Spotlight: Wood Countertops

Last time we discussed countertop design ideas for your kitchen remodel, touching lightly on a few of the best materials and style options, with a focus on country appeal. This month, the professionals at Jack Rosen would like to go a step further and put the spotlight on one of our favorite material options: wood.

Wood may well be the most versatile and functional of all countertop materials. It comes in a variety of colors, can be easily shaped into gorgeous designs, and provides exceptional function. Wood is an exciting option, creating some of the most beautiful and unique designs we’ve handled!

Function or Fashion?

To put things simply, countertops are designed generally one of two ways. One is for function, boasting hearty woods designed to support the chopping, cutting and preparation that comes with culinary arts. The other is a countertop designed more for an aesthetic purpose, which usually is created in a way that displays the beauty of the wood and its craftsmanship.

In essence, either option can provide a gorgeous, functional wood countertop for your kitchen remodel. Many homeowners opt for a combination of the two types, utilizing “prep” areas with heartier countertops, and “display” that are primarily for showcasing.

On top of this, some people pick a wooden countertop because they can cut and install the top themselves. This isn’t always possible for the much more delicate and hard to cut materials like marble. All they have to do is work out whether to use a jigsaw or circular saw for the precise cutting then sand it down to smooth out the edges. Choosing a good varnish that will protect the wood is vital too so they’ve got to think about that too.

Choosing Your Wood Countertops

The type of wood you choose is a decision that both affects the function and aesthetic of your kitchen space. These are a few of our personal favorites:

• Maple. Particularly Hard Maple (sometimes called Sugar or Rock Maple); this wood choice lends a handsome, rugged appeal that is lauded for its durability and resistance. Maple makes for an excellent butcher-block style countertop that can last for generations.
• Black Walnut. One of the most sought after wooden countertops in the industry, Black Walnut has earned its place of prestige for boasting great strength and rich, warm tones. It can be found in a few hues, including a honeyish cream, to a near black.
• Cherry. An American classic, Cherry is regularly used in furniture and countertops for its sophisticated, luxurious reddish color that deepens with age.
• Bamboo. Once used primarily for cutting boards, Bamboo has rocketed in popularity over recent years. It boasts a simple, rugged appeal that is friendly with many design options. Bamboo is also very easy to maintain, cleans well, and is environmentally friendly (due to a very fast renewal rate of the plant).

Gorgeous Wood Countertops for Your Kitchen Remodel in Olney

The options in choosing the wood, style and function of your countertops are nearly limitless. These are a few of our favorite ideas, but to create the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of, another option may appeal. Our experts at Jack Rosen would love nothing more than to assist you in creating the kitchen of your dreams. And for more tips, ideas and information, keep an eye on our blog in the future.