Wood worktops and surfaces can give the room a warm and welcoming feel. While they may look lovely in pictures, wood is by far one of the least practical materials when it comes to kitchen and bathroom worktops. Here are some reasons why.
Water damage
There is no way that you can avoid water damage when you choose wood worktops. Unlike natural stone worktops, wood is extremely porous and, even if you wipe up the water quickly, it still penetrates the surface at least. Even if you oil your worktops regularly, this will only slightly delay the inevitable.
Risky undermount sinks
While other types of materials are sturdy and can handy undermount installations, wood is not quite as tough. Drilling holes can weaken the worktops substantially. Wood has a completely different structure and you simply cannot be sure how the holes you drill will affect its overall stability. Even if you opt for hardwood, this only slightly reduces the risk.
Vulnerable to damage
You will need to take extra special care when it comes to cutting and preparing food. Spills can easily stain the wood in seconds and the surface is easily scratched. Yes, you can sand the wood down if need be, but this is a very messy process.
In every aspect mentioned above, natural stone worktops are superior. Which is why so many people agree that stone is also the most obvious choice. When you choose stone, you will still need to perform some maintenance, but it’s not nearly as demanding as wood. Stone is far more durable and luxurious too.