Solid kitchen worktops are a great idea if style and practicality are high on your agenda. An area of the home that clearly has to be clean and hygienic at all times, when you change your kitchen worktops you need to feel confident that you’ve made the right decision for the short, medium and long term. In this article, we’ll compare 5 solid kitchen worktops to show you how you could create a real impact in your kitchen imaginatively and stylishly, yet without blowing your budget unnecessarily.
Worktops, splash backs, islands and more
All of the options we’ll speak about in this article are perfectly suited to busy domestic kitchens and can be cleverly combined with other materials such as marble or stainless steel to great effect. No matter whether you’re looking to re-fit your kitchen worktops alone or you are aiming to create a statement piece, each of these materials will serve you well. Use them as splash backs or to create stunning islands and breakfast bars that will take your family from sunset to sunrise and you can be sure you’ll really create an impact.
Solid kitchen worktops at a glance
| Material | Price | Colour | Block | Solid stave | Eco-friendliness? |
| Oak | Low to medium | Light-dark | y | y | Medium |
| Walnut | Medium to high | Dark | y | y | Medium |
| Beech | Low | Light | y | y | Medium |
| Iroko | Medium | Medium/golden | y | y | Medium |
| Bamboo | Medium | Light-dark | y | n | High |
Solid Oak Kitchen Worktops
Oak is arguably one of the best known hardwoods in the UK. Not only is it a really popular choice for kitchen worktops, but it’s also a really good choice. Packed with natural charm, oak comes in a range of natural colours and is often treated to make it darker for anyone who is seeking to make an impact with a dark finish. Known for its incredible strength and hardness, you won’t be disappointed when you choose oak for a solid worktop in any busy kitchen. What’s more, available in a range of grades as well as in butcher block and single stave options, there truly is something for everyone.
Here are just a couple of examples from either end of the budget range:
Bargain basement: This premium oak worktop is 25mm thick and comes in lengths of 3000mm and 620 width. With its warm honey tones, it would tie in perfectly as an accompaniment to either traditional or modern units.
Top of the range: This full stave rustic oak worktop is a stunning 38mm thick, 750mm wide and 3000mm long. Full stave means that the worktop has been created from one single piece of wood. Full stave truly is luxury personified, and this particular example is wide enough to get even the biggest of machines tucked away nicely and thick enough to put up with the toughest of challenges.
Solid Walnut Kitchen Worktops
No matter whether you choose American or European walnut for your solid kitchen worktop, you won’t be disappointed. A tree that grows particularly slowly, walnut is renowned for being less hard than oak, but nonetheless makes a great kitchen companion. With a tendency towards dark colouration, walnut is immediately recognisable and is highly popular with lovers of its almost purple colouration.
Bargain basement: This . This tiger walnut is a great option if you want a walnut solution but don’t want to fork out a fortune in the process. Its lovely, interesting, almost stripy effect will make a big statement in any kitchen.
Top of the range: At £1085.99, this full stave premium American black walnut worktop isn’t in everyone’s reach. But at 38mm thick, 900mm wide and 3600mm long, you get a whole lot of top quality wood for your investment. Dark, solid and classy; what more can we say?
Solid Beech Kitchen Worktops
Known for its extremely prominent grain, beech worktops are affordable and durable, but aren’t for everyone. Commonly found in general DIY stores, beech worktops are easily accessible and are great for budget kitchen installations.
Solid Iroko Kitchen Worktops
Iroko is often compared to teak because of its look and its characteristic irregular grain and course texture. It’s naturally yellow in colour, but becomes golden brown over time. A highly durable wood, it is tough enough to stand up to what even the busiest kitchen will throw at it.
Bargain basement: This premium iroko worktop is 2000mm long, 620mm wide and 38mm thick, making it a really chunky kitchen option. Again a light honey colour, this premium worktop is a great solution if you’re looking for medium price and top quality. Currently on offer at 25%, it’s no surprise that it’s flying off the shelves.
Top of the range: This extra wide premium iroko worktop is again 38mm thick, but it’s 3m long and 930mm wide, making it perfect for an island or a breakfast bar. Slighly darker in colour than the previous option, this solution is top of the range because it’s a particularly wide option. Use it as an island or bar, the choice is yours.
Solid Bamboo Kitchen Worktops
A fast growing grass, bamboo is considered by many to be more like wood than grass. An eco-friendly solution, bamboo comes naturally in a light colour, but with treatment takes on a much darker tone. Bamboo worktops tend to have either a horizontal or vertical formation depending on how the worktop has been constructed during production.
Your Solid Kitchen Options Compared
| Material | Price Range | Color | Block | Solid Stave | Eco-friendliness | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak | Low to medium | Light to dark | Yes | Yes | Medium | Known for its natural charm and strength, oak comes in a range of natural colours and can be treated for a darker finish. Available in different grades, butcher block and single stave options. |
| Walnut | Medium to high | Dark | Yes | Yes | Medium | Walnut grows slowly and is less hard than oak but is still a strong option. Known for its dark, almost purple, coloration. Available in different varieties such as American or European. |
| Beech | Low | Light | Yes | Yes | Medium | Known for its prominent grain, beech worktops are affordable and durable. Commonly found in general DIY stores and are great for budget kitchen installations. |
| Iroko | Medium | Medium/golden | Yes | Yes | Medium | Often compared to teak, Iroko has an irregular grain and coarse texture. Naturally yellow in color, but becomes golden brown over time. It’s a highly durable wood. |
| Bamboo | Medium | Light to dark | Yes | No | High | Considered more like wood than grass, bamboo is an eco-friendly solution. Naturally light in color, but with treatment, it takes on a darker tone. Available in horizontal or vertical formations. |
If you’re on the lookout for a solid kitchen worktop and could do with some help, why not get in touch? At Wood and Beyond, we’ll do all we can to make sure that the decisions you make are right for your particular project and that you choose a worktop solution that will serve you well for years and years to come.
—
FAQ
What are the benefits of solid kitchen worktops?
Solid kitchen worktops are not only stylish but also practical. They are durable and able to withstand the high usage of a busy kitchen, and their range of materials and finishes means they can cater to a variety of tastes and budgets.
What types of solid kitchen worktops are available?
There are various types of solid kitchen worktops available including oak, walnut, beech, iroko, and bamboo. Each material has unique characteristics that make them desirable. For instance, oak is known for its natural charm and strength, while bamboo is a more eco-friendly option.
Can solid kitchen worktops fit within my budget?
Yes, solid kitchen worktops come in a variety of price ranges to fit different budgets. Oak and beech are typically more affordable, whereas walnut and iroko are mid to high range in price. Bamboo is a mid-range, eco-friendly choice.
How eco-friendly are solid kitchen worktops?
Solid kitchen worktops can be eco-friendly depending on the material chosen. Bamboo is considered an eco-friendly choice due to its fast growth rate and minimal impact on the environment. Oak, walnut, beech, and iroko also offer moderate eco-friendliness.
How can solid kitchen worktops enhance the aesthetic of my kitchen?
Solid kitchen worktops can significantly enhance the aesthetic of a kitchen by serving as striking focal points. They can be used in various applications including splash backs, islands, and breakfast bars. The range of natural colours and textures from different materials can contribute to the overall design and impact of your kitchen space.