How long do wooden real wood kitchen worktops last? Question of the Week 18.10.14

‘How long do wooden real wood kitchen worktops last?’

This week our ‘Question of the Week’ comes from Alina in Evesham, who is interested in ordering wooden real wood kitchen worktops, but wants to know how many years of service these will provide.

QUESTION:

“I would like to order wooden worktops sometime soon, but I wanted to know how long they will last?”

ANSWER:

Hi Alina,

Thanks for sending in your question – it’s one that is difficult to provide a definitive answer for, as each kitchen environmental is entirely unique. Though our wood worktops are the finest quality in the UK, the amount of maintenance that you undertake, how well your worktops are installed, and the atmosphere in which they reside can all have an impact on longevity.

The good news, however, is that your worktops should last many, many years with minimal fuss! Here are some points to consider:

We mentioned installation and maintenance. Now, unless you are buying worktops from us that are subject to some bespoke fabrication, all of our worktops are provided in a smooth finish, without any protective coating. As such, worktops should be oiled before and after installation to aid this process (even those that are subject to fabrication or our pre-oiling service will require an application of oil for protection immediately after installation).

In order for the worktop to last, it is very important to ensure that – particularly during the first year after installation – this oiling programme continues. We advise regularly re-oiling worktops using Rustins Danish Oil; once a week for the first six weeks and at least four times a year after that should do the trick nicely. To assist in maintaining your worktops correctly and efficiently, we sell a great value DIY Worktop Aftercare Kit for just £10. For a full guide to oiling, read our Oiling Worktops Nutshell Guide.

Because of the organic nature of the material, the method of installation can also dictate how well your solid wood worktops will perform over time. Installation is simple and easy for a DIYer – never fear! – but do be sure to read our Installation and Aftercare guide prior to beginning the process, and be sure to store your worktops correctly if necessary, too. The most important points to bear in mind from the outset are that you must install your worktops with the correct stretcher plates and with an adequate gap between the worktop and the adjacent wall (recommended 3-5mm), or areas could potentially crack over time as the wood expands and contracts with changes in kitchen temperature. These brackets can be purchased along with some other handy accessories in our Worktop Installation Kit for just £15.

Over the years, once a wooden worktop has built up a sufficient layer of protection, it will require less maintenance, and will be more resilient to water damage and staining, though we would still recommend re-oiling from time to time to maintain the timber’s lustre and colour.

If you have any further questions regarding our real wood kitchen worktops, don’t hesitate to contact us.

All the best,

Ben @ Worktop Express