An extremely popular option as a worktop in the kitchen is solid wood. Often called a “work surface” these are made from hardwearing hardwoods that have been allowed to grow slowly before harvested for this use. Contrary to softwoods, hardwoods represent a group of timber species that grow slowly in various elements and in all weather. This makes the wood extremely strong and suitable for the challenging environment within a typical kitchen.

Common Solid Woods:

There are a number of species that are commonly used as worktops. Only a handful are made from hardwood and only a handful offer both attractive markings and practical durability. These include the following species.

Oak – Oak is used freely in many aspects of furnishing from flooring to timber construction and worktops. Its biggest attraction is its affordability, which is directly linked to where the tree is harvested. Oak can flourish in different environments and is found anywhere from North America to the tropics.

Walnut – Walnut often starts life as one colour and quickly changes to another. By the time the worktop is fitted, it resembles a chocolate like colour. While the tree is still immensely popular, it is slightly dearer. Its price tag originates from the lengthier process of making the worktop and the time it takes the tree to mature.

Iroko – Also referred to as teak or African Teak to be precise, Iroko is by far the stronger of the solid wood kitchen worktops we have listed so far. In fact, the wood is often used as decking (exposed to the elements all year long) and in boat building where it adds to the structural integrity of the boat.

How To Maintain Solid Wood:

Expected durability is only accurate when you care for the wood in the right manner. Bear in mind that it is a natural material that is exposed to damp, wet and varied conditions, a type of surroundings that wood should ‘normally’ be excluded from. Here are a few tips that will help.

• Prior to fitting the wood, ensure it was oiled or oil it yourself
• Never drag heavy objects on the surface and when placing hot items use an insulating stand
• Every three months re-oil the worktop
• Quickly fix dents by spraying water over the dent, cover with a damp cloth and iron the dent out
• Always (and as quickly as you can) drain standing liquids
• Clean stains using wood cleaner if a damp cloth is ineffective

A solid worktop is a lovely addition to your kitchen. Enjoy it.