints and smudges. Touch up minor scratching with a nylon scouring pad pushed back and forth slowly in the same direction as the grain.
More:
10 Alternatives to Granite Countertops
Alternatives to Granite, Part II
Alternatives to Granite, Part III
More:
10 Alternatives to Granite Countertops
Alternatives to Granite, Part II
Alternatives to Granite, Part III
Ideabook published on Feb. 27, 2011.
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thank you for using 2 of my designs in your Ideas book ,As a designer its great when fellow designers appreciate your work.
I have done some projects in the States and really enjoy working up there.
Please have a look a my website www.malcorboy.com as i will be featuring a couple of projects shortly that wont be on houzz.
Regards
Mal Corboy
I love the look of the stainless but you are scaring me off with the whole fingerprints and scratch thing. What about wood and scratching? Wouldn't it be just as bad if not worse?
(Just considering either for island only).