wooden kitchen worktops - good or bad idea?

pokey128

Hi
I am thinking of getting wooden worktops for my new kitchen (the units will be white).
What are peoples experiences of these - are they a good idea or not or does it make a difference?

Also, aesthetically what do you think? And what colour should I paint the walls and tiles??

Thanks

xx

jennifernil

We have wooden tops, beech block, and do not find them a lot of bother to maintain. But there are others who will say otherwise.

We have Junkers tops, now 21 years in place. Treated with Danish oil. We have refinished them 3 times in that time. We like them.

We also have 1 IKEA beech block top, it is doing OK too. Do not use the Ikea finish however, only the Danish Oil.

nickj_2

as long as you keep them well oiled you should have no problems with them

wallbash

pokey128 wish I could afford wooden worktops , always think they look wonderful
You can keep granite !

23rdspiral

i've a duck egg blue wooden kitchen with oak colour stained pine worksurface. walls are painted buttermilk. floor is oak pattern vynal (warmer than laminate and the best option for my victorian terrace - much cheeper than laying new boards).
the worksurface was only £200 for over 4 meters, so was very cheep! we expected to replace it in a few years, but it doesnt need it!
i always use chopping boards. i brush it to remove crumbs ect and only use products as needed. i danish oil it every now and then. it still looks great - apart from where hubby scrubbed a wet bit but he's learnt!

the whole kitchen was made to my design by a local carpenter and was cheeper than MFI, BnQ or Ikea. and i still love it!

Howdens

White Units and a Beech top.... Try a Jade or Sage Green wall.
Keeps things looking minty and clean

pokey128

Thanks all! The ones I was looking at were these from ebay so it won't break the bank http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370117183797! Where do I get Danish oil from?

I like Howdens idea of a sage colour! Off to look at paints tomorrow!

jennifernil

Get your Danish Oil from Screwfix or Toolstation if you have them nearby. DIY stores have it too, but are more expensive.
That place you are looking at on E Bay seems to sell it too.

Fitting tips........tops will shrink most in depth back to front, allow to acclimatise before fitting.
Oil underside well before fitting, also all cut/cutout edges must be well sealed/oiled, especially at sinks.

jockster211

The beechblock type worktops generally need 4 coats of danish oil, both sides, with a light sanding in between, prior to fitting. Your maintenance routine will depend on how much care you take - clean up spillages quickly, do not allow water to 'pool' for any length of time, don't leave tin cans on the worktop as they may stain the wood, etc, etc. For danish oil try rustins, but there are many other good brands out there, available from your local joinery supplier (eg Howdens).


When looked after & maintained they are a beautiful finish.

Jockster

pokey128

Thanks for all your advice? How long should they be left before fitting then -they are coming on saturday and am wanting them fitted towards the end of next week - is that reasonable?

23rdspiral

oh, they're lovely worktops! you could go for a warm cream colour or that sage idea is reall nice... humm... next time...