real solid worktops worth paying more for?

kymrob

is real solid worktops worth paying more for?
was going to have beech laminated but worried what it will look like at the join as i have l shape kitchen!
been told wood looks and last does it?
want a beech butcher type any help?

Doozergirl

I had real wooden worktops and wouldn't do it again. They take some looking after, need sealing constantly or they go black where water hits it or if you leave something damp on the surface.

You have to be prepared for them to age and gain 'character' which is why I think they still work in a cottagey style kitchen.

My sisiter in law has wood now and we told her not to do it. Lo and behold the area around the sink is going black despite the fact that it was sealed beautifully to start off with. It's imperative that you wipe and dry off any sitting water on the tops.

Laminate or granite for me!

gazza975526570

Id agree with Dozergirl.

It looks great at the start but over time it can look messy if not properly looked after.

Not worth the extra cost IMHO

caileag

I inherited a 12 year old Poggenpohl kitchen, complete with solid wood worktops when I bought a house a couple of years back. As people have said, the wood does gain "character", and you have to wipe up splashes of water or they might mark. However, the worktops (and cabinets, actually) look way better than I would expect for their age. Previous kitchens looked tired after 6 years but, after a good oiling, the worktop is good as new, and repels water easily. I also don't have to worry about chips or dents, like with laminate.

I would happily go for wood again - the extra effort needed to oil it once or twice a year is worth it for the good looks!

Canucklehead

Good evening: Another vote for wood...ongoing care and maintenance will prevent any damage to the surface...this holds for all kitchen components. My OH has been amazed over the years working as a plumber/CORGI at the high end of the market in London by the state of customers' kitchens :it only takes a moment to wipe up spills, food, cat hair/ heavily used kitty litter etc.:eek:

HTH

Canucklehead

jennifernil

We have solid beech tops in our 20 year old kitchen and they still look good. Similar style to Ikea, but better quality. I like them. You do need to wipe up water, and oil occasionally, but they are pretty forgiving.

kymrob

oh so confussed thanks for coments hubby got heart set on them! will have to have a think
i am have cream units with beech floor with the beech worktop hopefully will look nice as i have table and chairs to match! oh putting a new kitchen in isn't as exciting as i thought too much choice!!

jennifernil

I would certainly have them again. They are easy to join too, so ideal in your shape of kitchen. We actually have a U-shape, so 2 joins. I am soon going to redo my utility room and plan to get the beech tops in there too.

If you need a longer length, as I will, the Ikea ones are no use, but there are several other reasonable suppliers. Danish oil is the best stuff to use on them I think, gives a lovely finish. Rub on sparingly with a rag, several light coats are best.

If it starts to look dry then just rub in another coat. To bring up like new after several years sand down and refinish. Remember to treat the underside before installation to prevent bowing, and finish edges on cut outs well.

They can shrink in width back to front quite a bit, so let new tops acclimatise to your house before installing. We went for the 625/650 mm width so we had plenty to cover any non-integrated appliances.

ukwoody

If you go for solid wood worktops you NEED to keep them well oiled. Also where you have washing machine or especially dishwasher you need to put vapour barrier paper/membrane underneath the top. Follow the instructions carefully and you will need to give them at least three coats of oil before they can be fiited. Some manufacturers insist on 5 coats to validate their warrenty.

have fitted several. Looks nice, but I personally couldn't be bothered to look after them that way (but thats me! LOL). They are also expensive by comparison.

Oh yes, jenny above makes a very good point. Do let them aclimatise first. really important that!
Woody