Deciding between laminate and solid wood worktops isn’t always as easy as it may seem. It’s accepted that laminate worktops are (generally speaking) significantly cheaper than solid wood worktops. That said, with the right looking after, solid wood worktops are likely to last significantly longer than even good quality laminate worktops, so how do you choose between the two?
Solid wood worktops are made, as the name suggests, from solid wood and nothing else. Typically made from woods such as: oak, iroko, walnut, bamboo or limba, solid wood worktops are attractive, hardwearing and completely natural. Laminate worktops on the other hand are made from synthetic materials which are made to look like either solid wood, stone or granite. Laminate worktops, although normally significantly cheaper than solid wood, stone or granite options are less likely to stand the test of time than the “real thing”.
Whether you choose laminate or solid wood worktops will depend on a few key things:
- Your budget
- Your desire and ability to maintain your worktop
- How long you’d like your worktop to last
When you fit a solid wood worktop you need to make sure it is well oiled and treated prior to using it. If you don’t invest the necessary time preparing your worktop, you will come up against problems in the future. Generally speaking, solid wood worktops are supplied untreated and need to be oiled on each of their sides (including edges and undersides) prior to fitting. You need to be careful, when oiling, to pay particular attention to any areas which may be exposed to the risk of water damage, such as areas around taps or near draining boards.
Once installed and treated, solid wood worktops should be re-treated, and rubbed down if necessary, every 6 months or so to keep them in top-notch condition. This ability to sand, re-treat and re-finish your solid wood worktop will keep it looking great for longer.
When you fit a laminate worktop, there is no need for either initial or ongoing treatment, which makes this a particularly attractive option for people looking for a low maintenance worktop solution. That said, if you choose laminate worktops they will only look brand new once in their life and that’s when they’re brand new!
So, at the end of the day, the decision about what type of worktop you choose will depend on a host of factors, but one thing you can be sure about is that solid wood worktops will give you a long-lasting and stylish kitchen solution.
How The Two Compare
| Feature | Solid Wood Worktops | Laminate Worktops |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Made from solid wood such as oak, iroko, walnut, bamboo or limba. | Made from synthetic materials, designed to mimic solid wood, stone, or granite. |
| Cost | Generally more expensive than laminate worktops. | Typically cheaper than solid wood worktops. |
| Durability | Likely to last significantly longer with the right care and maintenance. | Less likely to stand the test of time as compared to solid wood. |
| Maintenance | Requires oiling and treating prior to use. Must be re-treated and possibly sanded every 6 months. | No initial or ongoing treatment necessary, making it a low maintenance option. |
| Appearance over time | Can be kept looking great for longer with regular maintenance. | Will only look brand new once, when initially installed. |
| Longevity | Can last a significant amount of time if properly maintained. | Might not last as long as solid wood due to material and wear. |
| Best For | People with higher budget, desire for natural materials, and ability to maintain the worktop. | People looking for a cost-effective, low maintenance worktop solution. |
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FAQ
What is the difference between solid wood worktops and laminate worktops?
Solid wood worktops are made from solid wood and nothing else, using woods such as oak, iroko, walnut, bamboo or limba. They are attractive, hardwearing and completely natural. Laminate worktops are made from synthetic materials designed to look like either solid wood, stone or granite.
How does the cost of solid wood worktops compare to laminate worktops?
Generally, laminate worktops are significantly cheaper than solid wood worktops. However, solid wood worktops, with the right maintenance, can last significantly longer than even good quality laminate worktops.
What kind of maintenance do solid wood worktops require?
Solid wood worktops need to be well oiled and treated prior to use. They should be re-treated, and rubbed down if necessary, every 6 months or so to keep them in top-notch condition.
Do laminate worktops require any maintenance?
Laminate worktops do not need any initial or ongoing treatment, which makes them a particularly attractive option for people looking for a low maintenance worktop solution.
Which worktop type should I choose?
The decision between laminate or solid wood worktops depends on your budget, your desire and ability to maintain your worktop, and how long you’d like your worktop to last. Solid wood worktops offer a long-lasting and stylish kitchen solution, while laminate worktops are a cost-effective, low maintenance option.