Oak Worktops

Oak worktops are a traditionally popular choice of work surface. They are to be found in kitchens across the world, but is their popularity justified? This article will look at the qualities offered by this worktop material. It will compare it to other materials and examine both its good points and bad points.

When considering the qaulities of a worktop it is useful to focus on a number of key aspects: durability, cost, hygiene and maintenance. In the course of the article, all of these factors will be investigated with regard to the oak kitchen worktops.

Firstly, in comparison to some worktop materials (such as granite and corian), oak worktops are relatively affordable. However, laminate worktops can work out cheaper, and there are even more cost effective wooden worktops on the market (beech, for example).

Secondly, oak worktops are fairly hard wearing and durable. They are reasonably resistant to heat (although they will mark if hot pans are placed onto the surface for an extended period of time), and age well over time.

Thirdly, oak worktops look fantastic. The grain and color of the timber is naturally really beautiful and this can be enhanced by careful oiling over time. As each oak tree grows in a slightly different way, the markings and grain on each oak worktop is different, making each surface unique. The natural style works equally well in a modern or traditional kitchen.

Fourthly, oak worktops are easy to both shape and fit. This means that there is often no delay in installing the surface and sinks inserts can easily be handled by the fitters. There is no need for the worktop to undergo a lengthy shaping process at a workshop (unlike granite worktops).

Finally, because it is a natural material, oak contains anti-bacterial agents, making it a very hygenic counter top. This, combined with the correct maintenance of the timber, will ensure that the surface stays fresh and clean.

Oak kitchen worktops, like all solid wood worktops, are prone to water staining. This can result in tough-to-remove black stains, particularly around the edges of sinks. This can usually be avoided by regular oiling, but it is worth noting as it does not happen with most other types of worktop.

As already mentioned, oak worktops can also burn and mark quite easily, but, luckily, small cuts and bumps can be simply sanded away and the surface re-oiled.

Wooden worktops, and oak work surfaces are no different in this regard, do require regular, but straightforward, maintenance. They need to be cleaned thoroughly, and oiled frequently. Failure to follow the installers oiling instructions will result in disappointment.

If they are looked after properly, solid oak worktops represent a good choice of kitchen work surface. The negative aspects of this material are more than outweighed by the benefits of incorporating oak into your kitchen design.