From having an image of a scrubbed kitchen table, wooden work surfaces now have thrown off that idea. And now that timber is being sourced across the globe, there are some very durable woods available although you need to stay away from purchasing endangered tropical hardwoods as much as possible. A Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label will help you determine whether that wood is from viable source. To protect the wood from sultriness, it's important for wooden worktops to be sealed. This is particularly essential in centrally heated homes. The wood can be either be completed with a lacquer which should be coated again every year or oiled at least every 2 to 3 months. Compared to the lacquered wood, the oiled wood tends to be more tenacious and more repellent to heat marks. Aside from that, it also becomes better over the years. Another option available is the en-grain wood. This is a wood that has been turned on end and stick together in squares. You will notice that it looks similar to a chopping board, is less likely to misshape and makes a good cutting exterior as it is much more solid. There is also a varnished plywood available. It is wood glued together in layers to create a stripy shape. It can make a wonderful worktop and is priced at a reasonable sum. Regarding the cost, it will differ according to the kind of wood and application. But in general, the more durable it is, the higher the price tag.
There is a large variety of woods available which means there is also a big potential for artistry. You can achieve dark and luxurious Walnut worktops with the use of stained oak (if you can find it from a sustainable source). You can also have it in warm and honey-colored (reclaimed teak, maple) or pale and elegant (beech, spruce, elm).
Other benefits:
It is exudes warmth, mellowness and naturalness and even enhances with edge.
Rustic Beech Worktops are tad bit softer and have the capability to absorb clump.
It can be fixed up even if you are not a professional. Just as long you are proficient.
It is more or less easy to maintain. Just reapply oil (tung oil) or lacquer as necessary and make sure to stay away from rigid abrasive cleaners. If you feel like it needs a good scrub, it will live through.