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Timber Benchtops

Of all the more popular benchtop materials timber is probably the least utilitarian. It can look particularly good in a period or country kitchen yet there are designers who create great effects in contemporary kitchens. It does require care and attention to keep in pristine condition, and, although easily scratched or damaged, is easy to repair.

A timber benchtop is not made from a single plank of wood, which would be prone to movement (warping) but rather many lengths of carefully prepared timber that are glued together under pressure (laminated)

Typical laminations are shown below.

worktop  designs

Once laminated into an oversize block, the benchtop is cut to size, finished and given a protective coating of lacquer or oil. Each benchtop manufacturer has their own preference of finish and some guard their own formula jealously.

The most important aspect of buying a kitchen benchtop is to only buy a top quality one. Timber can be prone to movement cracking and delamination, especially in the kitchen environment. Choose your manufacturer carefully. Be careful to ask about the guarantee and only use a manufacturer that fully backs its product over time.

Some movement or warping can occur after installation due to the particular climate of the room. Hot sunshine, humid (or dry) conditions, and great temperature changes can all cause timber to move. Your kitchen installer or benchtop provider should be expected to attend to it. In the case of delamination, the manufacturer’s guarantee should cover it. You can expect your benchtop to settle into its new home after a few months.

A timber benchtop should be kept as dry as possible. It must be waxed and polished regularly to retain its lustre. A good manufacturer will provide you with the correct care products.
 

Stainless Steel

Granite

Laminate

Manmade Stone

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Timber kitchen benchtop or counter with butler sing
Kitchen benchtop or counter in cherry wood
Timber kitchen counter or benchtop and floor

Photo’s courtesy of Norfolk Oak

 

 

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