Wood worktops are a great addition to any kitchen. Once thought of as the worktop of choice for country-style kitchens, in recent years, wood worktops have really come into their own and are stylish additions to all different types of kitchen, from modern, state of the art to traditional. So, if you’ve decided that a wood worktop is the best option for your project, how should you go about making sure you make the right choice?
Our guide about what to look out for should help:
Species
The species of worktop you choose is arguably one of the most important selections you’re likely to make. At Wood and Beyond, we have a great range of wood species, that we believe represent the ‘best of breed’ when it comes to wood worktops. Each species has its own characteristics and here’s an idea of what each has to offer:
Oak
Abundantly available, oak enjoys attractive grain markings, great strength and hardness as well as being an affordable option. Oak wood comes in a range of natural colourings from light to dark as well as a range of grades from prime to rustic. As well as looking good, oak is particularly hardwearing and with the right care and attention will look good for many, many years.
American Walnut
American walnut, as the name suggests hails from America. Found in North America, American walnut is often referred to as Black, or North American walnut. This species of wood ranges in colour from tan to almost black. With a tendency to lighten slightly over time, the heartwood of the American walnut tree starts off a very dark brown and takes on a more golden tone with time. It is this developing nature of American walnut worktops that makes such a particularly appealing option.
European Walnut
Recognised as one of Europe’s finest timbers, European walnut grows in England, France and Italy, as well as some other European countries. Normally greyish brown in colour, with a particularly appealing, almost smoky look to it, the grain of this wood is normally slightly wavy, making it a really attractive worktop option.
Iroko
Looking very like teak, iroko has an irregular grain and a coarse texture. It starts its life a bright yellow colour, but mellows over time to a medium golden brown. Iroko is a really durable wood and is particularly resistant to environmental challenges such as moisture and temperature changes. These characteristics, along with its toughness, density and durability make it the ideal worktop choice.
Size
The size of worktop you need will affect not only the price, but the options that are available to you. The standard width of worktops is 620mm, but 650mm and 750mm are also popular sizes because they allow machines to fit comfortably underneath, with a neat overlap. In fact, there is even now a 950mm option, which is great if you’re looking for lots of extra space to create your culinary delights. When it comes to worktop lengths, you’re typically looking at 2 or 3 meters, which means that in most kitchens you can benefit from a wood worktop that isn’t spoiled by a join.
Colour
Colour is likely to be one of the driving forces when it comes to making sure you choose the right worktop. With colours ranging from almost white (typically oak) to almost black (typically teak), you really are guaranteed to find the exact look you’re after. When it comes to choosing the right colour for your project it often pays off to be creative; breaking the rules can make a huge impact!
Thickness
At Wood and Beyond, our worktop thicknesses range from 20mm to 40mm, which we believe gives you the flexibility to choose the right thickness to suit your budget and your kitchen’s requirements. If you fancy a really chunky, pricey look, then clearly a 40mm worktop is hard to beat, but if you’re looking for a nice, budget finish over cabinets, our 20mm option is perfect.
Full stave or small stave
Full stave worktops are made up of cleverly constructed planks of wood that are combined to enable each plank to run the full length of your worktop. This style of worktop gives a nice, clean line and shows off the wood to its best. The alternative to full stave is small stave, which means that the worktop is made up of small staves or pieces of wood that are combined to make up the bigger board.
Optional extras
When you choose your worktop, it’s a good idea to choose a supplier that will customize, or personalize the worktop to suit your requirements. Such things as cutting to size, profile edging, pre-oiling, the cutting of tap holes and drainage grooves as well as hot rods installation can add really appealing features to even a basic worktop. Availing of this service will also save you time and make the installation process easier and stress free.
Price
Like most things in life, worktop prices range from the ridiculous to the sublime. At Wood and Beyond, on the day of writing this article, our cheapest worktop option is just under £100 and our most expensive is £470 (both prices are ex VAT). So as you can see, prices really are broad ranging. The most important thing to bear in mind when comparing prices is that you’re comparing like with like.
Comparison side by side
| Species | Origin | Colour | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak | Various | Range from light to dark | Abundant, attractive grain markings, strong, hard, affordable, range of colour and grade options, hardwearing. |
| American Walnut | North America | Ranges from tan to almost black | Develops a more golden tone with time. |
| European Walnut | Europe (England, France, Italy, etc.) | Normally greyish brown | Recognized as one of Europe’s finest timbers, creates a smoky look with slightly wavy grain. |
| Iroko | Unknown | Starts bright yellow and mellows to a medium golden brown | Durable, resistant to environmental challenges such as moisture and temperature changes, looks like teak. |
If you’re thinking of a wood worktop for your kitchen, why not get in touch? We’d love to hear from you and to help you make the right decision.
FAQ
1. What are the distinct characteristics of Oak, American Walnut, European Walnut, and Iroko worktops?
Oak is abundant, has attractive grain markings, is strong and hard, and is an affordable choice. American Walnut ranges from tan to almost black in colour, with the heartwood developing a more golden tone over time. European Walnut is often greyish-brown and has a slightly wavy grain, giving it a unique, smoky look. Iroko starts off as a bright yellow colour, maturing to a medium golden brown over time and is particularly resistant to environmental changes like moisture and temperature variations.
2. What are the standard and alternative dimensions for kitchen worktops?
The standard width for kitchen worktops is 620mm. However, widths of 650mm and 750mm are also available to accommodate various kitchen appliances. There is even a 950mm width option for those needing extra space. The typical lengths for these worktops are 2 or 3 meters.
3. How does the colour variation affect the selection of different wood worktops?
The colour of the wood worktop can significantly influence the aesthetic of your kitchen. For example, Oak typically provides a lighter tone, while Teak can offer an almost black hue. It’s crucial to consider the overall colour scheme of your kitchen when selecting your worktop.
4. What is the thickness range of the wood worktops, and how does it impact their appearance and functionality?
Wood worktops at Wood and Beyond range from 20mm to 40mm in thickness. The 40mm thickness offers a chunky, premium look, while the 20mm option provides a neat finish over cabinets and is a budget-friendly choice.
5. What are the technical enhancements that can be incorporated into the wood worktops?
Optional enhancements to consider include precise cutting to size, profile edging, pre-oiling, cutting of tap holes and drainage grooves, and installation of hot rods. These features can add functionality and aesthetic appeal to even a basic worktop.