Types Of Wooden Worktops
The worktops you choose for you’re kitchen deserve a lot of thought because they are not easy to change. If you choose a certain style or color of appliance then, in reality, you can change it out after a year or two but the countertops are usually something you live with. Believe me, if you don’t like your worktops you will never feel comfortable in your kitchen.
There are four basic styles of wood worktops to choose from. The first is the classic butcher block. When this top is constructed the pieces of wood are cut short and stood up on end. They are then glued to each other which allows the end of the wood pieces to actually be the top of the countertop. This give a very good cutting surface because the knife can actually cut slightly into the surface which keeps its edge sharp.
The second type is called the plank or wide face. The boards are laid side by side with the edges glued together. A standard plank surface is made from boards which are 3” to 5” in width. But there are new methods which allow for a wider board. These wide plank worktops are comprised of boards which are 4” to 8”. This gives a more solid look.
The third construction method is to lay the boards face to face which means the edges of the pieces now comprise the surface. This is called edge grain and allows the natural grain patterns of the wood to show through. This is very popular as you can actually count the grains in the wood and each one represents one year of growth for the tree.
Lastly, the solid wood kitchen worktop can be a compilation of the first three types. It is very popular to construct the worktop with the plank face and then use a butcher block look around the edges. This gives a very nice finished look to the piece.