A wooden countertop is not just for the kitchen. Where and how else can it be used? Which types of wood are best suited? And how to protect the wooden surface from damage?
Suitable for any interior and will always be relevant. In this article, we will tell you how to use natural materials and a wooden countertop in the interior of the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and other rooms.
Is it worth choosing a countertop made of wood: pros and cons Although different types of wood have individual characteristics, there are also common points.
Pros Ecological compatibility. Natural, natural material. It is safe and harmless. Does not emit harmful substances. Universality. Such furniture can harmoniously fit into any style of interior: from classic to loft and brutalism. Topicality. Wooden details in the interior never go out of fashion. This means that the furniture will look stylish today, in a year, and in 5 years. Reliability. A quality product made of suitable material will last for many years. And scratches and scuffs will only add texture. Repairability. A product made of natural material can be repaired. Sometimes, without even disassembling the furniture.
Cons Any wooden surfaces require care. Even at the manufacturing stage, they are treated with special compounds that protect against pests, microorganisms, water, and humidity. After installation, the coating should be renewed regularly. Direct contact with water can lead to damage and deformation. To prevent this from happening, special compositions are used. High price. Furniture made of natural material will cost more than most of its “artificial” competitors. Wood is a fairly soft material. Therefore, it is easy to damage. For example, a sharp object, like a knife. And although we have already said that small scratches and scuffs only decorate such a surface, this does not apply to serious, deep damage. In addition, they will require repairs. For washing and cleaning, not all household chemicals are suitable. It is better to use gentle compositions. Free of abrasive particles and aggressive elements.
What modern wooden countertops are made of? Most often they are made of so-called furniture panels. And the shields, in turn, consist of strips – small wooden planks. They are connected to each other by the adhesive method. Now about the suitable wood types. Experts say that deciduous are more stable and durable than conifers. However, the needles better tolerate high humidity and direct water ingress.
Which tree is considered the best for a countertop? Oak. Very durable, hardy, not afraid of water and humidity, or mechanical damage. Ash. Solid, and durable, it is almost not afraid of damage. But long contact with water can damage it. In this case, a short-term ingress of water will endure well. Larch. Strong enough, but still softer than deciduous analogs, but resistant to moisture. Beech. It is characterized by fairly high strength. But he does not make friends with water, it treats high humidity badly. Pine. Soft, it is easy to mechanically damage. But it tolerates the effects of humidity well.
What materials are used for countertops made of artificial wood? If for some reason a product made of natural material does not suit you, it can be replaced with an artificial analog. What are countertops made of?
What materials are used for countertops made of artificial wood? If for some reason a product made of natural material does not suit you, it can be replaced with an artificial analog. What are countertops made of?
CHIPBOARD. The most budget option. Chipboard is a laminated particleboard. This is an inexpensive material that is actively used for the production of furniture, including kitchens and bathrooms. Chipboard is often decorated with the wood of different, including valuable, species. But in the composition of this material, there are formaldehyde resins: they glue the chips. Therefore, you need to choose a chipboard of a certain safety class. MDF. It costs a little more. Fiberboard is also made of chips. But glue it with natural or synthetic resins. Therefore, such material is considered more environmentally friendly. In addition, MDF is more resistant to moisture and direct contact with water.