There is no doubt that a wooden worktop can be the heart of a stunning kitchen. Deciding on the specifics of a wooden worktop, however, can be a daunting experience. Types of wood, edging profiles, cut outs and kitchen layout all make a complex jigsaw puzzle that can leave you feeling a little overwhelmed.
When it comes to the purely physical manufacturing level though, you’ll be glad to know that the choice is a lot simpler. In hardwood worktops you can choose from butcher’s block or a fullstave worktop (narrow or full width). They each have their uses, along with their pros and cons, and once you know them your choice might not seem so difficult after all.
Butcher’s Block Worktops
Made from small blocks off wood that are often offcuts from other products. Each of these pieces will be the same width but their length will differ,giving the classic butchers block pattern. They are glued together to make the required shape.
Depending on the grain and colour of the wood that is used, the pattern can stand out or meld together. Lighter grained woods like maple will make a less standout pattern than a wood with widely differing grain patterns.
Since butchers block is often made of offcuts it is the lowest cost option for a hardwood worktop. The pattern will not suit every kitchen style and does not show off the natural beauty and warmth of wood. Despite this however, it remains a popular choice for those on a budget.
Narrow Width Full StaveWorktops
Here long strips of differing grained wood are used in long runs. Since they have to be cut to length and require a better quality board these tops will be more expensive than butcher’s blocks. They therefore offer the perfect compromise between quality and cost. Since the grain patterns are mis-matched this type of counter top does not offer a premium look but can look great in narrow runs where there is a main surface like stone or marble to offer a counterpoint.
Full Width Full StaveWorktops
Here the entire board is cut so that the maximum amount of useable wood results. This type of worktop will show off the beauty of the chosen timber and creates a premium looking worktop. Because of the quality of the boards and the need for good timber, full stave worktops are the most expensive type of worktop; more so if in exotic hardwoods. Look for a manufacturer that hand matches boards so that that luxurious run of timber is even easier on the eye.
Wood makes a fantastic surface for kitchen worktops and if you’ve decided on wood for your own kitchen then the time it takes to understand all the options is time well spent. While it may be tempting to bring down the cost by selecting a cheaper worktop, the finished effect of a full stave worktop is often more than worth the extra spend.
About the Author: Jon Buck is managing director at Bordercraft, a family owned business that has been producing fine hardwood furniture from their workshops in the Welsh borders since 1972. All of the timbers they use are sourced from sustainable managed forests and everything they sell is made by their experienced craftsmen in the UK. You can connect with Bordercraft on Facebook.
