How to cover a wooden countertop in the kitchen
Choosing a kitchen set, the consumer is faced with the question of choosing a surface for the work area, i.e. countertops. This surface is subjected to colossal loads and strength tests every day. However, you cannot do without it.
A large number of people give their preference to wood. Natural, warm, durable and textured material will not leave anyone indifferent. However, there are a number of nuances due to certain operating rules that you definitely need to know and remember when buying.
Feature of wood countertop
Wood is an excellent material from which furniture is made. Inexperienced and little knowledgeable people in this matter are worried about the possibility of the appearance of fungus, mold, cracked varnish. Professionals think differently. In their opinion, a wooden countertop is no worse than the same analogs made of artificial stone, for example.
Applying the necessary and proper care, the tree will delight the eye for a very long time. There are practically no materials used in the kitchen that would be weakly subject to wear and tear. The peculiarity of the tree is that it can age beautifully. In order to save money, only the surface of the working area can be made from a natural component, which will go well with individual decorative elements.
How to cover the countertop
Having decided on the material, you need to understand that only natural wood will be the optimal surface for the table. In no case is veneer, MDF or particleboard used. Particular attention is paid to the age of the tree, its place of growth, storage conditions.
It is important to know that the glued wooden surface will be the most resilient and flexible than it is, but from solid wood. Of no less importance is the breed of raw materials. Care methods must necessarily include treatment with special protective equipment. What is the table covered with? It can be varnish, wax or oil.
Practicality or durability
In order not to be mistaken in the choice, you should keep in mind some features of the tree species. Harder ones like oak or beech will last longer. However, their cost is much higher.
From democratic, pine, birch, ash or larch are perfect. Speaking about the latter, a number of advantages should be noted. Its surface is quite dense and resistant to various kinds of damage. The presence of gum in the composition prevents the growth of fungi and mold, as well as rot, which is very important, given where it will be used. Larch is also capable of absorbing or giving off excess moisture.
Oil, wax or varnish
Eliminating the harmful effects of water, temperature, acid and alkali will help to extend the life of a wooden countertop.Here the question immediately arises of how to cover the wooden countertop so that it will serve for a long time.
Of the available, processing by the following means is suitable:
- butter;
- wax;
- varnish.
Surface treatment with oil, or rather its impregnation, is the best way to protect wood products. It provides a kind of barrier that repels water from the surface. The oil absorbed into the top layer of the wood will prevent it from getting wet on contact with water. Oil formulations are not washed off, but require periodic use. At the moment, you can pick up various compositions that are suitable in color.
Wax is a natural and environmentally friendly material. Its effect is similar to that of oil. But the wax coating, in addition to protecting against water, also protects against minor mechanical influences (scuffs and scratches). However, there are also downsides. The wax coating thinns quickly and needs to be refreshed and polished more often than an oily coating. Before that, the old layer is cleaned.
The use of varnish for wood worktops is a radical way. It protects wood from water, minor mechanical damage, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, while the structure of the tree itself does not change. The color of the surface remains the same, and there is a natural exchange of moisture, preventing the appearance of fungi and mold.
Also, this coating protects against temperature effects, without delamination or cracking. To remove the varnish, the countertop will have to be scraped.
Coating process
Correct processing of a wooden surface is the key to its long service. This is especially true for kitchen countertops. In addition to choosing the right treatment agent, it is also important to properly prepare the surface, apply protection and dry. The following describes the process of how to coat surfaces using the example of oil formulations.
Wood surface preparation
The first step will be to clean the countertop from all kinds of dirt and greasy traces. Then it is dried.
On a note! The moisture content of the tree must be no more than 12% according to DIN EN 13183-2.
In order for the oil to lay down well and be absorbed, the wood is sanded, starting with coarser abrasives, gradually moving to finer ones. Also, after each abrasive, the coating is cleaned. It may be necessary to putty on it, removing deeper scratches. A special wax-based restoration kit is ideal.
Preparation of funds
The main thing to look for when choosing a coating is its quality. A good protective agent will prevent the wooden surface from mechanical damage and moisture, and will give a shiny new look.
The remedy must also be prepared. Before processing the wooden countertop in the kitchen, the composition must be thoroughly mixed for 5 minutes.
Application
The composition is applied with a brush or cloth, and the latter should not leave pile on the surface. It will take about 12 hours for the first coat to dry. Then you can apply the next one, and so on. The number of layers will directly depend on what the process of applying the product is. Using a brush, two treatments are sufficient, fabric coating will require up to 4 coats.
When the product is well absorbed, the entire area to be treated is thoroughly wiped with a soft and clean cloth.
Drying
Drying times vary from a few hours to a few days. Natural oils or blends containing acrylics require a longer drying time. They can also increase strength gradually. It is important not to use a freshly processed countertop for a while.
Pros and cons of wood surfaces
Wood can be called the best material for making kitchen furniture. But, as in everything and everywhere there are advantages and disadvantages. The first include:
- environmental friendliness;
- good thermal insulation;
- natural appearance;
- variety of forms;
- variety of colors, shades;
- ease of restoration work.
To the second:
- fast pollution;
- possible fire;
- exposure to mechanical stress;
- quite high cost.
Don't be afraid to use wood in your kitchen. This is a good solution for modern headsets.
Countertop care
Proper care will prolong the life of your wooden countertop. However, during the preparation of a culinary masterpiece, and even more than one, the surface can be exposed to all sorts of influences, from scratches with a knife, hot dishes, ending with spilled water or a fallen frying pan.
Observance of the following rules will help to save money and nerves:
- using cutting boards rather than table surfaces;
- it is better to use special coasters for hot dishes on the work surface;
- lack of prolonged exposure to water;
- cleaning the countertop with soft brushes and sponges to avoid damage;
- removal of various stains with a soft cloth and neutral product without abrasives;
- timely sanding of small scratches and stains that cannot be removed with a fine abrasive cloth;
- the use of a special polish for wood;
- maintenance of the wooden countertop should be daily and regular.
Observing the rules of caring for wooden surfaces, you can enjoy the beauty, warmth and comfort in the kitchen for a long time.
Summarizing the above, we can highlight the following: a wooden countertop is an excellent solution for a working area in the kitchen; the correct choice of wood, careful attitude, proper care and timely treatment with protective agents, and, if necessary, restoration will help preserve the natural beauty and durability of the tree.
Video: how to cover the kitchen countertop
