A moisture barrier is a fairly simple bit of equipment but can be vital when it comes to protecting your solid wood worktop. We love the natural qualities of solid wood but to maintain the material’s intrinsic excellence, some simple measures need to be taken.

Why are moisture barriers important?

Appliances such as fridges, dishwashers and tumble dryers – anything that releases moisture during usage – can cause damage to your worktop. A moisture barrier will help provide the necessary protection. If you install such an appliance, placing a moisture barrier between the two will prevent the moisture released from being absorbed, which will reduce the risk of any unnecessary damage to your timber.

How does moisture affect solid wood?

As wood is a natural material, it is designed to adapt to the environment. This means that its moisture content is continuously changing to suit the humidity found in the surrounding air; for example, the wood gains moisture when the relative humidity increases, which can cause the timber to expand. Without the correct protection from a moisture barrier, your worktop will absorb moisture released by your appliances, making it prone to bowing or warping.

Some installation tips:

It is easy to install a moisture barrier incorrectly if you’re not certain of its purpose. Here are some top tips to consider:

Moisture barriers are not needed near ovens, hobs or sinks, but should be fitted where any other appliance may be installed (such as a fridge, dishwasher, tumble dryer, or microwave).
Barriers should be installed after the worktop has been oiled by using any strong adhesive (such as superglue, No More Nails or double-sided sticky tape) and then sealed with a strip of moisture barrier tape (this is included when one of our moisture barriers is purchased).
The black side should be glued to the worktop, with the shiny side facing down towards the appliance.
For a complete moisture barrier installation guide, click here.

The small initial cost for long-term benefits:

Our moisture barriers are supplied in 1M X 750mm X 3mm sections and are vital additions to your kitchen. Not only will such a barrier protect your timber, but it will also allow the worktop to function harmoniously in conjunction with your appliances. We are pleased to supply these at only £10: an affordable price which can lead to real savings in the long term. Please visit our bespoke cutting page if you would like to place an order.