WOODEN WORKTOPS The pros and cons of this classic work surface

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WOODEN WORKTOPS

Poppy’s choice: WOODEN WORKTOPS

They look charming but are they practical? Here’s the pros and cons…

Kind on crockery and warm to touch, there’s a lot to love about wooden worktops. Buying sustainably sourced timber –ask for FSC accreditation –also makes wood an eco-friendly option.

Which variety of timber

should I choose? Hardwood –the most commonly available are oak, ash, walnut, cherry and maple, which all boast good stability and tightly knit grains. Iroko is also widely used in kitchens as it has a high level of natural oil, so is particularly suitable in wet areas.

Should I go for multi

stave or full-stave? Wooden worktops are generally sold in multi-stave format, whereby small sections (staves) of solid wood are jointed together to provide extra strength

BEST FOR…

VALUE BUYS Wickes’ timber worktops start at £110 for a 3m length for Scandi-style light beech or oak. For a luxe look, go for the darker and thicker worktops in walnut and ash, from £560 for a 3m length.

GREAT CHOICE Worktop Express supply an extensive range of timbers at competitive prices, including more unusual varieties such as iroko, wenge and zebrano. Try before you buy with its sample service.

BESPOKE OPTIONS Bordercraft offers worktops in a choice of thicknesses from 30-80mm with every order made unique to specification. Details such as knife slots, contrast inlays and upstands are available. and rigidity. Bigger staves allow you to appreciate more of the timber’s colour and grain. Smaller staves are usually cheaper, as they are made from offcuts. Full stave is when the sections of timber are jointed width-ways only and each stave runs the full length of the worktop. The most costly option is wide-plank with 8-12cm wide staves.

What about care? Use Danish or Tung oil to oil the wood on all sides before installation. Then re-oil once a week for the first six weeks, then every three months. A well-oiled worktop will have a slight sheen and spilt water will ‘bead’ on the surface. When spills lie in flat puddles, it’s time to re-oil.

Will it stay looking nice? The great news is that any scratches or stains can be sanded out. Start with 100 grit sandpaper, building up to 150 grit –but no finer otherwise oil won’t penetrate properly. An inset sink, with built-in drainer, will also help protect the timber from direct contact with water and you should use a trivet for hot pans.

And to clean it? Warm water and washing up liquid is perfect. Avoid any abrasive and chemicalfilled products and wire scouring pads as they can damage the surface.

‘ THE END-GRAIN OF WORKTOPS IS MOST AT RISK OF ABSORBING WATER SO APPLY EXTRA COATS OF OIL AROUND TAPS AND SINK CUT-OUTS ’

3 ofthe best RUSTIC-LOOK WORKTOPS

FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON, LISA FAZZANI GO FAUX Kabsa matt wood block effect laminate post-formed worktop, from £68 for a 3m length, B&Q

ON THE BLOCK Skogsa oak veneer worktop, from £200 for a 2.46m length, Ikea

STRIPPED BACK Walnut worktop, from £450 for a 4m length including fitting, Wren