Timber worksurface in a kitchen..good or bad idea?

Question

I have to choose between a granite or timber worksurface in my kitchen. I want a country/rustic style and prefer the look of the timber countertops. Does anyone have any advice on which is the better of the two and why?? Thank you!

Answer 1

You can fit wood but it requires more attention and looking after and must be fitted with floating/sliding brackets - to allow for expansion - if you don't fit these it will warp and you will have no redress against the supplier - granite is hard wearing and easy to look after

Answer 2

You will have to keep the timber treated so it won't absorb bacteria and stains, that can be a pain. Granite will make it a more modern country/rustic, but still a natural stone so it should fit in nicely. Also the granite will be a better selling point if you ever get to there.

Answer 3

I would think your maintenance with a timber surface would be astronomical. Granite is so much easier. Your kitchen can take on a rustic look by your choices in cabinetry and other details. Take a look through kitchen magazines....the feel of the decor in the rooms doesn't come from the countertops first.

Answer 4

timber also holds bacteria and is very difficult to clean. Bleach is the best sanitizer but will damage the wood. Granite is good, exspensive to fix and will change color if grease comes in contact with it for any length of time. Try concrete well sealed or formica. These can come in a variety of styles and colors.

Answer 5

the wood is a big no no, it will take alot of looking after and will provide a nice home for some really nasty germs, granite is a good idea low maintinance but wont give you the rustic look, you can go for a good quality wood effect formica one. it will look the part and also be more hygienic.

if you have your heart set one the natural timber may i suggest some toughened glass inlays for areas that food will be prepared,

its actually quite easy to do any probs give me a shout.

Answer 6

Timber is too darn porous and grainy for suitable kitchen countertops.
Go with granite, perhaps with some decorative wooden framing, if you must include it.
NO professional or commercial kitchens use wood prep surfaces-they are hard to clean and harbor dangerous bacteria/viri in their porous surfaces.
Use wooden accents and decorations to satisfy your preference towards things of lumber, but don't try to use it for countertops that food'll be prepared on. Non-porous surfaces like granite, stainless steel, glazed ceramic tile or manmade countertops of materiels like melamine are far better suited for your kitchen.

Answer 7

granite is much more hygenic , but is high maintainance. i have a mottled blue granite top and have to constantly have some kitchen towel near by to wipe up splashes of water from our tap, as you get water marks if left for too long.and it drives me mad when you put a cup or glass down on it and it leaves a ring mark where the cup has been a little wet. i think i'd go for a high quality laminate next time!!

Answer 8

Go for Granite, because timber worksurfaces tend to store foodstuffs iin its wood grain, after a while your worksurfaces would have enough bacteria to wipe out your whole household.

Answer 9

If you have to find nice ideas for woodworking i can suggest you to check here http://woodworking.toptips.org
It's perfect if you are just starting out or if you're a seasoned carpenter. you will like it for sure !
It has almost 20.000 woodworking plans and you have a CAD/DWG software to view and edit the plans. You have step-by-step instructions with photos and high quality blueprints and schematics. If you are a beginner this is the easiest way to start your woodworking projects, and if you already have experience you can anyway find a lot of interesting ideas!

Answer 10

Just had a new kitchen fitted and was advised not to have granite worktops as they mark very easily as does wooden tops. Went for laminate in the end, seems to be very hard wearing, and gives you a large choice of designs.