Choosing solid wood worktops can be confusing, even when you've already decided they're what you want in the kitchen. Our quick guide will explain what's available, how to care for them, and the differences in manufacture.

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Mixing wood worktops with other materials is a popular
option
Solid Wood Worktops
Do you love kitchens that ooze rustic
charm, or yearn for clean contemporary
lines? Whatever your choice the unique
quality of solid wood worktops will
enhance your kitchen for years to
come. The range of different
hardwoods is as numerous as trees in
the forest, but here’s our quick guide to
help you make an informed decision.
Types of Wood
Oak: The majority of our Clients choose European or American oak for their bespoke
kitchen. Both oaks are a lovely light honey colour; the European oaks are slightly
darker and American oaks have a more open grain.
Beech: A slightly darker wood than oak, but still with a rich caramel hue and a very even
grain for a smooth-looking surface.
Iroko: A durable and popular African wood that mellows to a rich bronze colour.
Walnut: With colour variations ranging from dark to milk chocolate, the tight grain of
walnut makes it an ideal choice for worktops. Black American walnut, as the name
suggests, is a darker wood that matures almost to black over time.

2. Maple: A blonde wood that matures gradually to softer honey tones. This wood is
regaining popularity after falling out of fashion in recent years.
Bamboo: Slightly different in construction to other wood worktops, bamboo is one of
the most sustainable materials as it is more resistant to water than many woods. It’s
naturally straw coloured, maturing to soft gold tones.
Wenge: Another dense African timber that’s a rich, dark brown. Said to be 50% more
dense than oak, it’s also been called the granite of woods.
Care and Maintenance
Wood worktops have a warm, organic feel that puts heart into a family kitchen, and you
can retain their good looks with minimum regular maintenance. Sealing worktops with a
lacquer is one option, but the hard shiny finish defeats the object of having a natural
wood. A better option is to apply oil to your worktops on a regular basis and enjoy the
lovely patina that develops with age.
How Often Should You Oil?
Over time, wood dries out and gets thirsty. Giving it a rub with oil on a regular basis will
keep it hydrated and sealed against spills. This is particularly important around the sink.
A general rule of thumb is oil when water droplets stop beading on the surface.
We recommend oiling solid wood worktop at least twice a year, although some clients
find it so therapeutic and rewarding that they repeat the exercise even more frequently.
Protecting Wood Surfaces
Moisture and heat barriers are fitted beneath the worktops to prevent damage from
appliances placed directly below.
Wood worktops might burn, dent and scratch, so take care when cooking, chopping or
using liquids. A few metals also react to some woods causing a stain, so it’s never a
good idea to leave metal objects standing in one place for extended periods.
Getting into good habits with wood worktops soon becomes second nature. How fussy
you need be depends on whether you see the odd dent as part of the charm or whether
you want your worktops to stay pristine.
Styles and Manufacture
Variations in manufacture determine how the worktop looks.

3. Thin stave wood worktops
Full stave wood worktops
Thin Stave: Thin stave worktops are
created by pressure bonding narrow
strips of wood together. The strips
are typically around 4cm wide, and
create a surface that’s clearly made
up of lots of narrow lengths of wood.
Full Stave: the wood blocks are
typically around 40- to 50cm wide and
run the length of the worktop. Fewer
joins give a more seamless
appearance.
You can also have a mixture of both
narrow and wide blocks. These create
a less uniform surface which many
people find look more natural.
Standard Worktop Sizes and Costs
Depth: Approx. 650mm from the wall to the front edge
Thickness: Approx. 26mm to 40mm. 40mm is more often the norm
Length: Between 1m and 3m for standard worktop blanks
Because bespoke kitchens are never standard, many factors determine the final cost.
Some of those factors involve:
Your choice of wood
The manufacturing process

4. The length, depth and thickness
Special finishes such as end panels or edge profiles
So many variables means that the price of beech worktop for example could be any sum
between £90 and £600 so it’s always best to discuss more exact requirements with your
kitchen designer.
Other Options
Mixing solid wood worktops with those in other materials, such as granite, works well.
Taking this mixed option means you can have a more durable work surface where it’s
needed, but still have the warmth of wood in the kitchen.
If you need any help or advice in choosing wood worktops, just contact us and we’ll be
delighted to answer your questions.