Wood countertops remain a popular choice at this online store for many homeowners. Wood provides a natural charm that will instantly improve the look of any kitchen or bath. But there are also many disadvantages to wood countertops. Here’s an overview of wood countertops and the pros and cons to help you weigh them for application in your next remodeling or construction project.
Wood is one of the most durable and beautiful materials you can install in a kitchen. There’s just something about the warmth and glow of natural wood, even in the most challenging of climates. One disadvantage to using wood counters is that they’re not always easy to keep clean. Here’s a look at how some types of wood and methods of cleaning them may affect your renovation.
Hardwood wood countertops are easy to maintain. You can use regular house cleaners or even specialty cleaners made for wood. Some wood surfaces simply need a wiping with a damp cloth to get them clean and maintain their appearance. Scrubbing a wooden countertop will occasionally release a sticky film that makes it difficult to access the wood underneath.
Using a wood-approved disinfectant or sanitizer on your counter tops will help keep bacteria and germs from growing on them. Be sure to choose a wood cleanser specifically made for woods like oak, maple, cherry, birch, beech, mahogany, pecan, plum, walnut, tamarindo, pear, plum, and rose woods. Some popular disinfectants you might find at home improvement stores include chlorine bleach (such as Simple Green), borax, liquid detergent, white vinegar, or even cornstarch. When cleaning, thoroughly rinse off any cleansers and sweep or vacuum any spills or stains away.
One of the biggest disadvantages of wood countertops is their high maintenance. Wood is susceptible to scratches, stains, and damages. They cannot be polished like other materials. In order to prevent or repair damaged areas, homeowners must either replace the entire piece or take the necessary precautions to prevent further damage. The cost of refinishing a damaged section of countertop can be enormous, so it’s important to do as much maintenance as possible in order to prevent further wear. While it can be a great way to save money during the initial installation, wood countertops require high maintenance to protect against potential damage.
One major disadvantage of wood countertops is that they do not allow for the graining and dulling effects associated with acidic kitchen flooring. These etches are caused by foods such as garlic and wine, which are inevitably spilled on a countertop. This type of damage requires special cleaners and polishes that counteract the etching. In addition, wood is porous and can absorb liquids that could stain it. This type of stain should be cleaned immediately, and it’s important to dry the area completely before applying another coat. It’s also a good idea to place a glass mat on the countertop to catch spills.
Wood countertops require a lot of attention to prevent damage and stains. Spills and stains are a serious concern for this type of surface, so it’s a good idea to use household cleaners designed specifically for household surfaces. Bathroom and kitchen cleaners aren’t generally well-known for their effectiveness on wood surfaces, but there are cleaners that are specially designed for the material. These products can also provide assistance for removing stubborn stains. Using household cleaners shouldn’t cause any problems with your wood countertops, but if you have any questions about how to use the cleaner, it might be a good idea to contact a home improvement specialist. If you do experience a problem with the cleaner, it’s usually a good idea to contact a professional before the situation becomes worse.
One of the most common benefits of wood countertops is the fact that they’re naturally antibacterial. Wood is porous and many microbes thrive in its environment, so keeping the countertop clean and clear is important to preventing illness. Vinegar is one of the oldest and most trusted disinfectants for wood countertops, although some homeowners prefer not to use this substance because of its “carbolic” content. Some homeowners however, find that vinegar’s antibacterial properties provide enough benefit to be an effective disinfectant for their entire countertop material. Regardless of which method of cleaning or disinfecting you prefer, using household cleaners designed for countertop materials can provide many benefits to your kitchen or bath.