- According to the Guide 4 Home website, there are three types of wood countertops, oiled wood planks, lacquered wood and butcher block. Oiled wood planks are created by gluing several planks together to create a striped surface. These countertops are oiled and shiny. Lacquered wood surfaces are not durable and prone to knife cuts and damage caused by heat and pressure. Butcher block countertops, on the other hand, are an excellent choice, especially if you use the countertop for cutting.
Butcher block top is not made of one wooden block. It is created by a series of end-grain wood segments that are glued together. According to the Bob Vila website, hard maple and red oak are known for their rich tight-grained surfaces and are good choices for DIY countertops. They are easily available unlike exotic woods used by countertop manufacturers. - While you are installing a kitchen countertop, it is essential to follow the installation instructions carefully; otherwise, you could end up damaging the top and losing the warranty. One important factor to remember is that wood is affected by temperature variation; therefore, place it in a humid-free area with an approximately 50 percent humidity level. While installing, put the top in the place and prevent movement by applying a bead of silicon (acid-free) to the upper and lower edges of the top.
Overtime, wood tends to change color and crack due to loss of moisture. For prolonging its life, apply a wood finish. You can use mineral oil for finishing. This not only enhances the aesthetic beauty of the wood, but it also protects the wooden countertop from excess moisture. Apply a thick layer of oil on the countertop monthly. - Wood is extremely sensitive to kitchen appliances that produce heat. If you have to heat-producing appliances, such as dishwasher or built-in oven beneath your wooden countertop, you must place a aluminum foil membrane on the underside of the countertop. Aluminum foil prevents heat and moisture; consequently preventing the wood from cracking. You can glue it to make sure it stays in place.
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