Wonderful Wood Countertops for Kitchen and Bath
Yes, you can enjoy beautifully warm wood counters near water sans worry (almost), with the right type of wood and sealer
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Do you think wood counters in the bathroom or kitchen and kids don't mix? Well, it ain't necessarily so. I decided to do some research on what people with wood countertops really think about their care and maintenance. I went to several discussion threads on multiple websites and read through all the comments. Of the people who have had wood countertops in a kitchen or bathroom, around 90 percent of the comments I read were positive, and many of those commenters have kids of every age. It was surprising, given how many folks are afraid to put wood in a kitchen or bath. In reading through all of these people's comments on their personal experiences I found two common things that contributed to success or failure:
- The kind of sealer used
- The type of wood and the quality of construction
by thejoinery.com
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I wanted expert info about wood counters around sinks, so I talked to the folks at The Joinery, a Portland, Oregon, company that's been hand-crafting fine wood furniture, cabinetry and countertops for 30 years.
The beautiful countertop in this photo is made from edge-grain cherry and is finished with The Joinery's custom blend of tung oil, linseed oil, citrus and beeswax. The craftspeople there used to use Landark natural oil finish until that company relocated; now they make their own blend. Although this finish requires you to wipe up water promptly, here's a link to videos that show that the finish is easy to repair. You use the same process to repair a water ring as you use for a heat ring.
The Joinery can make your countertops from many types of wood, but its butcher block tops are generally FSC-certified cherry or locally harvested madrone. Edge grain is not quite as hard as end grain, so it's a little more susceptible to dents. Although a natural oil finish requires more upkeep, it gives you a natural wood look and is easier to repair.
The beautiful countertop in this photo is made from edge-grain cherry and is finished with The Joinery's custom blend of tung oil, linseed oil, citrus and beeswax. The craftspeople there used to use Landark natural oil finish until that company relocated; now they make their own blend. Although this finish requires you to wipe up water promptly, here's a link to videos that show that the finish is easy to repair. You use the same process to repair a water ring as you use for a heat ring.
The Joinery can make your countertops from many types of wood, but its butcher block tops are generally FSC-certified cherry or locally harvested madrone. Edge grain is not quite as hard as end grain, so it's a little more susceptible to dents. Although a natural oil finish requires more upkeep, it gives you a natural wood look and is easier to repair.
by robert kelly
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If you have children and would like to have wood without worries about damage, why not go for wood that already has plenty of "damage" already? Reclaimed wood like this large piece of timber already has gouges, spots, marks and stains, so new ones are of little consequence. But there is another great idea in this photo. The sink is positively enormous, allowing up to three children to wash up at the same time. The back of the sink forms a seamless backsplash, with soap dishes attached. Such a large sink keeps splashes contained, and the placement of the soap completely within the sink means no dripping on the counter as you reach back and forth between faucet and soap.
Architect Rob Kelley of Piedmont, California, who designed this bathroom, uses different finishes depending on the client's desired level of maintenance. For this client, he used a beeswax, lemon oil and mineral oil combination from Natchez Solutions. This type of finish resists water quite well, although you do need to dry the counter rather than let water stand to avoid any spots. But here, the look of the rustic, reclaimed timber and the big sink minimizes this concern.
The species of wood also makes a big difference, Kelley says. He said that redwood, yellow cedar, mahogany, white oak and teak are all naturally more resistant to water, and these are readily available on the West Coast of the U.S., where he works.
Architect Rob Kelley of Piedmont, California, who designed this bathroom, uses different finishes depending on the client's desired level of maintenance. For this client, he used a beeswax, lemon oil and mineral oil combination from Natchez Solutions. This type of finish resists water quite well, although you do need to dry the counter rather than let water stand to avoid any spots. But here, the look of the rustic, reclaimed timber and the big sink minimizes this concern.
The species of wood also makes a big difference, Kelley says. He said that redwood, yellow cedar, mahogany, white oak and teak are all naturally more resistant to water, and these are readily available on the West Coast of the U.S., where he works.
If you're looking for the most carefree wood countertop, wood that has been treated with a waterproof varnish is the way to go. This gorgeous integrated sink and countertop is by Ammonitum, a manufacturer of luxury wood sinks, bathtubs and vanities. The company seals its wood bath furniture with 10 layers of waterproof varnish, a precise and lengthy process that results in a glassy, smooth finish requiring no special care. Just clean up toothpaste and soap with a damp cloth (don't use abrasive cleaners). Lemon juice, red wine, oil and many other items do not affect the varnish. See the tests performed on their varnished wood.
Most of the time, your wood countertops are just that — countertops. You should use a cutting board to protect your wood countertop or you'll end up with cut marks all over it. But if you want the warmth of wood and the functionality of a commercial food prep area, then consider a large butcher block as a portion of your countertop.
Tip: If you'd like to chop your vegetables directly on your counterop, use mineral oil, which is safe for food. Olive oil or corn oil on your countertop can become rancid.
Tip: If you'd like to chop your vegetables directly on your counterop, use mineral oil, which is safe for food. Olive oil or corn oil on your countertop can become rancid.
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by RemodelWest
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| If you want to try your hand at making and finishing a wood countertop yourself rather than ordering a fully finished product, Waterlox is the sealer and finish that comes up repeatedly. The company offers more than one product, and a combination of its sealer and high-gloss coating can create a finish durable enough to be used as a bar top. While I was visiting The Joinery, I was showed a piece of wood treated with Waterlox in a satin finish. One of the employees keeps it on her desk and uses it as a coaster for her coffee cup. It was in perfect condition, with no stains or water spots. Although Waterlox is not currently offered as a prefinished option, the craftspeople at The Joinery will make an unfinished countertop for you and you can finish it yourself. |
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In this sleek, streamlined bathroom the large, wide sink completely covers the countertop from back to front, making it impossible to drip water on the counter in front of or behind the sink. If a shelf were mounted above the sink to hold the soap, then you wouldn't care about dripping water as you reached for that either. When you design a space with wood countertops, try to arrange your sink and soap so that all of your dripping goes into the sink instead of on the counter. You'll do a lot less wiping up.
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| In this kitchen, the undermount farmhouse sink allows you to wipe water straight into the sink. Undermount sinks make it far less likely that you'll allow water to stand on the counter. Wall-mounted faucets also give you an entirely clear countertop, making it easier to give the area a quick wipe-down. |
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If you would like wood around your counter but are not convinced a wood countertop is for you, then what about a wood shelf on the wall above? You still get the look — safely out of the drip zone.
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| Consider going part stone and part wood, creating warmth where everyone hangs out while having stone around the business end of the kitchen. You'll still need to seal properly since people will set their drinks down here, but wood makes the breakfast bar a more comfortable place to rest your arms. |
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by robert kelly
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| Architect Rob Kelley placed this wood counter on cabinetry away from the sink and had it finished with two coats of polyurethane floor varnish in a satin finish. |
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I love this wide wooden sink bowl with flattened ends that provide a little counter space. It is a similar idea to a photo earlier in this story, in that it makes use of a reclaimed item. The patina of age makes the surface more forgiving. Be sure to thoroughly treat holes drilled for drains or faucets with your sealer, and caulk to keep water from seeping into the edge of the wood.
What do you think? Have I tempted you to try a wood countertop or sink in your kitchen or bath?
What do you think? Have I tempted you to try a wood countertop or sink in your kitchen or bath?
Ideabook updated on Aug. 14, 2012.
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Michelle -- I would never have pegged that counter at 30 years old. There's definitely something to be said for having a large, functional work surface with no need for extra cutting boards. Not everyone would use their wood counter as the actual cutting spot, but for those who do, I can certainly see the ease and convenience! Thank you for sharing the photo.
Here is one I used on a center island, done in solid Iroko (African Teak)
Bobbi P -- I think this is one of my favorite examples of a combination of wood and stone for a counter. But then I am very partial to curves and I love the single height instead of raising the breakfast bar area. My best answer to your question is that we cannot see the whole kitchen. It wouldn't surprise me if to the right of the sink there is other cabinetry that does the same thing so that the lowered soffit is only above the sink. I'm just guessing as there is only one other photo of this kitchen and it also faces this general direction.
hometipster -- Me too.
Becky -- Thanks so much. High praise coming from you. Do you know what your wood is reclaimed from? And yes, I love the live edge counter. I think they are so beautiful. I think it would be my first choice to put in my own home.
Kuche+Cucina -- Thank you for sharing the pics. Absolutely gorgeous. The Iroko is especially rich looking.
jillandmatt -- Thank you for sharing your photo. That looks really beautiful. What did you seal it with? An oil finish or a varnish? How do you find the upkeep?
Denise Grothouse
http://www.glumber.com/
Denise Grothouse
http://www.glumber.com
Denise Grothouse
http://www.glumber.com
Denise Grothouse
http://www.glumber.com/
Grothouse Lumber Company -- Thank you so much for all the great photos and the finish information. Great ideas and some really beautiful counters. Those installed trivet bars are so cool. Just love those!
katlanier -- The reclaimed barnwood is an interesting wood to use. The reclaimed wood adds such tactile interest. Nice pic.
Gail Carver -- interesting to think that the bamboo would be comparable to laminate and good to know. Sounds like it served you well until you could go for the granite you wanted without looking like a temporary measure.
claudiae -- I bet the 10 coats will help that butcher block perform well for you. Good diy solution.
Edwards Custom Homes -- That is such a beautiful edge on the wood. Unusual too. Although some have a decorative edge like this, it is far more common to see a straight edge on them. The Howard's feed & wax is a good tip. Thank you for sharing it.
kimmasterbath -- What a great idea. If anyone knows how to seal wood, it would be a boat maker. I bet that sapele wood is just beautiful.
annylynn -- Use trivets. You can keep a piece of stone on your counter near the stove. Some people actually inset trivets into the wood that sit a little higher than the wood. Many countertop materials cannot handle hot pans -- Corian and laminate are two just right off the top of my head.
albertd -- Unless you are chopping vege's right on the countertop, the finishes aren't affecting your food anymore than a sealed wood dining table does. The inset butcher block might be more up your alley in a food safe mineral oil. But wood countertops are not for everybody. Viva la difference!
laninaazul -- the small area of stainless for the coffee area sounds like a good idea. Ya just gotta have a spot for coffee!
pursue -- Again, I am just blown away by the wood counters that are 30 to 40+ years old and still going strong. Just try to get that out of a laminate. The drainboard is a good idea. One of the keys to success in using wood in a wet zone is to control the water in the first place so that standing water is eliminated or at least minimized.
Timber bench tops deserve the best..............they deserve OSMO.
I am not picky about how the wood will look. I want countertops that I can cut all over on. I think it will make our kitchen look vintage, even though it will be new. Anyone out there have wood counter tops around the sink who might support me on this? Pros and Cons please!
ittybittykitty -- Not counting the responses from builders or interior designers, but just the homeowners, it looks like we have 9 responses from people who are living with wood countertops around a sink and so far none of them have said there are any issues for them. Just the one response saying the area around their coffee maker has stained. How many more do we need to get to convince your husband? In my opinion, the contractor doesn't get a say in this. You're the one who will live with it and who knows what you want. I think your idea to have an undermounted sink with wall mounted faucets is very good. You might also like to make that a farmhouse sink like in the 7th photo by Buckenmeier Architecture. It will fit your vintage look and give you one less place to drip water. In my experience, that spot right in front of the sink gets the most water as you pull wet hands back toward you and they drip on that spot. I hope you get your way. Good luck!
karenvs -- I don't know of any way to directly message a Houzz user. Thank goodness, or we would all be getting spam! Anyway, some readers have alerts set so that they see when additional comments have been added to an ideabook they have commented upon. Post your question here and hopefully jillandmatt will see it and respond. Worth a try.
I think what Pangaea has said is correct.
There are many timber tops that I have made and installed that have undermount sinks or apron sinks and the water has had no affect. The only thing is we all the tops we have done we have used Osmo Oil. It is a natural oil and the info about it can be found on my website www.highlandstimbercoating.com.au . It is a microporus oil and is extrememly water resistant. Particularly if you use the Osmo Wood Protector as the first sealer. If you want to know more just flick me an email at info@hitico.com.au .
Just saw your post about a question. I'm not sure if it's a good idea to put my email here but I'd be happy to answer any question I can. I will check back here to see if you've posted your question. :)
Thanks for responding, your kitchen looks very much like the one we're renovating, though the appliance placement - sink, dishwasher, range is reversed. How big is the island & does it have an eating bar? And what are the dimensions of the kitchen wall to wall? We too are planning on a wood top for the island, did you purchase it at a big box store? Your help is greatly appreciated!
The top dimensions are 36"x78". There is a seating area on one side. I will post more pictures later today. I will have to measure the kitchen later as well. I'm thinking the kitchen wall to wall width is a little under 14 feet.
Happy to help!
Jill
I also had wood countertops in that kitchen - maple butcher block sealed with occasional coats of mineral or tung oil. Wood kitchen counters can be amazing - I even got pomegranates all over the wood and within the week the "stains" had disappeared! I thought using wood would be challenging but it only requires a slight shift in thinking and use.
Open Architecture Workshop -- Thank you for sharing your experience and details on wood countertops. Amazing that those pomegranate stains just faded out. Also appreciate the photo. Looks like it was a very nice vanity.
Too often I see lovely images here, with questions posted.......and the original soul who posted the image (often a designer/architect, oddly enough), never seems to bother checking and/or replying, which rather defeats the exercise, IMO.
The house we bought last year has a butcher block island with a round stainless steel over mount sink in it. The wood around the sink had been pretty severely water damaged. I'm not sure how to repair this short of removing the sink and sanding the counter. I treat with mineral oil regularly, but that doesn't repair the damage. Also, this particular sink & faucet combo seems to splash a lot of water out of the sink area onto the wood. We always clean it up, but it is excessive. Not sure if the sink isn't deep enough, the faucet is too high (it's good for filling pots!), the overall sink diameter is too small, or what. I've been holding off on fixing this because I'm a bit uncertain about what the best fix actually is in this situation. Suggestions?
Alder, not end-grain, but a nice thick laminate wood with several coats of Waterlox on it.
I had a maple BB in my last house and miss it greatly. When I remodel again, there is no doubt it will include a big prep area again!
Becky Sue Becker, CMKBD, CAPS
I have done applications with sinks in wood island tops and the secret to succes is maintenance. Water breaks down finishes, whether it be a top with an oiled finish (that you can cut on) or a waterlox top coat.
Id be happy to help supply if you live in the Southeast.
The price of a wood countertop can vary. It depends on what wood you would like, the dimensions of the wood counter, the edge treatment you want for the countertop, the wood finish, etc. All of these factors are custom to every job that Grothouse crafts, which causes the price to vary so much. You can get an estimate for a wood countertop on our website, http://www.glumber.com/request-a-quote/
P.S. We ship worldwide in 2-3 weeks and we have a comprehensive lifetime warranty!
http://www.cookercentre.com/spillers-kitchens/articles/worktops/spekva-wood-worktops