Glossy tile, beautiful artificial stone, impact-resistant glass, silver stainless steel - what kind of material are modern kitchen countertops made from? However, despite high humidity and temperature fluctuations, many traditionally prefer wood. Let's try to figure out why a wooden countertop is good for the kitchen and whether it is possible to make it yourself.
Wood and its substitutes, particle boards and fiberboards, are ideal for the production of modern kitchen furniture. Soft, pliable, sensitive to high humidity, the material after special treatment becomes quite strong, wear-resistant and stable. At the same time, he retains his attractive appearance: a beautiful natural pattern cannot be confused with anything.
Admirers of environmental cleanliness in the interior can afford a tabletop made of whole piece wood, but we must not forget that solid oak, ash, cherry or walnut is much more expensive than practical particle boards. If you are not short on money, pay attention to species such as iroko or wenge - the treated surface will have excellent functional and aesthetic characteristics.
Timeless magnificent oak
When ordering a kitchen, “wooden” usually means any products related to wood in one way or another. In fact, manufacturers offer furniture from the following materials:
- Chipboard, laminated chipboard, MDF, fiberboard - boards containing shavings or wood fibers, bonded with natural or synthetic glue;
- veneer – decorative sheets made of wood no thicker than 10 mm (usually from 3 mm to 5 mm), which are glued to external surfaces;
- solid wood - pieces of solid wood that are most suitable for processing, but are highly expensive.
Sometimes professionals use interesting technology: glue several sheets of different breeds and get a workpiece that surpasses even solid wood in terms of ductility and strength.
MDF finishing, skillfully imitating reed
To make furniture yourself, it is better to use carpentry or furniture board, since inexpensive wood will also work for its assembly, and the processing process is somewhat simplified.
DIY wooden tabletop
We offer a simple option for making your own kitchen countertops from wood, or rather, from a special blank, which is called a carpentry board. It can be replaced with solid wood (in this case, you should focus on durable but easy-to-process species, such as walnut).
Preparation of materials and tools
There is no need to rush into choosing wood, since the behavior and “life” of the product depend on its characteristics. Soft rocks are generally not suitable for creating a working surface on which they will constantly be cutting, pounding, and beating. It is better to choose hardwood blanks, which include cherry, oak, sweet cherry, and teak.
Wood is a living, elastic material that easily changes shape along with changes in air parameters. Indoors with high level humidity, which is the kitchen, the fibers quickly absorb moisture and swell, as a result of which the product is deformed. To prevent this from happening, you will need treatment with special natural or chemical compounds. They will impregnate upper layer boards and increase moisture resistance.
Exists easy option production of furniture parts - order by custom sizes. You need to make the calculations yourself (or better yet, call a specialist) and take them to the furniture manufacturing company. There on milling and jointing machines Within 1-2 days, the necessary elements will be cut out, which will remain to be assembled and processed at home. Or do everything yourself, but it will take more time.
So, if you decide to make a tabletop from boards or furniture board, you will need the following tool:
- jointer;
- hacksaw;
- drill;
- cutter;
- thicknesser;
- sandpaper;
- marking tool - pencil, tape measure, square;
- antiseptic impregnation;
- wood glue;
- LKM – paint or varnish.
The main parts will be well dried wooden boards, and nails and screws will act as fasteners. It is better to select elements that are the same size.
Assembling the base - joinery panel
Processing of boards must be done in 2 stages - before assembly and after it.
The work plan looks like this:
- level the surface of unplaned boards with a plane or jointer;
- sand the surface of each part with sandpaper;
- treat all sides, including grooves, with an antiseptic;
- assemble the parts into one canvas;
- cut holes for the stove, sink, pipes, etc.;
- install the shield in place;
- treat again with impregnation or stain;
- cover with varnish or paint.
Now in more detail.
If you have taken up the task of processing furniture yourself, then most likely you have experience working with a plane. The grinding technique also does not raise any questions, so we will focus on antiseptics. IN construction stores There are many types sold, but we need a solution for interior work.
Range of antiseptics Senezh Aquadecor
Great option– interior wood protective oil NEOMID. The natural oils that make up it protect against moisture and ultraviolet radiation, prevent the appearance of mold, and make the wood grain more expressive. Aquatex primer has similar properties.
Connecting parts can be done in two ways:
- edge gluing;
- tongue-and-groove technology;
- edge-groove method.
The first method is simple to implement, but not reliable.
Design for gluing wood panels
If gluing of several small elements is required, it is better to replace it with the second solution. But the most effective is the third method, well known to everyone who has ever assembled lining.
The lining initially has cutouts along the edges for joining using the edge-groove technique
Another name for this method is tongue-and-groove. If it is difficult to make straight edges at home, you need to contact a service center where they will process the boards milling machine. Most cheap way– treat thick plywood or MDF sheets. If they are thin (12-14mm), the grooves and edges will also be thin.
Great build result
A rougher tongue-and-groove joint can be used, but it is more appropriate for the setting country house or terraces. After joining with simultaneous gluing, it is necessary to cover the entire canvas with impregnation or universal decorative varnish.
Covering and nuances of its manufacture
To hide unsightly edges with visible joint areas, it is necessary to make a lining - a thin protective edge made of wooden blocks. This is a variant of veneering, but made using a rougher technique. The bars are not glued or welded using a technical hair dryer, but are seated using the “edge-groove” technology, as when connecting parts of a product.
Framing bars before installation
The lining must be harder than the base, so you can use blanks from a different breed. It is better to edge soft pine with stronger birch or beech. Along the edges finished countertop from furniture board using hand cutter the ridge is cut out, and on the bars, on the contrary, a groove is prepared suitable sizes– approximately 10 mm x 12 mm. The width of the bars should match the width of the product or slightly exceed it. After assembly, milling and sanding are required.
High-quality bonding is facilitated by tighter compression. To ensure this, metal clamps are used - large adjustable brackets. They pull the product together from opposite sides and leave until the glue dries completely.
Visible narrow gaps between the elements are rubbed with wood dust. The reliability of the casing can be increased by additionally strengthening the corners with self-tapping screws - one on each side. The screws are twisted at an angle, recessed a little into the wood, and the resulting holes are sealed with putty. The decorative layer is applied last.
Combined option with plastic
Finishing with plastic sheets is possible in two cases:
- when making a new table;
- for repairing old furniture.
The base remains wooden, only the upper surface and sometimes the edges are covered. Plastic cannot be deformed and retains its shape despite temperature changes and humidity. Exist special types kitchen polymer coating about 1 mm thick, which when combined with particle boards becomes hard and wear-resistant.
Glossy plastic looks amazing
Sheets of plastic using liquid nails or universal glue are attached to the wooden surface if it is already installed. When making a new product, it is better to use a more practical, inexpensive material - chipboard panel. If a sink and a hob are installed on the same panel, it is better to strengthen it with support bars. They are fixed on the underside across the length, on the sides of the cutouts for equipment.
Small shields are cut from one sheet of DPS, but for strength they are placed in a solid wood frame - a frame. Both for fastening the crossbars and for the lining, double fixation is used - wood glue and self-tapping screws. Holes for self-tapping screws are pre-drilled with a drill with a thin drill bit.
The plastic is glued last. Liquid nails are applied around the perimeter and in the center on a flat, cleaned surface of the base, treated from mold and mildew. Carefully lay a sheet of plastic, adjusted to size and shape. To make the fastening more reliable, you can put a load on top and secure the edges with clamps. If there is no trim, then a strip of plastic should also be placed along the edge.
A popular option is wood-look plastic.
Before covering a wooden tabletop with plastic, you can get acquainted with other options - from artificial stone or ceramic tiles.
How to make a tabletop from ready-made furniture board
Let's consider another option, a simpler one, for which we will use an already cut blank made at a furniture factory (some furniture companies provide such services) to order. This is convenient when you urgently need to make repairs or need a workpiece that is difficult to process on your own - with curved edges, rounded corners, and many holes.
Features of drafting a project
When placing an order, you must provide the following information:
- exact dimensions of the shield and all holes (if you plan to insert equipment);
- surface color;
- type of material.
It is better to first draw a diagram or call a company representative for accurate calculations.
The sizes will be individual, and the type will have to be chosen from the proposed samples. The assortment at furniture factories is usually wide; they offer panels of various thicknesses and with a variety of coatings. The cost depends on the category, the cheapest are laminated chipboards, the most expensive is solid wood made from valuable wood species.
Included with the tabletop is a dining group made from furniture panels
The color and cladding must be chosen based on the style of the interior and the color of the furniture. For example, a panel of any color can be combined with white cabinets, and only with green cabinets. neutral shades.
What is needed for work
Additional processing No cut-out workpiece is required, so only tools for installation are needed. These include a drill with attachments, a screwdriver with a set of screws. You should also purchase wood glue and sealant.
Independent cutting of blanks with a hacksaw
If you are considering various options for a hand-made countertop, you may find projects consisting of several parts among them. This happens when the table is long or complex shape. To connect fragments with outside Usually they use aluminum strips that completely cover the gap. More often they are mounted on self-tapping screws.
Similar overlays, flat and in the form of corners, cover the edges, if necessary. additional protection from mechanical damage.
Brief installation instructions
Before installing the panel, you should prepare all the floor cabinets, that is, simply install them in their places. The sink should be located near the sewer drain, the hob should be close to gas pipe or sockets.
Operating procedure:
- coat the top ends or surfaces of the cabinets with wood glue;
- place the finished product in the place intended for it;
- check the accuracy of the location of the cut holes;
- secure the shield with screws or self-tapping screws using corners.
This way, the top panel will be firmly fixed with glue and screws.
Window sill and table of the same design
There is usually a narrow gap between the wall and the table, which spoils the appearance of the structure and subsequently creates inconvenience when cleaning the room. It is covered with furniture plinth. Modern models wall plinths consist of two parts, one of which is fixed on the table surface with self-tapping screws, the second (narrow strip) is decorative element. Visible edges established bar closed with end caps.
The nuances of working with chipboard
Laminated chipboards are quite popular, especially when assembling economical kitchens, so pay attention to the following information.
Chipboard blanks are covered with film on all sides
Suppose you have ready-made laminated chipboard panels that need to be adjusted to specific sizes or given a certain shape. When cutting into pieces, there may be a problem with preserving the decorative layer. Laminated chipboards are different from ordinary ones particle boards because they are already covered with a melamine film - strong and wear-resistant, but torn when sawed with a hacksaw.
Professional processing circular saw
For delicate sawing, you need to use a thin tool - a jigsaw or jigsaw. The most aggressive method is considered to be working with an angle grinder; in this case should not be used. If you need to cut a large sheet, it is better to use a professional circular saw.
Working with a jigsaw at home
The working technology is as follows: first, at the cutting site, we make a fairly deep cut (3 mm) with a construction knife, then we carefully cut along it with a jigsaw. We choose a file that tears the material on one side. A straight edge can be maintained if the blade is preheated. To ensure an even cut, use a guide tape.
From educational videos you can learn interesting information about the processing and design of wood furniture elements.
The principle of making a trim for any table:
Processing a wooden tabletop with your own hands:
Homemade furniture in the kitchen interior:
Manufacturing furniture panels with plastic:
Using theoretical material, you can independently make a beautiful and reliable tabletop from wood or chipboard panels, optionally covering it with plastic. The main advantage of handmade furniture is exclusivity and unusual design. And remember that if questions arise, consulting an experienced furniture maker will never be superfluous.
In modern kitchens you can find countertops made of artificial or natural stone, glass, of stainless steel, ceramic tiles, but most often solid wood or chipboard sheets lined with plastic. If you don’t know how to protect a capricious surface, there is a risk of its deformation and rapid destruction under the influence of moisture and other negative factors.
Following the basic rules for caring for raw materials will help avoid unpleasant consequences. In addition, there are many effective approaches that help improve the quality of the product and its resistance to external influences.
Basic rules for working on the countertop and regular surface care
To prevent scratches and other types of damage on the surface of the tabletop, the following rules for carrying out work must be observed:
- When cooking you must use cutting boards, even if you don’t need to cut anything. When cutting food, you need to ensure that the process does not go beyond the special stand.
- You should not leave knives and forks on the surface of the countertop; it is because of them that chipboard sheets quickly become covered with a layer of scratches. Drops of water and food particles gradually clog into small holes, which causes swelling and warping of the wood.
- If it is necessary to attach a manual meat grinder or similar unit to the work surface, a soft cloth pad must be used.
- Regardless of the material from which the surface of the countertop is made, it must be protected from prolonged and heavy exposure to moisture; it is highly recommended not to use abrasives during cleaning, metal jaws and brushes.
Advice: If the surface is additionally coated with varnish or paint, then the use of chemical cleaning agents, especially solvents, will also have to be abandoned.
- In extreme cases, the work area can be protected with a special oilcloth. The main thing is to choose a material that does not change the aroma and taste of the processed products.
- It is not recommended to place hot dishes on wood, chipboard sheets and tiles; be sure to use a protective lining (you need to make sure that it is not made of metal or plastic, but wood or multi-layered fabric).
Even if all these rules are observed, the safety of the coating is not guaranteed. Reliably protect wooden surface This is only possible through proper cleaning and special pre-treatment.
Methods for protecting countertops from the formation of persistent stains
No matter how carefully the work is carried out in a specialized area, the appearance of stains cannot be avoided, especially if it is located near the sink. Drops of water and detergent may not deliver less problems than traces of fat. To prevent the surface of the countertop from darkening and becoming covered with signs of material decomposition, you need to take on board the following tips:
- Dry dirt, grease and traces of moisture must be removed immediately. You shouldn’t wait for the different components to mix and dry, turning into a dense crust.
- For regular cleaning of solid wood or chipboard sheets, it is allowed to use a weak and lukewarm soap solution.
- Stubborn stains can be removed with lemon juice. If you sprinkle a little salt on the surface of the dirt, you will be able to pull the dirt out of small scratches.
- It is recommended to treat darkened wood with a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide. Just pour it onto the stain and after a few minutes wipe it off with a soft cloth. The same manipulation allows you to disinfect the surface.
- In some cases, professional wood bleaches or homemade preparations based on oxalic acid help. They simultaneously pull dirt out of cracks, preventing the expansion of wood, and bleach and disinfect the material.
It is better to treat a fresh countertop without using water for the first time. You can simply rub the stain with medium-grit sandpaper to remove the stain, then sand the surface with the mildest equivalent of the product.
Hardening and sealing wood - manipulations that increase the practicality of the material
To minimize damage from moisture and other external irritants, solid wood can be hardened. True, this manipulation is very different from the approach used in the case of metal:
- Pour a little heated mineral (not food!) oil onto the working area. We wait a few minutes for the fibers to absorb required quantity product.
- Take a rag and begin to rub the composition into the surface, working in the direction of the fibers.
- Leave the structure for half an hour so that the main component is well absorbed. We make sure that no drops of water fall on the tabletop at this time; this will reduce the effectiveness of the approach.
- Wipe the treated area with a waffle or paper towel, removing excess oil.
If the main material is chipboard sheets, then optimal protection damage will be prevented by the sealing procedure. To carry it out, we use ready-made polyurethane (for the food industry), which we apply to the problem area in at least three layers. After such a simple manipulation, there will be no problems with cleaning the countertop, and it will become indifferent to the effects of moisture. You still can’t cut food on such a coating!
Furniture wax can be useful to restore wood and eliminate traces of cracks. To do this, heat it on the stove or in microwave oven. For one part of the product, take four parts of mineral oil and mix. Treat with the mixture while still warm problem areas, carefully rubbing the preparation into the cracks. Let the mixture dry, then polish the surface with a soft cloth. This manipulation is recommended to be carried out at least once a year for preventive purposes.
Natural wood in the kitchen? A wooden tabletop is one of the most good decisions for the kitchen, practical and convenient. You just need to know these 6 professional secrets.
Should there be a wooden countertop in the kitchen? We asked real professionals: qualified designers, craftsmen, technologists and wood specialists - those whose opinions you can trust.
1. Why is a wooden countertop not scary?
On the one hand, smooth warm wood with a beautiful natural structure - an excellent material for furniture production. Easy to use, environmentally friendly, always fashionable and relevant. Moreover, the tabletop is not too heavy for you wooden buffet, which is impossible to move. You don't have to make all your furniture out of wood, which makes perfect sense. modern solution Only the table top and, perhaps, some other individual parts will be made from this material.
But many are afraid of how wood may behave, they are afraid of fungus, cracked varnish...
But professionals think differently: “A wooden countertop is not a problem if you apply reasonable, adequate care to it. There are not many materials used for countertops in non-professional kitchens that are not afraid of any impact and do not require maintenance - says Andrey Lyamin-Borodin, builder, CEO online repair ordering service PriceRemont. “All materials age during use, but the peculiarity of wood is that it can age gracefully.”
So what are we dealing with? Mikhail Vychuzhanin, wood finishing specialist, North House, defines the advantages and disadvantages of wooden countertops like this.
- environmental friendliness of the material;
- beauty and variety of wood texture;
- unlimited product parameters: almost anything can be made from wood in any way;
- easy to update;
- the ability to perform any milling of the edge of the tabletop.
- more careful care is required;
- restoration will be needed after some time;
- relative high cost of the material and work with it.
2. Which wood to choose for the countertop?
Here is the answer to the question of what types of wood and wood characteristics are worth paying attention to.
“When deciding on a wooden countertop in the kitchen, please forget about MDF, chipboard and veneer. Only natural wood, - advises Artyom Lepyoshkin, General Director of the Dynasty House of Interior Solutions. It's not a matter of harmfulness, but of the properties of the material. The countertop is exposed to aggressive human influence every day: crumbling, cutting, whisking, spilling and spilling are a common occurrence in the kitchen. The surface must be durable, smooth, resistant to cuts, moisture and temperatures.
The classic option is oak or beech: strong and durable wood species. Some choose teak and mebrow. More affordable options: pine, walnut, ash, birch. We prefer larch: you will have to pay more, but it will also last longer. The peculiarity of larch is the very high density of wood; the growth rings are located along the trunk with small intervals. It easily tolerates mechanical damage and deformation, and can withstand high compression and pressure loads. It contains gum - a natural antiseptic that protects against rotting and damage. mold fungus. Ideal for the kitchen. Larch gives off and absorbs moisture when humidity changes.
The manufacturing method also affects durability. A solid wood tabletop is more likely to warp than a laminated wood tabletop assembled from several plates. This method increases flexibility and elasticity.”
“Attention should be paid to such points as: the age of the wood, the method of its extraction, storage conditions, the region where the material was brought from,” adds Mikhail Vychuzhanin. Most best breed He considers oak to be the wood used for making countertops. - The stronger and harder the wood, the longer your countertop will serve you. There are countertops made from solid birch, cherry, and walnut.”
3. How to cover a wooden countertop in the kitchen
The ideal option for protecting a wooden tabletop is bio-impregnation based on natural vegetable oils and beeswax - that is, oil-wax for wood. Natural oils for wood can make its surface waterproof, which means that the wood is not afraid of fungus and mold. By the way, a countertop impregnated with high-quality oil and wax becomes resistant to standard kitchen detergents - nothing bad will happen to wood from diluted household chemicals. Even better and more reliable processing work surface kitchens and special oil for wood that comes into contact with food. And of course, no one has canceled the more familiar coatings - interior varnish for wood or a combination of colored azure with subsequent application of varnish.
4. How practical is a wooden countertop?
How to protect wood besides using wood products?
If you want your countertop to last longer and maintain its appearance, follow simple rules: do not cut anything directly on the tree (perhaps only oak will endure such violence), do not test the surface for fire resistance and heat resistance. Very hot objects can darken wood, ash is especially sensitive. But if you spill wine or juice on the surface, just wipe it with a damp microfiber cloth. Do not use wet rags, this will cause the wood to swell.
We also do not recommend using aggressive household chemicals for washing the countertop. It happens that drops of such a product fall on the countertop when cleaning the sink or hob. If this product contains, for example, a solvent, it can change the color of the wood and whiten it. Important rule If any stains get on the countertop, do not allow them to be deeply absorbed, and therefore remove them immediately. A stain that cannot be washed off can be removed by walking over the area with fine-grained sandpaper, after which the protective coating will need to be renewed.
Regarding the choice of sink - in this case it should be mortise or, in other words, overhead. Washing an under-table installation will create constant exposure to water on the edge of the tabletop, which will inevitably cause it to deteriorate. However, lovers of country style or owners of a tabletop made of particularly water-resistant wood may not be bothered by this.
5. Will this countertop suit my design?
Wooden surfaces in the kitchen are also wide design possibilities, current trend. Here's what designers think about it.
The world is becoming more urbanized, and people are experiencing stress due to lack of communication with nature. Natural materials in the interior, such as wood, stone, clay help to modern man feel comfortable in the “concrete jungle”.
Since wood is not a moisture-resistant material, the part of the countertop adjacent to the sink can be replaced with an artificial stone surface.
Thus, a tabletop made of solid wood with knots, uneven texture, and aging effects suitable for the kitchen in rustic or loft style. But smooth wooden surfaces will look great in modern interiors, high-tech, especially tinted in white, black or graphite - such a tabletop will combine effectively with chrome and glass surfaces. It’s worth paying attention to options made from laminated wood - perhaps even from different types of wood: the rhythmic pattern of the elements can emphasize the beautiful geometry of the room.
Natural wood in the kitchen? Yes, and this article will blow your doubts to smithereens! A wooden countertop is one of the most successful solutions for the kitchen, practical and convenient. You just need to know these 6 professional secrets.
Should there be a wooden countertop in the kitchen? We asked real professionals: qualified designers, craftsmen, technologists and wood specialists - those whose opinions you can trust.
1. Why is a wooden countertop not scary?
On the one hand, smooth, warm wood with a beautiful natural structure is an excellent material for furniture production. Easy to use, environmentally friendly, always fashionable and relevant. Moreover, the tabletop is not a heavy wooden buffet that is impossible to move. It is not necessary to make all the furniture from wood; a completely reasonable modern solution would be to make only the tabletop and, perhaps, some other individual parts from this material.
But many are afraid of how wood may behave, they are afraid of fungus, cracked varnish...
But professionals think differently: “A wooden countertop is not a problem if you apply reasonable, adequate care to it. There are not many materials used for countertops in non-professional kitchens that are not afraid of any impact and do not require maintenance - says Andrey Lyamin-Borodin, builder, general director of the online service for ordering repairs PriceRemont. “All materials age during use, but the peculiarity of wood is that it can age gracefully.”
So what are we dealing with? Mikhail Vychuzhanin, wood finishing specialist, North House, defines the advantages and disadvantages of wooden countertops like this.
- environmental friendliness of the material;
- beauty and variety of wood texture;
- unlimited product parameters: almost anything can be made from wood in any way;
- easy to update;
- the ability to perform any milling of the edge of the tabletop.
- more careful care is required;
- restoration will be needed after some time;
- relative high cost of the material and work with it.
2. Which wood to choose for the countertop?
Here is the answer to the question of what types of wood and wood characteristics are worth paying attention to.
“When deciding on a wooden countertop in the kitchen, please forget about MDF, chipboard and veneer. Only natural wood, advises Artyom Lepyoshkin, General Director of the Dynasty House of Interior Solutions. It's not a matter of harmfulness, but of the properties of the material. The countertop is exposed to aggressive human influence every day: crumbling, cutting, whisking, spilling and spilling are a common occurrence in the kitchen. The surface must be durable, smooth, resistant to cuts, moisture and temperatures.
The classic option is oak or beech: strong and durable wood species. Some choose teak and mebrow. More affordable options: pine, walnut, ash, birch. We prefer larch: you will have to pay more, but it will also last longer. The peculiarity of larch is the very high density of wood; the growth rings are located along the trunk with small intervals. It easily tolerates mechanical damage and deformation, and can withstand high compression and pressure loads. It contains gum - a natural antiseptic that protects against rotting and damage by mold. Ideal for the kitchen. Larch gives off and absorbs moisture when humidity changes.
The manufacturing method also affects durability. A solid wood tabletop is more likely to warp than a laminated wood tabletop assembled from several plates. This method increases flexibility and elasticity.”
“Attention should be paid to such points as: the age of the wood, the method of its extraction, storage conditions, the region where the material was brought from,” adds Mikhail Vychuzhanin. He considers oak to be the best type of wood for making countertops. - The stronger and harder the wood, the longer your countertop will serve you. There are countertops made from solid birch, cherry, and walnut.”
3. How to cover a wooden countertop in the kitchen: Belinka
With the question of how to protect the wood of the tabletop, we turned to Chief technologist of TM Belinka Valery Ermakov.
“The ideal option for protecting a wooden tabletop is a bio-impregnation based on natural vegetable oils and beeswax - that is, oil-wax for wood. Natural oils for wood can make its surface waterproof, which means that the wood is not afraid of fungus and mold. By the way, a countertop impregnated with high-quality oil and wax becomes resistant to standard kitchen detergents - nothing bad will happen to wood from diluted household chemicals. It is even better and more reliable to treat the kitchen work surface with a special oil for wood that comes into contact with food. And of course, no one canceled the more familiar coatings - interior varnish for wood or a combination of colored azure with subsequent application of varnish.”
4. How practical is a wooden countertop?
How to protect wood besides using wood products?
“If you want the tabletop to last longer and maintain its appearance, follow simple rules: do not cut anything directly on the wood (perhaps only oak will withstand such violence), do not test the surface for fire resistance and heat resistance,” continues Artyom Lepyoshkin. - Very hot objects can darken wood, ash is especially sensitive. But if you spill wine or juice on the surface, just wipe it with a damp microfiber cloth. Do not use wet rags, this will cause the wood to swell.”
Andrey Lyamin-Borodin advises not to use aggressive household chemicals to wash the countertop: “It happens that drops of such a product fall on the countertop when cleaning the sink or hob. If this product contains, for example, a solvent, it can change the color of the wood and whiten it. An important rule when any stains get on the countertop is to not allow them to be deeply absorbed, and therefore to remove them immediately. A stain that cannot be washed off can be removed by walking over the area with fine-grained sandpaper, after which the protective coating will need to be renewed.
Regarding the choice of sink - in this case it should be mortise or, in other words, overhead. Washing an under-table installation will create constant exposure to water on the edge of the tabletop, which will inevitably cause it to deteriorate. However, lovers of country style or owners of tabletops made of particularly water-resistant wood may not be bothered by this.”
5. Will this countertop suit my design?
Wooden surfaces in the kitchen also offer wide design possibilities and are a current trend. Here's what designers think about it.
“The world is becoming more urbanized, and people are experiencing stress due to lack of communication with nature. Natural materials in the interior, such as wood, stone, clay, help modern people feel comfortable in the “concrete jungle,” comments Valentina Konstantinova, creative designer at Kashirsky Dvor company.
The designer gives examples of using wooden tabletops in “star” interiors: “Jake Gyllenhaal, the star of the movie Source Code, uses a wooden tabletop in a Provence-style interior. The kitchen backsplash is finished with small boar tiles, and the furniture is exactly like in the south of France: delicate blue color with chamfer and retro handles.
Since wood is not a moisture-resistant material, the part of the countertop adjacent to the sink can be replaced with an artificial stone surface, as in Sarah Jessica Parker's kitchen. The wooden countertop fits perfectly into the modern urban interior of the actress’s kitchen, built on contrasts of textures and colors - white stone and dark brown wood.”
Interior studio designer LOFT & HOME Anastasia Yarysheva believes that you can find a place for wood in a kitchen in any style, it is only important to approach the matter correctly. “So, a tabletop made of solid wood with knots, uneven texture, and aging effects will suit a kitchen in a rustic or loft style. But smooth wooden surfaces will look great in modern interiors, high-tech, especially tinted in white, black or graphite - such a tabletop will combine effectively with chrome and glass surfaces. It’s worth paying attention to options made from laminated wood - perhaps even from different types of wood: the rhythmic pattern of the elements can emphasize the beautiful geometry of the room.
6. How to update wood countertops?
Sooner or later, the surface of the wooden tabletop will have to be renewed - the wood will have to be re-saturated with oil. How often should this be done?
“It’s difficult to name a specific period; a lot depends on the specific operating conditions,” answers Belinka brand technologist. - To understand whether it’s time to renew the countertop, apply a few drops of water to the surface and observe - if the wood quickly absorbs them, it’s time to take out a jar of oil. However, don’t worry, applying oil is not a difficult task, every housewife can handle it on her own.”
We wrote more about this in our blog.
Summary
A wooden tabletop is an excellent solution for modern kitchens, and there is absolutely no need to be afraid of using wood in the kitchen. A little care for wood - and your kitchen will delight you for many years!
The plane of the table in the kitchen is an obligatory part of kitchen furniture; it is subject to constant mechanical stress and becomes damaged over time. Therefore, owners of kitchen furniture ask themselves an important question: - How to cover the countertop so that it does not lose its presentation for many years?
In the kitchen, the top of the table or the area located on top of the floor cabinets is used as a work area for cutting food and preparing food, as well as a place to place household appliances and kitchen utensils. Such a working area must be resistant to shock and various mechanical damage, to the effects of temperature, ultraviolet radiation and water.
Features of wood countertops
Kitchen sets are made using various raw materials, such as wood. It can be either natural, that is, without a special composition applied on top, or coated with varnish or paint.
The table provides data on wooden tables.
The advantages of countertops made of wood are:
- a large number of different forms;
- attractive appearance;
- ease of carrying out restoration work;
- This material is environmentally friendly and warm.
The disadvantages of countertops made from wood raw materials are:
- ease of fire;
- ease of contamination;
- can be scratched easily;
- is quite expensive.
Ways to protect your kitchen work surface
The working area of the room in which food is prepared is exposed to various liquids, so in order for it to serve for many years, it must be protected from water.
There are several ways to do this:
- Use oil to treat objects made of wood, which is absorbed into the material and prevents the fibers from swelling when wet. For wooden surface can be used following products industry: OSMO TopOil, Belinka, Adler Legno or many others. To treat the work area together with this substance or even instead of it, use a special wax. But it is necessary to remember that such a product will have to be renewed over time, that is, applied again.
- Treat it several times with a special varnish for wood surfaces. If desired, a little pigment is added to it so that the deep fibers of the wood become darker, and the cooking surface itself acquires expressiveness.
Oil coating for kitchen units
Oil protects furniture from not only moisture, but also from chemical, natural and household influences. This industrial product is largely colorless and can be plant-based, mineral-based or synthetic.
These coatings differ from each other in the drying method:
- Dries completely, hardens after drying, it cannot be washed off with water and original appearance The treated furniture lasts for quite a long time.
- It does not dry at all or dries only half and saturates the wood quite deeply. It is made using natural ingredients. It is removed using mechanical force.
Before applying such a product, the surface to be treated is thoroughly cleaned of all contaminants and dried. If necessary old paint Or the varnish will have to be removed. And if there are defects, they must be leveled with a special putty and then sanded with sandpaper.
The oil is applied using a brush or cloth that does not leave lint, it is applied along the entire length of the fibers. The very first layer should dry for twelve hours, then a new layer is applied. Their total quantity in this composition depends on the method in which the product itself will be applied. If a brush is used, two treatments will be done. And when using a rag, you need to do three or four layers. After the composition is completely absorbed, the entire treated area should be wiped well with a soft and clean cloth.
The presented coating has a number of positive properties:
- Does not change the color of the surface for working with food, emphasizes its “pattern”.
- It leaves the original natural exchange of moisture in the surface and prevents the appearance of fungi, so the original appearance of the treated area does not change for a long time.
- If on outer part If the object is subjected to such treatment at elevated temperatures, the product does not separate or flow.
- Furniture oil is environmentally friendly, so contact of food ingredients with a surface containing the described composition will not harm human health.
- Oil hides small scratches, worn areas and stains left by cookware.
- If there is a need to renew contaminated areas, you can remove only part of this coating, and then reapply it to the desired areas.
- The oil is well suited even for aged wood containing pores, as it is deeply absorbed, gives it elasticity and prevents it from drying out.
Updating the tree workspace
No matter how carefully the work area in the food preparation room is used, over time it still loses its original appearance. After which you can either buy a new headset or try to update it. Coloring is the most in a simple way updates.
For coloring working area you need to do the following:
- clean the tabletop with sandpaper or a sanding machine;
- cover up all defects with special putty;
- walk over the surface to be treated with paint containing alkyd resin; the very first application of this paint will serve as a primer;
- if you wish, you can decorate the surface for kitchen work (draw something yourself or using stencils).
You can decorate the working part of the kitchen furniture using the decoupage technique. This technique consists of gluing decorative napkins onto the item being renewed, and then varnishing them several times.
Another way to update is to use a film of self-adhesive material, which allows you to give the updated item the appearance of a wood surface, stone, marble, leather or metal. Before gluing, the part of the furniture to be treated will have to be washed thoroughly, wiped dry and be sure to degrease.
Before use self-adhesive film Determine the dimensions of the area that needs to be updated in order to cut the film correctly. Pieces of this film need to be cut out a little bigger size than the table itself. After gluing, do not leave any bumps or folds on the film. Smoothing the film is done with a plastic scraper.
Caring for your cutting board
No matter what material the kitchen countertop is covered with, it is better to cut food not on it itself, but on the surface of the cutting board. The raw materials for creating a cutting board can vary. Kitchen boards are created using plastic, special glass or wood (most often chosen because it is a natural antiseptic).
A new cutting board needs to be soaked, for which oil is suitable. This impregnation will protect it from liquid, food and bacteria getting inside it.
The oil layer of the board should be harmless to health and resistant to various damages. If you use sunflower or olive-based oil to cover the cutting surface, it may deteriorate after some time, and the board will need to be thrown away. Products based on coconuts or flax are expensive, but will not allow the cutting surface to become unusable.
Oil created on the basis of minerals will become good option cutting board coverings. To do this, wipe the cutting board with it, wait until the composition is absorbed, and wipe it with a dry cloth. The procedure must be repeated once every thirty days.
Beeswax can be added to this cutting board coating to add density to the coating. Wax will increase resistance to moisture and prevent aging of the cutting board. After applying the oil and wax, you will have to let the product dry and then polish the outside of the board until it shines.
You should also remember to disinfect the board for cutting ingredients for preparing dishes. You can disinfect cutting boards using these methods:
- hot water and detergent containing surfactants;
- vinegar;
- hydrogen peroxide;
- chlorine-containing bath cleaning products.
Restoring a wood countertop
Under negative impact liquid and high temperature, the top of the table may become higher, become loose or delaminate, after which the wooden surface must be restored.
Restoration is carried out as follows:
- all damaged areas must be removed;
- dry and sand the outer part of the table to be restored;
- make a mixture containing sawdust and polyvinyl acetate glue;
- fill all the empty spaces in the table that appeared after sanding with the resulting mixture; wood putty is also suitable for these purposes;
- leave the restored item under pressure until it dries for about one day;
- As soon as the table is completely dry, it must be protected with a product containing silicone, oiled or varnished over the entire area of the object.
To remove small scratches, you can wipe the problem area with strongly brewed black tea, kernel walnut, a mixture of vinegar with olive extract, and you can also use machine oil.
If there are scratches on a wooden surface that are deep, then sandpaper is used to sand it, and then sanding. And to give the effects of glossiness and shine, you will have to use felt.
As a result of all of the above, we can conclude that in order to preserve kitchen countertop made of wood in good condition, it is best to coat it with a composition on oil based with the addition of wax. And to preserve the board for cutting food, it would also be good for her to do this application. Then these items will serve for a long time, provided that their protective coating is updated in a timely manner.
